Nasushiobara

Nasushiobara (那須塩原市) is a city in northern Tochigi Prefecture, formed in 2005 by the merger of three towns. It serves as the primary gateway to the Nasu Highlands (那須高原, Nasu Kogen), a popular mountain resort area known for its volcanic landscape, hot springs, and ski resorts. The city lies on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen line, making it easily accessible from Tokyo.

The area is dominated by Mount Nasu (Nasu-dake), an active volcano with hiking trails and panoramic views. The highlands offer pasturelands, dairy farms, and outlet shopping. The climate is cooler than the lowlands, with comfortable summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring and autumn are beautiful seasons for hiking.

By Plane

Narita International Airport (NRT) is about 150 km southeast. Take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then the Tohoku Shinkansen to Nasushiobara (about 2.5 hours). Haneda Airport is slightly closer via the Tokyo Monorail.

By Train

Nasushiobara Station is a stop on the Tohoku Shinkansen. From Tokyo Station, the "Yamabiko" shinkansen reaches Nasushiobara in about 75 minutes. The JR Tohoku Main Line (Utsunomiya Line) also serves the station with slower local services.

By Car / Road

From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Expressway to the Nishinasuno-Shiobara IC, about 2 hours. National Route 4 runs through the city. The Nasu Highland roads are well-maintained but can be busy on weekends.

The Nasu Highlands require a car or bus to explore fully. Local buses from Nasushiobara Station serve the ski resorts, onsen towns, and the Nasu Animal Kingdom. The Nasu Highland area is large — renting a car is strongly recommended. Taxis are available at the station.

• Mount Nasu — An active volcano with multiple craters. The trailhead is accessible by the Nasu Ropeway (cable car), then a 40-minute hike to the summit. Volcanic steam vents are visible near the peak.

• Nasu Highland Park — A large resort area with flower gardens, an observation deck, Log Cabin Cafe, and the Nasu Teddy Bear Museum.

• Heaven's Garden — A highland plateau with hiking trails and sweeping mountain views, accessible by car.

• Shiobara Onsen — A historic hot spring town in the mountains west of Nasushiobara, with numerous ryokan and public baths.

• Nasu Animal Kingdom — A drive-through safari park with lions, giraffes, and petting zones.

• Hike Mount Nasu — The summit hike (about 2 hours round trip from the ropeway) offers volcanic landscapes and views across the Kanto Plain.

• Skiing and snowboarding — Nasu Highland Ski Resort operates from December to March, with slopes for all levels.

• Onsen hopping — The Nasu and Shiobara areas have dozens of hot spring baths, from rustic public baths to luxury ryokan.

• Milk and cheese tasting — Nasu's dairy farms produce fresh milk, ice cream, and cheese. The Nasu Highland Farm has a popular soft-serve stand.

• Nasu wagyu — Premium beef from the region, served as steak or shabu-shabu at highland restaurants.
• Dairy products — Fresh milk, soft-serve ice cream, and cheese from local farms.
• Yuba (tofu skin) — A Tochigi specialty, available at restaurants near the onsen areas.
• Budget ramen and curry shops are available near the station and ski resort.

Nasu Wine — The area has several wineries producing red and white wines from highland grapes, with tasting rooms open to visitors. Shiobara Onsen has izakaya and bars. The highland resort area has cafes. Tap water is safe.

• Budget: Guesthouses and minshuku near Nasushiobara Station from ¥5,000/night.
• Mid-range: Nasu Highland Hotel, about ¥8,000–12,000/night. Business hotels near the station.
• Upscale: Ryokan in Shiobara Onsen, such as Shiobara Grand Hotel, from ¥15,000/night with kaiseki dinner and onsen.

The Nasu Highlands are known for dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt), Nasu wine, and handicrafts. The roadside stations (michi-no-eki) sell local produce and souvenirs. The Nasu Garden Outlet has brand-name shopping.

• Nikko (60 min by car) — UNESCO World Heritage site with Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji.
• Nasu Highlands (further into the mountains) — Hiking, ropeway, and onsen villages.
• Kuroiso (20 min by train) — The old town area below the Nasu highlands, with historic streets and local shops.
• Aizuwakamatsu (90 min by car, Fukushima) — Historic castle town with samurai culture and the Tsuruga Castle.
• Utsunomiya (40 min by shinkansen) — Tochigi's capital, famous for gyoza and the Oya History Museum.