Nasu lies at the foot of the expansive Nasu mountain range, is home to the Imperial villa (Nasu Goyotei), and is one of the most famous onsen and resort areas in Japan. The main peak, Mt. Chaus, is idiosyncratic to the townsfolk and opens below to milk sheds and Satoyama, the classic Japanese rural landscape. The area also blends into the Yamizo mountain ranges.
Located at the northern edge of the Kanto plain, it is 180km from Tokyo or 2 hours by car on the Tohoku highway or 70 minutes by Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nasushiobara station.
The onsens offer a variety of fresh and rich mountain spring water and history. The most well known is 1300 year old “Shika no yu” or Deer Hot Spring for its milky white sulfur base. It is located near the “Sesshoseki” killing stone which Japanese mythology says kills anyone who touches the stone. The rock formation towers into the mountain and legend has it that nine foxes once got into mischief and were turned into solids. At the western edge of the Nasu mountain ravine is the 950 year old “Itamuro Onsen” a mineral bath known as “shimotsuke medicated bath” known for its healing properties. It overlooks the slopes and much of Onsen Town.
There is an eclectic and refreshing mix of accommodations. Onsen hotels, the Nasu Imperial Villa, and summer homes nestled in the forests. Enjoy many leisurely activities, museums, high quality cafes and restaurants, shops and ateliers all distanced from the town and speckled throughout the quiet forests. The variety of independently-run, creatively-designed shops continues to draw tourists from Eastern Japan.
Challenge a sloped climb route up the Nasu mountain range for dynamic visibility and sceneries that give cyclists the feeling of vastness. In each points, you will receive a beautiful gifts of brave figure of Nasu mountain and panorama of superb view.
The ups and downs made the perfect location for the course of National Championships of Cycle Road Race 2015. The roads are marked with the course for cyclists to follow for training. It begins from the JR Kurodahara Station and goes to the Satoyama area.
Along with inclines, Nasu also has many gentle roads away from traffic. The area is distanced from tourist resorts so seek the deep recesses of the mountains and woodlands for escapades into the tranquil, settled atmosphere. Fancy a stop for pottery in a studio just off the road.
Establishments around Nasu are well-equipped for cyclists. Many offer bike racks, or cycle pits, air pumps, tubes, and other maintenance items. There are currently over 150 cycle pits installed individually by shop owners, a tribute to the private sector leading in cycling projects around the town.
Come rejuvenate among nature and the good people of Nasu.
Mt. Nasu Touge no Chaya, the highest paved road at 1,462m above sea level is great for slope-loving cyclists.
After cycling, wind down at one of the various onsens. Settle in with a full bath or a free foot bath in the Yumoto area.
The hill climb route to Miyama-Enchi winds deep up the mountain for a secluded ride.
For off the beaten path adventurers, take the Yamizo Rindo road route and enjoy panorama views of the area.
The National Championships of Cycle Road Race course’s blue line, “Champ Road”. Smell the sweet aroma of victory riding along Japan’s number one professional road bike racing route.
The synthesis of cyclists and coffee. Replenish and rejuvenate at Suda Coffee while exchanging information with other cyclists.