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Resorts & Seasonal Delights ・ Find Out Why Nasu is Beloved by Japan’s Emperor

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North of Tokyo, on the edge of Tochigi Prefecture, you’ll find the town of Nasu, full of gorgeous natural scenery and extensive resort facilities. The area is so relaxing that it’s become a favorite of Japan’s recent emperors, and current imperial family members visit Nasu regularly. With such a royal recommendation, you might already be planning your next trip, but there’s plenty to be said for Nasu even without mentioning the region’s eminent guests. So let the Japankuru team walk you through the seasonal charms of Nasu, and why we highly recommend a stay at Hotel Epinard Nasu.

Why Visit the Nasu Highlands?

The Nasu Highlands (Nasu Kogen, 那須高原)

& Hotel Epinard Nasu



Scattered across the slopes of the volcanoes that make up Mount Nasu (那須岳), the Nasu Highlands area is known for picturesque natural scenery and luxurious hot springs, or onsen (温泉) as they're called in Japanese. That's undoubtedly why the Nasu Imperial Villa was built in the highlands in 1926, and the imperial family continues to visit regularly to this day.

While travelers can't stay the night in the Nasu Imperial Villa, just a few kilometers away there's the perfect replacement. Hotel Epinard Nasu seems a little like its own imperial retreat, and if you stay the night you and your family might just feel like royalty as well. You can always visit the Imperial Villa's gardens if you want, but the facilities at the hotel sure won't leave you wanting.

Easy Access!



Nasu has been a popular destination for a long time, but until recently many visitors have rented cars (or taken their own vehicles) to get there. Although Hotel Epinard Nasu isn't very far from the big city of Tokyo, it's tucked away in the natural enclave of the Nasu Highlands, making it a little removed from busy train and bus routes. Rental cars are still a pretty convenient way to give yourself a little freedom in the area.



Image Source: Official Website

However! The hotel now runs a direct shuttle bus from Tokyo Station and Ikebukuro Station, two of the most convenient stations in the capital city. That means that it's easier than ever to get there, and explore some of Japan's most scenic natural landscapes.

 

Hotel Epinard Nasu
1 Takakuhei, Nasu, Nasu District, Tochigi
Official Website (en)

Access Options:
① Direct shuttle bus from Tokyo Station or Ikebukuro Station.
     (Just make your reservation when you book your room!)
or
② Take the train to Nasu Shiobara Station, then find the Hotel Epinard Nasu shuttle bus or hop in a taxi.
     (It's about 30 min. from Nasu Shiobara Station to the hotel.)

Seasonal Charms

In Japan, Autumn Means a Trip to Nasu!



And it's not hard to see why. Every fall, the heavily forested Nasu Highlands turn a fiery red, making it an ideal spot to participate in Japanese "koyo" (紅葉, or autumn foliage viewing).



Hiking

With such photogenic hills and valleys spread across the Nasu area, hiking is an obvious thrill. Clamber through the brush and admire the mountainsides that rise up around you, covered in Nasu's autumn foliage.



The variety of plants make for a colorful collage of greens, oranges, and reds that paint the scenery like an impressionist masterpiece.



The Nasu Ropeway

If you'd like to admire the view, but aren't quite up to a full day of hiking, there's always the Nasu Ropeway! Make your way into the hills inside a cable car, and watch the terrain open up beneath you. Since the ropeway is an easier trip than a strenuous hike, it's perfect for family travel with older and younger family members alike.

Nasu Ropeway (那須ロープウェイ)
215 Mt. Nasudake, Ooaza Yumoto, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi
Open: March ~ November
Official Website (jp)



Hot Springs

Known as an onsen resort, Nasu is full of steaming baths filled with natural hot spring water. Some of them are as old as 1,300 years, with water famed for its high quality.



The Killing Stone (殺生石, Sessho-seki)

It should be safe to visit now, but it's said that once upon a time the village surrounding this area was haunted by the spirit of a nine-tailed fox. This mischevious fox was turned into a boulder by a Buddhist priest who came and performed a series of rituals to save the village, but they say that this rock, the"Killing Stone" or Sessho-seki, will still kill you if you touch it.



If you're a little less inclined to believe in local legend, you might be convinced that the Killing Stone is just one of the many rocks that have found their way to this small valley. We still wouldn't touch it, though!



Of course, the area around the stone transforms in fall, just like the rest of Nasu. The once green surroundings explode into autumn color.

The Killing Stone (Sessho-seki, 殺生石)
182 Yumoto, Nasu-machi, Nasu, Tochigi



Nasu Animal Kingdom

Nasu isn't known for its local wildlife, but when it comes to animals from all over the world, they've got 'em! Nasu is home to multiple zoo-like facilities, with Nasu Animal Kingdom being particularly well-known for animal performances. Of course, you can spend all your time with the capybaras instead, if you want.

Nasu Animal Kingdom (那須どうぶつ王国) 
1042-1 Oshima, Nasu, Nasu District, Tochigi
Weekdays 10:00 – 16:30/Weekends 9:00 – 17:00 (Winter: ~16:00)
Official Website (en)

When Winter Comes, It’s Time to Ski!



When snow starts to fall on Nasu's reddish-brown treetops, that means it's time to break out those skis (or snowboards, or tubes)! Tochigi isn't necessarily famous for its snow, but you'll find some excellent ski runs right by Hotel Epinard Nasu.

The Benefits of Staying at Hotel Epinard Nasu

Reason ① Family-Friendly Facilities



Hotel Epinard Nasu has an entire floor entirely devoted to family rooms, made specifically to cater to families with kids of all ages. Not only are the rooms and hallways decorated with a little extra flair, but furniture is made to be accessible to younger children, there's nowhere to fall down from and nothing pointy to fall onto, plus – there are toys!



Hotel Epinard Nasu also does everything they can to make mealtime a nice time for everyone, and avoid stress. The family floor includes a buffet restaurant set up so that even young children can have a little independent fun, and make their own plate (with maybe just a little parental guidance)! Other days of the week, adult family members can head to a relaxing evening at one of the hotel's normal restaurants and bars, without worrying about boring the kids. Little ones love the chance to play with babysitters and check out toys of all kinds in the Piyo Piyo Room.

Reason ② Delicious Food and Great Date Spots



Whether you want to sample the rich variety of local produce…



… or indulge in a meal that's a little more deluxe, you're bound to find something you'll like at one of Hotel Epinard Nasu's seven different restaurants, cafes, and lounges. They've got French cuisine and traditional Japanese fare, fresh-baked bread and desserts made with local Nasu dairy topped with Tochigi's famous strawberries. (Try the soft-serve ice cream if you see it, it's a Nasu specialty.) There's even a karaoke bar and a luxe buffet with a little of everything.



When you want dinner with a view, this is clearly the place to be.



And with options like this, nobody has any reason to get crabby.

Reason ③ Alpacas!!



Hotel Epinard Nasu's team of alpacas are most often seen at the hotel's weddings, when they can be hired to participate in the festivities. That's right, if you get married at Hotel Epinard Nasu, you too can have an alpaca attend your wedding!



Even if you're not getting married with the Nasu alpacas in attendance, you might just be able to meet one. When the alpacas finish up with the majority of their work, which comes in the spring and summer, Nasu Animal Kingdom sets up special limited-time events where guests can meet an alpaca right in front of the hotel! Check before you arrive – there might just be an alpaca waiting to greet you!

Reason ④ Onsen, and Other Resort Luxuries



Hotel Epinard Nasu houses the largest open-air hot spring bath in the area, alongside jacuzzis, saunas, swimming pools, and big inside baths made fragrant with Japanese cypress wood. The hotel onsen draw their water from nearby sources, just like the famous local hot springs that date back hundreds of years.



After melting away the fatigue of travel in the onsen, you can move on to one of a variety of massages (there are literally three different spas on-site!), or instead take a nap on your spacious hotel bed.

Reason ⑤ Activities and Workshops



Last but not least, Hotel Epinard Nasu offers a huge variety of workshops and cultural experiences. Try your hand at making soba noodles, then taste them to sample your own handiwork!



Take a pottery class, or make some matching accessories for yourself and a friend. There are even workshops where you can learn to create tiny glass figurines – and put them in a snowglobe if you want!

Hotel Epinard Nasu

As the weather cools, the surroundings only get more beautiful.



While the imperial family often visits Nasu in late summer, we highly recommend a trip over as the season changes from fall to winter. It's hard to beat the hillsides covered in colorful foliage, but winter snow adds an element of lacy white elegance to the landscape, making for a beautiful view as you wake up in your cozy bed or soak in Hotel Epinard Nasu's hot spring baths.



Have you been to Nasu, or are you thinking about staying over at Hotel Epinard Nasu after reading this? Let us know all about your experience, and share some of your pictures with us on twitter, instagram, and facebook!

 

⇩ If you still need more convincing, take a look at our video of the resort, below. ⇩

Details

NAME:Hotel Epinard Nasu

MAP

ACCESS:Nasu Shiobara Station

OFFICIAL WEBSITE:

https://www.epinard.jp/

CONTACT TEL:0287-78-6000

Follow us @Japankuru on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

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    • HIROSHIMA

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      Hiroshima Prefecture has everything, from world heritage sites to beautiful nature and delicious local cuisine, and it's either an hour and a half from Tokyo by plane, or four hours by train. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two Hiroshima UNESCO sites, are famous around the world, but in Japan it's also famous for food. Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, especially oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Setouchi lemons are all popular, and the natural scenery alone is worth seeing.

    • SHIKOKU

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      On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).

    • Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.

    • Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!

    • FUKUOKA

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      Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.

    • KAGOSHIMA

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      Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.

    • OKINAWA

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      The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.

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