Nasu is a must-visit spot for nature lovers. Located in the Tochigi prefecture just northeast of Tokyo, Nasu is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, including the Nasu Highlands and Mount Nasu. It is a perfect getaway for people wanting to escape the busyness of Tokyo. The area is particularly popular for hiking, with several trails offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Here are the top activities to do when staying in Nasu:
- Trek the Nasu Mountains. One of the most popular things to do in Nasu Mountains is hiking. The Nasu Mountains comprise Mt. Chausu, Mt. Asahi, Mt. Sanbonyari, Mt. Minami and Mt. Kurooya, making up the Nasu-go-gaku (five peaks of Nasu). Mt. Chausu currently spouts smoke due to volcanic activity. The hiking trails are well-maintained and offer picturesque views, including a natural hot spring, streams, and forests.
- Experience a traditional onsen. Onsen, which means “hot spring,” are a significant part of Japanese culture and have been enjoyed for thousands of years. These thermal baths are believed to have therapeutic benefits that can heal various ailments and soothe the mind and body. The Nasu Onsen is a spread-out hot spring resort, pleasantly old-fashioned, on the slopes of Mt. Nasudake. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the basic bathing etiquette before visiting a traditional onsen.
- Try the famous soft ice cream and cheesecake at Cheese Garden Nasu Honten. If you’re looking for a unique culinary experience, Cheese Garden Nasu Honten is the place. This beautiful restaurant offers a delightful menu of cheese-based dishes, tea, cakes, coffee, and sandwiches. The restaurant uses high-quality cream cheese as Tochigi Prefecture is Japan’s 2nd largest producer of dairy milk. When you arrive, be sure to try the cheese fondue, made with a blend of delicious cheeses and served with various dipping options. Don’t miss the signature soft ice cream and Goyoutei cheesecake made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Ski or snowboard the snowy slopes of the Nasu Mountains during winter. The region has numerous ski resorts that offer a variety of slopes for skiers of all levels. Many Tokyo residents head to Nasu for a day trip to engage in winter sports. The snow-covered slopes provide excellent terrain for both skiing and snowboarding. Apart from skiing and snowboarding, visitors to the Nasu Mountains can also enjoy other winter activities, such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and even hot spring bathing. Some of the most popular ski sites are the Mt. Jeans Ski Resort Nasu and Hunter Mountain Shiobara.
- See more than 600 animals at Nasu Animal Kingdom. The sprawling zoo park is home to a variety of animals like red pandas, bearcats, coatis, meerkats, lemurs, a Pallas’s Cat and several other exotic mammals. One of the most popular attractions inside the park is the open-air dog zone, where more than a dozen friendly Samoyeds, Huntaways (a New Zealand sheep-herding dog) and other big dogs are on duty at any given time. Some dogs can be rented for a fee of Y800 for twenty minutes. This allows visitors to take them out for a stroll or a jog in the park’s dog-friendly areas.
- Stroll around Nasu Rindo Lake. Surrounded by lush greenery and mountains, this lake offers a breathtaking view that is hard to miss. The calm and quiet atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for strolling and enjoying nature. The area around Nasu Rindo Lake has many walking trails you can explore at your own pace. There are also many attractions available at Nasu Rindo Lake. There are picnic areas where you can enjoy a packed lunch and several restaurants and cafes. You can also rent a boat and explore the lake from a different perspective, rent a go-kart and ride a small train that goes around the area.
- Visit the Nasu Kogen Beer Brewery. This microbrewery prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients and traditional brewing methods to create its award-winning craft beers. The brewery also has a restaurant where guests can enjoy a delicious meal paired with their favourite brew. The beautiful scenery surrounding the brewery adds to the overall experience, especially during the autumn months when the leaves change colours.
Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Nasu is your perfect starting point to explore the top attractions of Nasu. The resort has a Japanese room set-up. There are a few rooms available with private bathrooms and western-style beds. There is also an onsite restaurant, a children’s games room, a BBQ area, a gift shop, a laundry facility, and a public onsen.
Check out Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Nasu and watch the Top Things to Do in Nasu on Club Wyndham TV.
