Nasu Highland, located in northern Tochigi, is easily accessible from Tokyo. Highlights of a Nasu trip include facilities where adults and children can have fun amid nature, hot springs, charming cafes, and art museums. We introduce an exciting two-day itinerary that includes must-visit facilities in Nasu.
Nasu Highland: Have a Great Time in the Heart of Nature!
Nasu Highland is a resort area in northern Tochigi Prefecture. In addition to hot spring facilities, there are numerous art galleries and museums. We recommend visiting Nasu Highland not as a day trip but by spending some relaxing time at a hot spring hotel.
Take the Shinkansen train from Tokyo to Nasushiobara City (about 70 minutes) when arriving by train. From here, you can use the local transit bus to arrive at your destination. This vast area is dotted with many sightseeing spots, so renting a car is another convenient option.
This article will introduce a two-day itinerary in Nasu Highland.
Day One: Delicious Food and Great Museums
BUTTER NO ITOKO
2905-25 Takakuotsu, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture 325-0303
Cafe BUTTER NO ITOKO: Tasty Sweets Made by Local Dairy Farmers
BUTTER NO ITOKO is a cafe serving sweets and drinks made by upcycling skim milk—a byproduct of the butter-making process.
The shop is located inside a building complex called GOOD NEWS, which opened in July 2020.
The cafe space is bright and spacious. On the terrace, dog owners can spend time with their pets.
BUTTER NO ITOKO also sells tasty namesake products. This confection features butter and skim milk jam sandwiched between two butter-scented thin waffles (see photo above).
This delectable treat has a gentle sweetness that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
Nasu Stained Glass Museum
1790 Takaku, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture 325-0302
Nasu Stained Glass Museum: Marvel at Iridescent Colored Glass
At the Nasu Stained Glass Museum (English*), visitors can marvel at various 19th century antique stained glass. The stone building is modeled after a British manor house, which historically was the main residence for the lord of a manor.
The stained glass windows are reminiscent of a European church. There’s also an extensive lineup of Tiffany lamps exuding an Art Nouveau ambience (see photo above). These lamps typically portray landscapes, flowers, insects, and other designs in a colorful manner.
St. Raphael Chapel on the art museum premises is also a must-see!
BAKERY PENNY LANE: Freshly Baked Bread and Delicious Lunch
Visitors looking to sample Nasu‘s delicious cuisine should head to Bakery Penny Lane! The bakery next to Restaurant Penny Lane also sells freshly baked bread.
Among the wide selection of bread, we recommend the Blueberry Bread filled with generous amounts of blueberry jam. The sweet and sour flavor goes well with a cup of coffee, tea, or even hot milk.
Restaurant Penny Lane exudes a warm, homey atmosphere. The owner is a Beatles fan, so guests can enjoy a leisurely lunch with the band’s tunes playing in the background.
Nasu Animal Kingdom: A Wonderful Paradise for Children!
Visitors can spend time with animals at the Nasu Animal Kingdom. This is a top-rated attraction in the Nasu Highland area.
The grounds of the zoo are divided into various zones. Visitors can interact with alpacas, horses, sheep, and other animals at the Kingdom Farm.
At the Sky Stadium, you can watch performances by hawks, horned owls, parakeets, and other birds as they soar through the sky.
The Kingdom Town consists of several interconnected indoor facilities with various exciting highlights.
For example, the Asian Forest features animals such as the red panda and Pallas’s cat. At WETLAND, visitors can get a close-up look at jaguars, shoebill birds, and other creatures. At the Tropical Forest, you can see various tropical animals.
Likewise, fur seals put on an enjoyable performance at the Aqua Stage.
On the grounds of Nasu Animal Kingdom, there’s a restaurant, cafe, and souvenir shop. Families will have a fun and satisfying experience here!
In Tochigi Prefecture, there are many places where you and your children can have a great time!
EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura offers visitors a hands-on ninja experience. Tobu World Square is a miniature town filled with numerous world-famous landmarks.
Experience the Ultimate Hot Springs at Resort Hotel Laforet Nasu!
When staying in Nasu Highland, we recommend Hotel Laforet Nasu (Japanese).
The hotel is also easily accessible to art galleries, museums, and other sightseeing spots.
There are large public baths on the fourth and fifth floors. While soaking in the milky white natural hot spring, you can get a stunning view of Nasu Highland‘s natural surroundings.
Restaurant Yamaji on the hotel premises serves seasonal kaiseki cuisine. The carefully selected ingredients include locally grown vegetables, Wagyu beef, and rainbow trout. The menu also changes with the seasons.
The hotel’s gift shop is packed with different types of Nasu Highland and Tochigi souvenirs.
To arrive at Hotel Laforet Nasu, guests can board a courtesy bus from Nasushiobara Station. Bus reservations are required, so please tell the hotel staff upon booking your room (Tel: 0287-76-3489).
It takes about 15 minutes to get to the hotel from the Nasu Interchange by car.
Day Two: Let’s Explore Nasu Highland’s Nature!
See Beautiful Scenery From the Nasu Ropeway
Let’s see some spectacular scenery on the second day of our excursion! We’ll take the Nasu Ropeway and head to the summit of Chausudake, the highest peak in the Nasu Mountain Range. Though the travel time is only five minutes, some breathtaking scenery awaits us.
Nasu Heisei-no-Mori Field Center
3254 Takakuhei, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture 325-0302
Be Moved by the Beauty of Nasu Heisei-no-mori Forest
Nasu Heisei-no-mori-Forest spreads out at the base of the Nasu Mountain Range. This is part of the former Nasu Imperial Villa Estate, which was land reserved exclusively for the Imperial family. It was officially opened to the general public in 2011.
The forest is separated into two different zones: the Forest Recreation Zone where visitors can explore on their own, and the Forest Learning Zone where a walking guide is required.
For first-time visitors, we recommend heading to the Field Center. You can look at the exhibits and get a feel for the features of Nasu Heisei-no-mori Forest.
At the Field Center, there’s a 30 minute free program (held in Field Center & Forest Recreation Zone), allowing visitors to deepen their knowledge of the forest. If you join this program, your walk within Nasu Heisei-no-mori Forest will be an extra fulfilling experience.
Nasuben: A Lunch Plate Filled With Delicious Nasu Ingredients
At the Nasu Kogen Yuai no Mori Rest Area, you’ll find a restaurant, retail shop, and handicrafts gallery among other facilities.
At Restaurant Yuai no Mori Nasutoran (English*), you can enjoy tasty cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.
Our recommendation is the Nasuben Lunch Plate (above). This lunch is a nutritionally balanced meal featuring nine farm-to-table ingredients.
These include rice balls (onigiri) using local Koshihikari brand rice, vegetable soup, a homemade hamburger steak, salad, delicious Nasu Highland milk, and seasonal fruit mousse.
Nasu Kogen Yuai no Mori Nasutoran
593-8 Takaku, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture 325-0303
