Nasu Kogen Resort: How to Get Around (Tochigi)

Spreading across the north of Tochigi prefecture, Nasu Highland is a popular resort known even for the imperial villa. From a facility where you can meet animals from around the world on vast grounds, to a ranch where you can interact with alpacas, and a famous hot spring with over 1,300 years of history, there is plenty to enjoy in a single day. This highland resort course suits families and couples alike.

Course Route

9:30 Start in Nasu Highland Reach Nasu Highland by bus or car from Nasushiobara Station or Kuroiso Station. The day begins amid crisp highland air.

10:00 Meet animals at Nasu Animal Kingdom Visit a facility where a variety of animals, including alpacas, capybaras, and snowy owls, live on grounds about ten times the size of the Tokyo Dome. Enjoy shows and hands on encounters. Since it is large, allow about two to three hours to tour it at ease.

12:30 Lunch in the highlands Stylish cafes and restaurants dot Nasu Highland. Menus using local milk and cheese are popular.

14:00 Meet alpacas at a ranch Head to a ranch where you can meet fluffy alpacas. Their relaxed expressions are soothing, a quintessential Nasu experience.

15:30 Relax at Nasu Onsen Visit Nasu Yumoto Onsen, boasting more than 1,300 years of history. Soak in the milky water and gently ease the day fatigue. Some facilities accept day use bathing.

17:00 Leave the highlands After refreshing in the hot spring, head home by bus or car. Take home cheese or ranch sweets as souvenirs.

Highlights

The charm of Nasu Highland is above all the chance to interact with animals. Alpacas and sheep living freely on spacious ranches, and a theme park gathering a variety of animals, captivate both children and adults. The view of the Nasu mountain range from the high plateau is beautiful, and a ropeway up the mountain reveals a grand panorama.

Access and Tips

From the Tokyo area, it is common to take the Shinkansen to Nasushiobara Station, then continue to the highland by bus or car. The spots are scattered over a wide area, so a sightseeing loop bus or rental car is efficient. Travel between facilities takes time, so narrowing down where you want to go helps you use the day without waste.

Practical Travel Notes

• Nasu Animal Kingdom: Admission is 2,900 yen for adults (junior high school age and up) from March 13, 2026, with the winter season rate held at the previous 2,600 yen. Hours are a guide of 10:00 to 16:30 on weekdays and 9:00 to 17:00 on weekends and holidays, with different operations in winter. Check the open days and hours on the official site before visiting.
• Nasu Yumoto Onsen (such as Shika no Yu): A famous hot spring long known for cures, with public bathhouses and day use bathing at inns. Fees are a guide of a few hundred to about a thousand yen, and hours vary by facility.
• Getting around: From Nasushiobara Station on the Shinkansen, the highland is about 40 minutes by bus. Since the spots are spread out, a loop bus or rental car is handy.
• Clothing and gear: The highland tends to be cooler than the city, so bring a layer in any season. Comfortable shoes make ranch visits pleasant.

A Quick Tip

The highland is cooler than the city, so prepare a light layer in any season for peace of mind. Popular facilities get crowded on weekends, and opening hours can differ between weekdays and weekends, so visiting right after opening and checking the times in advance are recommended.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Shika-no-Yu (the original hot spring of Nasu-Yumoto Onsen): Open 8:00 to 18:00 (last admission 17:30; hours vary by season). Bathing costs 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for elementary school children, and it is open all year round (with occasional closures for renovation work).
• Nasu Ropeway: Operates seasonally, typically from late March to mid-December. Running hours are 8:30 to 16:30 (last ride up 16:00, last ride down 16:20) at 20-minute intervals. Fares are 2,000 yen return for adults (junior high school age and above) and 1,000 yen for children (age 3 to elementary school), or 1,500 yen one way for adults and 750 yen for children.
• Meeting the alpacas: Nasu Alpaca Farm has relocated to Nasu Kogen Rindoko Lake View farm park. Admission there costs 1,600 yen for adults (junior high school age and above), 1,100 yen for seniors (aged 60 and over) and 800 yen for children (age 3 to elementary school), with parking at 1,000 yen per vehicle.
• Inquiries: 0287-76-2619 (Nasu Town Tourism Association; open 8:45 to 17:30, or 8:45 to 17:00 from December to February), 0287-76-3098 (Shika-no-Yu)
• Official information: Nasu Onsen Shika-no-Yu official website, Nasu Ropeway official website, Nasu Town Tourism Association official website, Tochigi Tabi Net (Tochigi Prefecture Tourism and Local Products Association)

Note: The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Hours and prices may change, so please check official sources before you set out.