Day 1: Nasu Area – Hidden Gems and Relaxation
Your journey for this adventure begins in Nasu Onsen, a tranquil retreat 35 minutes from Nasushiobara Station, easily accessible from Tokyo in just over an hour via the JR Tohoku Shinkansen.

First, immerse yourself in Tochigi’s oldest hot spring, Shika no Yu. Shika no Yu is a historic hot spring with over 1,300 years of history. Said to have been discovered by a hunter who found a deer healing its wounds in the spring, it is renowned for its milky-white, mineral-rich waters, which can get as hot as 48 degrees centigrade. The rustic wooden architecture, unchanged since its 1941 renovation, offers visitors a timeless escape, and a chance to experience the healing waters before heading into the sacred mountains. Make sure to follow the protocol of an ancient bathing ritual before entering the baths - this is a purification method and prevents lightheadedness from the hot waters.

Accommodation is offered at refined ryokan Sansuikaku, a ryokan where traditional architecture meets modern comfort. Cuisine in this region is equally remarkable. Savour local Kuroge Wagyu Beef, sourced locally and served alongside fresh, seasonal vegetables and sake made from pure mountain spring water. For those who enjoy seafood, the region’s river fish delicacies are prepared with traditional techniques, offering a taste of the pristine streams they call home.

Day 2: Guided Hike and Mountain Lodge Experience
Depart early the following morning and embark on a hike along trails once traversed by ascetics, winding through dense forests, vibrant marshlands, and volcanic rock formations. The variation in the scenery as you break through the tree line and out into the volcanic landscape waiting above reveals the park’s dynamic geological past.

The path culminates at Tabakoya Ryokan, a rustic mountain lodge perched amidst serene wilderness and accessible only on foot. Accommodation is basic yet comfortable, and the opportunity to meet with other hikers and

Enjoy a simple yet restorative meal crafted from local ingredients brought up the mountain on foot by the dedicated staff members, then take a rejuvenating soak in an open-air hot spring under a glittering canopy of stars. It should be mentioned that the outdoor hot spring has times for men, women, and mixed bathing - so make sure to check times in advance!

Day 3: Adventure to a Sacred Hot Spring
On the final day, an early start is followed by a trek to a rarely accessible sacred hot spring source nestled deep in the mountains. The route is challenging, but those with a sense of adventure will enjoy a departure from the normal trails and into the normally inaccessible mountain areas. The journey concludes with a final leisurely hike to the Nasu Cable Car, descending to Nasu Onsen town.