Experience nature and the traditional rural countryside. A journey of unforgettable encounters(2 days, 1 nights)

Enjoy a spectacular view of the Kanto Plains while taking Kanto’s largest gondola—which can accommodate up to 111 passengers—up to the 9th station of the active volcano, Mt. Chasu. The following about a 40-minute trek will take you right up to Mt. Chasu’s crater.

Sessho-seki is a huge lava rock on the slope of Mount Nasu near Nasu Yumoto Onsen.
According to literature from the Muromachi period (室町時代) (1336-1573), a fox with nine tails disguised itself as a beautiful woman and tried to kill the Emperor Toba. After fleeing to Nasu, the demon vixen was vanquished and turned into a stone. The stone was named “Sessho-seki ” (Killing Stone) because many creatures died from the poisonous air it emitted.This place has been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty.

History of Nasu Yuzen Shrine

It is said that a hunter named Kano found onsen here when he was trying to hunt a white deer. He built this shrine for thanksgiving. According to an article written in Nara period (A.D 710~794), we can confirm that the shrine already existed during that time.

During the Genpei War in 12th century, an archer called Nasu Yoichi came here to pray for victory over Taira family’s army. He shot down a fan by one arrow that enemy put on the front of their boat when he stood on the ground. It made him became legend and the shrine became very famous for blessing Yoichi. Yoichi donated his bow and arrow to the shrine, which became shrine’s tressure later.

Shrine’s famous festival

The most important event of the shrine is the “Dai Festival”, which is held on October 8 and 9 every year. They dedicate onsen to the God, and perform a traditional dance called “Urayasu Dance”.

Then on October 9, people perform another traditional dance called “Ozawa’s Lion Dance,” which is designated as the “Intangible Cultural Property of Nasu Machi” to pray for prosperity.

There is also a famous festival be held on the last weekend of May, the “Nasu Seshosseki Gojinka Festival”. The highlight of the festival is a parade from Yuzen Shrine to Sesshoseki by participants attired in white clothing with torches.

Roadside Station Meiji no Mori/Kuroiso was opened as a roadside station when improvements were made to the Aoki Nasu Bettei second home on a 7.5-hectare lot.

This roadside station is located on the side of the Kuroiso-Tajima Route (Prefectural Route 369)， which runs through Nasushiobara City， Tochigi Prefecture. It features farmer’s market that offers fresh produce， local eggs， and dairy products，restaurant， a bakery， and more.

It is located adjacent to the Former Aoki Family Nasu Villa. This villa that belonged to Aoki Shuzo is a nationally-designated Important Cultural Property.”

A historic Onsen town visited by many great Japanese writers， this unique Onsen-kyo boasts thermal spring water with a range of qualities and benefits. Select a hot spring depending on your physical condition or mood. There are also various nature trails along the mountain stream. Popular both as a summer resort and when the autumn leaves on display， why not take a stroll around the town with the local specialty “To-te-yaki” (something like a thick crepe) in hand?

■shiobara viva

Your Guide, Ann who has traveled to 30 countries,leads a “Satoyama Experience of Healing and Smiles.”
Tour the mountains, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, and literary sites of Nasushiobara, experiencing the region’s unique stories and natural beauty.
Small group sizes ensure beginners and families can participate comfortably.Themes change seasonally, offering farming, Satoyama lunches, snack making, hot springs, and cultural experiences, allowing everyone to enjoy “time connecting people and nature.”

■Aozora Project THE DAY

Aozora Project THE DAY aims for regional revitalization through outdoor activities.
We provide moments to discover the region’s charm and deepen the connection between people and nature while enjoying experiences such as E-bike tours, snowboarding, and trekking on ancient trails.

Located at the entrance to Shiobara onsen, which boasts a 1,200-year history, the agricultural products grown in this nature-rich environment are highly popular. We aim to convey the importance of “food and agriculture” and the joy of interacting with people, while allowing visitors to experience the joy of growing and harvesting crops. Also, at “Aguri no Cafe,” you can enjoy original sweets made with seasonal agricultural products.