Relax Like a Capybara: Nasu – An Onsen Escape Just 70 Minutes from Tokyo
Nasu, long cherished in Japan for its mountains, hot springs, and outdoor adventures, hit the U.S. stage this October when Toyota debuted the 2026 Corolla Cross Nasu Edition at the Las Vegas SEMA Show. Inspired by Mt. Nasu and the region’s rugged outdoor culture, the SUV has put this once-undiscovered highland gem on the international map.
Just 70 minutes north of Tokyo by direct bullet train, Nasu offers travelers a rare chance to recharge amid volcanic landscapes and lush forests. Shaped by the dramatic Nasu Five Peaks, the region embodies the Japanese concept of shizen—harmony with nature—offering restorative, unpretentious experiences for mind, body, and soul.
This winter, Nasu invites visitors to one of Japan’s most charmingly unusual onsen experiences: capybara hot spring baths at Nasu Animal Kingdom. From November through March, the park’s resident capybaras lounge in steaming natural springs, much to the delight of visitors. During the winter solstice (20–22 December 2025), the animals enjoy special yuzu baths infused with 100 fragrant citrus fruits, plus local apples and pumpkins—their favorite treats. Watching eight capybaras soak contentedly in the snow-dusted baths has become a seasonal highlight and a must-see photo moment.
But capybaras aren’t the only stars of Nasu’s hot spring scene:
- Shika no Yu & Kita Onsen – Two historic day-visit bathhouses offering centuries of Japanese bathing culture. At Shika no Yu, soak in milky, sulfur-rich waters beside a gently flowing stream. Kita Onsen, tucked into a secluded mountain valley, combines Edo-period charm with folklore: local legend says its springs were discovered over 1,200 years ago by tengu, the mythical long-nosed goblins that now watch over the baths.
- Nasu Bettei KAI – A ten-room ryokan at the foot of the Nasu Mountains blending traditional architecture and craft with modern comfort. Each room features a private hot spring bath fed by the same Omaru Spring that supplies the nearby Emperor of Japan’s summer holiday villa. Guests savor local delicacies, including Tochigi Wagyu beef and ayu fish, before unwinding amid serene forest surroundings.
- Itamuro Onsen Daikokuya – Operating since 1551, this historic inn combines wellness, culture, and cuisine. Known for medicinal baths and nourishing meals, Daikokuya also doubles as a living art gallery, showcasing works by contemporary Japanese artists throughout its interiors and gardens.
Beyond soaking, Nasu offers a wealth of outdoor and cultural activities. Hike through mountains and marshlands, cycle past rice paddies and bamboo forests, or participate in hands-on workshops in bamboo craft and indigo dyeing—traditional crafts rooted in nature.
Just 70 minutes from Tokyo, Nasu is the perfect escape for travelers seeking rest, rejuvenation, and a deeper connection with Japan’s natural beauty – capybara-approved.
