Nature's Embrace: Discover Your Sanctuary at Nasu Hideaway!

Have you ever heard of Nasu?

It’s only a 1-hour and 13-minute bullet train ride from Tokyo, and it's one of Japan's renowned summer retreats. Nasu stands out as a sanctuary where you can escape the urban hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in nature and tranquility. But there’s more to it than just being a great place to cool off; it’s a cultural hotspot that anime fans will love to explore.

Why do I recommend Nasu?
Traveling in Japan is thrilling but can sometimes be overwhelming due to crowded trains and bustling spots, especially around popular anime shops in Tokyo. When you need a respite from this exhaustion, Nasu provides a perfect peaceful retreat to rejuvenate. Let Nasu soothe your travel weariness away.

Detailed Reasons to Visit:

The Premier Hotel, THE SECOND Nasukogen Forest House:
Our destination in Nasu features a hotel that I highly recommend among many. It capitalizes on its location by offering rooms with stunning natural views. The hotel houses a custom-built sauna where you can relax while enjoying the seasonal sceneries right outside the windows. This sauna boasts views of lush greenery that make you forget you’re anywhere near a city.

Sauna Experience:
The sauna craze is sweeping across Japan, but Nasu’s sauna offers exceptionally good vistas. Sweating it out surrounded by nature not only rejuvenates your body but also soothes your mind. I used the sauna twice daily during my stay; its charm is unparalleled, especially at night when the surrounding trees and stream are beautifully lit up.


Barbecue & Entertainment:
The hotel accommodates groups up to nine with spacious rooms equipped with BBQ facilities and a large TV—perfect for enjoying a fun evening with family or friends. There's nothing like a barbecue under the stars on a summer night to create lasting memories.



Hanare(離れ) Room:
There’s also a special room called 'Hanare', offering immediate views of a gentle stream and lush trees through its windows—wake up to this serene setting for a truly unique experience.



Pet-Friendly Amenities:
This is one of the rare pet-friendly hotels in Japan, complete with its own dog run where your pets can frolic freely. It’s a joy for any pet owner to watch their dogs enjoying such vast, open spaces.


Local Attractions:

Jazz Café 'フットプリント(Footprint)':
Located near the hotel, this café has a great atmosphere with jazz music that provides a relaxed vibe. Jazz enthusiasts will appreciate the manga "Blue Giant" available for guests. The café owner, a former backpacker, brings a very personal touch to the service, making guests feel right at home.

Bakery 'クーロン・ヌリネア(Coulon Nulinea)':
This bakery offers a range of homemade, warm breads. Their 'Salty Dog' is particularly popular for its unique salty taste—perfect for a fresh morning start.

那須千本松牧場(Nasu Senbonmatsu Ranch):
This ranch blossoms with beautiful cherry trees in spring—an ideal setting for enjoying a traditional Genghis Khan BBQ under the cherry blossoms. The ranch also offers horse riding and cheese-making experiences, making it a perfect family destination.

As an Anime Sanctuary:
Nasu is also celebrated as a setting for several anime, including being a rumored site for scenes from "Inuyasha". The place is known as 'Sesshoseki(殺生石)', supposedly the inspiration for the character Sesshomaru (殺生丸).

Other famous anime scenes like "5 Centimeters Per Second" and "The Anthem of the Heart" were also shot in Tochigi Prefecture, where Nasu is located.

Exploring the countryside in Japan offers unique cultural and scenic experiences that you won’t find in urban areas—Nasu exemplifies this beautifully. Having visited over 40 countries, Nasu remains one of my most memorable places.

Looking Ahead:
I plan to continue uncovering hidden gems around Japan and the world through #KyleTravel. Plus, there’s an upcoming travel Discord group for anime fans—stay tuned!

Nasu offers more than just sightseeing—it’s a place for relaxation, cultural immersion, anime pilgrimages, and culinary exploration. All these elements combine to create unforgettable travel memories. I highly recommend visiting Nasu for an experience that will truly move your heart.