Top 5 summer spots in Nasu District, Tochigi

Nasu, often overshadowed by its historic rich neighbor Nikko, is one of the most underrated tourist areas in Tochigi Prefecture. A visit to the real Santa was the impetus to our first visit to the Nasu district of Tochigi, and it was love at first sight. You can see why it is a preferred and frequent holiday destination for the Imperial family.

Upon discovering some of what the area has to offer we have visited annually ever since. Initially our visits were curtailed to winter, but in the last couple of years we have also visited in the summer. Here are some of the spots we have enjoyed during the summer months in Nasu, Tochigi.

1. Moose Family Camp Resort

The Moose Family Camp Resort opened officially in spring this year. It was an abandoned campsite that was bought and is currently being modified and upgraded by its new American owner. As an expat we particularly enjoy visiting this campsite for our dose of English, as it is the main language of the camp. We also like the retro feel and the abundance of nature and wildlife. The pool and outdoor Jacuzzi are added bonuses that make this a top summer spot in Nasu.

Season: weekends all year round

Hours: from noon on Friday to Sunday night

Cost: approximately 6000 yen for a tent site and from 12,000 yen for a retro camper. Discounts available off season.

Address: 1268 Tomioka, Nasu, Nasu-gun, Tochigi 329-3212

Access: about half an hour drive from the Nasu Interchange of the Tohoku expressway

2. Nasunogahara Park

Nasunogahara is a vast recreational park in the Nasushiobara area. There are several attractions within the park including summer season pools. They have a great athletic-cum-adventure playground, with good shade, for children over six years old and adults. The adult hamster wheels pictured are just one of dozens of equipment within this playground, one of four within the park. Another of the more unique attractions of this top spot in Nasu is the large grass slides near the tennis courts and Nasunogahara Park's reasonably priced campsite. 

Season: the park is open all year round , but some of the attractions, such as the outdoor pools and campsite, are seasonal

Hours: parts of the park are accessible 24 hours, but the official opening hours are 8.30 am and 5.30 pm

Cost: the park and parking is free, but the adventure playground, tennis courts, grass slides and swimming pools have varying entry charges.

Address: 801-3 Senbonmatsu, Nasushiobara, Tochigi 329-2747

Access: about a ten minute drive from the Nishinasuno Shiobara Interchange of the Tohoku expressway

3. Senbonmatsu Farm and Hot Spring

Close to Nasunogahara Park is the Senbonmatsu farm and hot spring resort. It is like a farm theme park with several different rides and attractions for families to enjoy. It is a little expensive, but picturesque and the kids enjoy it which makes it a great summer spot in Nasu. There is also a good selection of eateries along the entrance road. Some of them are take away and there are eat in options too. 

Season: all year round

Hours: 9 am to 6 pm (eateries and hot springs have separate hours)

Cost: it is free to enter the farm, but each attraction has a cover charge, generally upwards of 500 yen per person per ride

Address: 799 Senbonmatsu, Nasushiobara, Tochigi 329-2747

Access: about a five minute drive from the Nishinasuno Shiobara Interchange of the Tohoku expressway

4. Nasu Teddy Bear Museum

Sometimes the best way to beat the heat of summer in Japan is to get out of it! And on a rainy day it is always useful to have a back-up plan of indoor locations to visit. Nasu has a wealth of such spots, but the Teddy Bear Museum is a great spot for the novelty value. Plus if you are visiting the area with kids, they are sure to enjoy the display of teddies at this museum. 

Season: all year round

Hours: 9.30 am to 5 pm in summer except for the week of Obon when it opens at 9 am

Cost: it is free to enter the farm, but each attraction has a cover charge, generally upwards of 500 yen per person per ride

Address: 1185-4 Takakuhei, Nasu, Nasu District, Tochigi 325-0302 

Access: about a twenty minute drive from the Nasukogen Smart Interchange of the Tohoku expressway (a Smart Interchange can only be used if you have an ETC card)

5. Hammock Cafe

There are quite a few hammock cafe in the Kanto region now, but the Hammock Cafe in Finland no Mori was one of the first. The cafe is a great place to "hang out" during the summer in Japan. There are indoor and outdoor options. Hammock Cafe is surrounded by trees along a small babbling brook making it feel cooler in the hot summer months of Japan. 

Season: all year round

Hours: 9.30 am to 8 pm seven days a week in summer

Cost: budget for about a 1000 yen for drink and food. Drinks only is also okay.  

Address: 2730-7 Takakuhei, Nasu, Nasu District, Tochigi 325-0303 

Access: about a 15 minute drive from the Nasu Interchange of the Tohoku expressway.

This is only a small selection of what the Nasu district in Tochigi Prefecture has to offer. I would have liked to include Rindo Lake View, Nasu Safari Park and the Monkey park on this list of top summer spots in Nasu, but I can't find my photos for them. If you do visit the area, they are also worth considering. I will say that Nasu is a particularly expensive area of the Kanto region and it requires a car to get the most out of a visit, but it is well worth your money and time to enjoy all it has to offer.