Nasu, Tochigi: Imperial Highland Retreat with Golf, Forests, and Cool Summers
Published On: August 4, 2026
A definitive guide to Nasu – discover Tochigi's scenic highland retreat, known for its imperial heritage, golf courses, cool climate, resort homes, and year-round outdoor living.
Table of Contents
Supervised By: Hiroki Kazato
Real Estate Expert
Tucked away in the mountains of northern Tochigi Prefecture, Nasu is one of Japan's oldest and most famous highland retreats. Popular with the Imperial Family, artists, retirees, outdoors enthusiasts and families seeking an alternative to the relentless heat of summer, Nasu offers a unique combination of wilderness, hot springs, golf courses and luxury villas within easy reach of Tokyo.
Nasu is currently attracting growing interest from both local and international buyers. Whether you are seeking a second home, a retirement village or an investment in a premium resort area, Nasu offers a unique combination of natural beauty and accessibility to the capital. Compared to other high-end destinations, Nasu generally offers more space for the price.
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Area Overview
Nestled in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Nasu stretches from the plains to the highlands around Mount Nasu, an active volcano. This area, located some 160 km north of central Tokyo, boasts forested areas, rivers, hot springs and volcanic rock formations as part of Nikko National Park.
While there is no central business district, Nasu offers a combination of suburban-style residential areas, golf resorts, farms, hot-spring resorts and wilderness areas for nature lovers. Nasu-Shiobara Station is served by the Tohoku Shinkansen with bus and road connections facilitating travel to the highlands and other destinations. Private cars are widely used by locals and visitors.
The drive from Tokyo to Nasu takes around 2 hours with the Tohoku Shinkansen providing a faster option. The travel time from the capital to Nasu is as follows:
Destination Approximate Travel Time
- Tokyo Station: 70-75 minutes by Tohoku Shinkansen
- Ueno: Approx 65 minutes
- Omiya: Approx 45 minutes
- Shinjuku: Approx 2 hours
- Ikebukuro: Approx 2 hours
- Sendai: Approx 75 minutes
With its combination of natural beauty and accessibility, Nasu is a favored retreat for both locals and foreign visitors. The area's proximity to Tokyo makes it simple to enjoy weekend getaways or even commute to and from the capital on a regular basis.
Atmosphere and Vibe
Life in Nasu is centered around nature and the cooler climate on the highlands. While the area is still close to Tokyo, Nasu offers space, fresh air and an easy-going pace that is different from metropolitan life.
The highland areas are popular with both locals and visitors and feature forests, private residences, boutique hotels, cafes, art museums and golf courses. The roads wind through residential areas and forests providing a sense of privacy and space that is hard to find elsewhere in the capital region.
In summer, trails and bicycle paths are popular with visitors while farmers' markets, bakeries and cafes offer a relaxed alternative to the pace of city life. Families with children enjoy the opportunities for hiking and golfing while the cool evenings are ideal for stargazing. Nasu's most famous attraction is its natural landscape that provides a spectacular setting for both residents and visitors.
Another advantage of life in Nasu is the cooler climate. As a highland area, Nasu is generally several degrees cooler than Tokyo and other lowland regions in Japan. This makes it an attractive retreat for those seeking to escape the summer heat and enjoy the great outdoors.
The peaceful nights are another advantage of the highlands as the area has few entertainment options apart from the main resort hotels and hot-spring areas. This makes Nasu ideal for retirees, telecommuters or anyone seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nasu's seasonal changes are on display throughout the year and each season brings new opportunities for hiking, biking, visiting museums or enjoying local food.
Tourist and Local Destinations
While Nasu is famous for its golf courses and resorts, the area has much to offer in terms of local attractions. In addition to natural beauty and wilderness, Nasu has a variety of options for both locals and visitors.
Nasu Highland
As mentioned, Nasu is home to a number of high-end resorts, private residences, cafes, museums and golf courses. The area offers spectacular views over the highlands and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Mount Nasu
This volcano is one of the main attractions in the region with hiking trails offering spectacular views over the area. The Nasu Ropeway provides spectacular views for those wishing to enjoy the scenery without the challenge of hiking. Mount Nasu is popular with both locals and visitors and is a great option for nature lovers.
Sessho-seki (Killing Stone)
This area is linked to the legend of Tamamo-no-Mae, a fox spirit who supposedly killed 800 people with her magic. Located close to an active volcano, Sessho-seki offers spectacular views and hiking trails for those wishing to learn more about local folklore.
Nasu Animal Kingdom
This large complex is a popular family-friendly destination featuring animal exhibits as well as seasonal flower gardens and bird shows.
Nasu Garden Outlet
This outlet mall offers a combination of local and international labels in a unique outdoor shopping mall setting surrounded by beautiful gardens and mountain views. It is a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Nasu Onsen
The hot-spring resorts are another major attraction in Nasu. Many of these traditional Japanese inns have been around for centuries offering luxury accommodations as well as unique experiences such as hot-spring bathing. Nasu Onsen is a great place to unwind and enjoy the local hospitality and cuisine.
Golf Courses
Nasu is a popular destination for both local and international golfers. With spectacular mountain views and cooler temperatures, the area is home to some of Japan's most challenging courses. Many of these are private and located within resort complexes while others are open to the public. Golf courses in Nasu are a major draw for both visitors and locals.
Art Museums and Cultural Attractions
Nasu is home to a thriving arts scene featuring a number of museums and galleries. Nasu Stained Glass Museum and Fujishiro Seiji Museum are both great places to spend an afternoon exploring unique art exhibits. In addition, the area has smaller galleries featuring the work of local artists.
Livability
Nasu offers a unique combination of natural beauty and modern convenience that is hard to find elsewhere in Japan. The area is a great choice for retirees, families, telecommuters or those seeking an alternative to city life.
One of the main advantages of living in Nasu is the climate. Being a highland area, Nasu tends to be several degrees cooler than Tokyo and other lowland regions in Japan. This makes it possible to enjoy the great outdoors even during the summer months. In addition, the area tends to be drier and more comfortable during the winter months.
Local amenities are also a major advantage of living in Nasu. Most essential services can be found in the central area of Nasu as well as the larger city of Nasu-Shiobara located close to the region's main highway. Supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, banks, medical clinics and restaurants are all within easy reach of most residents. Larger shopping malls and hospitals can also be found in Nasu-Shiobara.
Nasu has a number of public schools including elementary and junior high schools as well as a variety of private school options for those wishing to pursue alternative education. Healthcare is another major priority in Nasu with most medical facilities offering high-standard care. More specialized care is available in nearby cities and towns.
For those wishing to enjoy the great outdoors, Nasu has a variety of hiking trails, golf courses and other recreational facilities. Local farmers' markets are a great place to explore and sample regional specialties while local festivals are a fun way to experience traditional Japanese culture. Nasu is a great choice for nature lovers who wish to enjoy the local flora and fauna as well as seasonal activities.
Public transport is a viable option for most residents and visitors. However, a car is generally necessary for getting around Nasu as most amenities are located in the central area or the larger Nasu-Shiobara City. The mountainous terrain means that most roads wind through forests and hillsides. As mentioned, the Tohoku Shinkansen makes it possible to reach Nasu from Tokyo in around 75 minutes.
Real Estate: Rent and Property Information
Nasu has long been a popular destination for high-end residences. Vacation homes, luxury villas and private residences are all available in this desirable region.
Compared to similar areas such as Karuizawa or Hakone, Nasu generally offers more space for the price. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a second home, retirement residence or an investment in a desirable region.
Rental Market
The local rental market is fairly limited as most properties are owner-occupied or rented out seasonally. Below is an estimate of average monthly rent:
| Property Type | Estimated Monthly Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1K | ¥45,000–¥70,000 |
| 1LDK | ¥70,000–¥110,000 |
| 2LDK | ¥100,000–¥160,000 |
| Detached House | ¥120,000–¥300,000+ |
Vacant properties tend to be harder to find during the summer months as many rental properties are furnished and in demand by visitors.
Property Prices
Vacation homes, luxury residences and private houses are all popular investments in Nasu. As mentioned, prices tend to vary greatly depending on the location, age and views of the property. Below is an estimate of property prices in Nasu:
| Property Type | Estimated Purchase Price |
|---|---|
| Older cottages requiring renovation | ¥8 million–¥20 million |
| Standard detached homes | ¥20 million–¥50 million |
| Modern custom homes | ¥50 million–¥100 million |
| Luxury villas | ¥100 million and above |
It is also possible to purchase vacant land in the highlands for building a custom residence. Compared to similar areas near Tokyo, Nasu offers larger plots at a more affordable price.
Investment Potential
Nasu has long been a desirable destination for both locals and visitors. As mentioned, the local rental market tends to be fairly strong due to the popularity of the region. At the same time, the area is seeing increased demand as telecommuting becomes more popular.
Nasu has been an attractive option for those seeking an alternative to city life and this trend is likely to continue in the years to come. Unlike many other rural areas, Nasu has been seeing an influx of new residents due to its combination of natural beauty, amenities and accessibility. While it is hard to predict future price changes, most experts agree that the demand for properties in Nasu is unlikely to diminish in the near future.
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Other Information
Foreign Ownership
Foreigners are welcome to purchase land, single-family homes, condominiums or other real estate in Nasu. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership and your rights as a property owner are the same as those of Japanese citizens.
Transportation
The Tohoku Shinkansen makes it possible to reach Nasu from Tokyo in around 75 minutes. However, many locals and visitors find that a private car is the most convenient option for getting around the area. In addition to major roads, Nasu has a variety of hiking trails, golf courses and other recreational facilities. During the winter months, snow chains are recommended for road safety.
Climate
Nasu has a pleasant climate that makes it a popular retreat during the summer months. Being a highland area, Nasu tends to be several degrees cooler than the capital. In addition, the area has beautiful forests and mountain vistas that make it a popular destination year-round. Autumn tends to be the most scenic time of year with spectacular views of the local foliage.
Remote Work
Nasu is an excellent choice for telecommuters and entrepreneurs who wish to enjoy the local amenities and natural beauty. High-speed fiber-optic internet is available in most residential areas making it possible to work from Nasu.
Buying a Second Home
Many people purchase a second home in Nasu as an alternative to retirement communities. Nasu is a great option for those wishing to enjoy the local climate, scenery and amenities while still being able to commute to Tokyo. The Tohoku Shinkansen makes it possible to reach the capital from Nasu in around 75 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Nasu has been a favored highland retreat for over a century. Offering a unique combination of natural beauty, hot-spring resorts, golf courses and luxury villas, Nasu has long been a popular destination for locals and visitors. With its cool temperatures, forests and wilderness, Nasu is a great option for anyone seeking an alternative to the heat and pace of city life.
Source
- Nasu Town Official Website
- Tochigi Prefecture Tourism Association
- Tochigi Prefectural Government
- East Japan Railway Company (JR East) – Tohoku Shinkansen Information
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) – Land General Information System
- SUUMO – Property Listings and Market Information
- At Home Japan – Real Estate Listings
- LIFULL HOME'S – Housing Market Data
- Nasu Tourism Association
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