Tochigi, Nasu's "Sesshou-seki," where the legend of the nine-tailed fox dwells, and "Shika-no-yu," the oldest hot spring in Tochigi Prefecture, will recharge your energy!

  • Tochigi
  • Sightseeing
A panoramic view of Sesshou-seki. The area smells of sulfur.
About 50 minutes by bus from JR Nasu Shiobara Station, Nasu Yumoto Onsen is located at a higher elevation, where the atmosphere of the plateau gradually becomes more intense. A few minutes' walk from the nearest bus stop is the power spot we will introduce here, Sessho-seki. Nearby are the Nasu Tourist Association Center, which is convenient for gathering information on sightseeing in Nasu, and Shika-no-yu, a famous hot spring with a long history that is beloved by the locals. Why not recharge your body and soul by touring the famous tourist attractions of Nasu, Sesshou-seki and Shika-no-yu?

Sesshou-seki, a power spot in Nasu, is worth seeing!

Sesshou-seki is an old landmark of Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture, and one of the most famous power spots as told in the legend of the nine-tailed fox. The stone can be seen from the main shrine of Nasu-Yuzen Shrine and the Onari Path leading to the stone on the right side of Kyubi-Inari Shrine. The rough and rugged atmosphere of the stone is imposing, which is why it is called "Historic Site: Sesshou-seki. The area around the stone is filled with the smell of sulfur, and the Sai-no-Kawara area, which includes Kyoden Jizo, Sentai Jizo, and Moja-ishi, has a somewhat spiritual atmosphere. Incidentally, the stone will be split in two in March 2022, and this spot is also attracting a lot of attention.
Wooden path stretching across the Sesshou-seki Park area
Thousand-storied Jizo along the wooden road, with a unique atmosphere.

What is the Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox?

Once upon a time. In the late Heian period (794-1185), there was a beautiful woman named "Tamamo-no-mae" who was a beloved wife of Emperor Toba. However, the emperor was becoming weaker and weaker day by day, and he began to lie on the floor. An onmyoji (yin-yang master) of the time discovered that this was the work of a nine-tailed fox disguised as Tamamo-no-Mae. The nine-tailed fox was then hunted down and exterminated, but to his surprise, he transformed into a giant stone and spread his venom, causing damage to people, livestock, birds, and beasts that passed by. The giant stone broke into three pieces and scattered, and one of the three remained here. The stone has been handed down to the present as the "Sesshou-seki".
The legend of the nine-tailed fox is written on the board.

A sacred atmosphere envelops you! Nasu Gojinka Festival

On the last Sunday of May every year, the "Nasu Gojinka Festival" is held in the Sesshou-seki Park. Since ancient times, to appease the anger of Mount Chausu, which has erupted repeatedly, people have visited Nasu-Yuzen Shrine to collect the fire of Mutenjigoku and worship it as the "Gojinka". Since then, this festival has been held in Nasu Yumoto as an event to pray for good health and a good harvest.
White-masked golden-haired nine-tailed fox drums, a local art form
The performance lit by flames is breathtaking!
National Designated Scenic Spot "Sessho-seki" Official Website

The oldest hot spring in Tochigi Prefecture! Relieve fatigue at Shika-no-yu, a famous hot spring loved by locals!

Cross the prefectural road from Sesshou-sekii and follow the narrow path along the Yugawa River, and you will soon come to the famous Shika-no-yu hot spring. The bath was opened in 630 A.D! A long time ago, a hunter named Kano Saburo Yukihiro chased a deer that had escaped after he failed to shoot it, and when he went deep into the mountains, he found that the deer was healing its wounded body in the hot spring. The legend goes that a deer healed its wounded body in the hot spring, and the hot spring was named "Shika-no-yu" (hot spring for deer) because it was discovered by the deer. Even today, it is loved by many people, from locals to tourists, as a day-trip hot spring facility.
Entrance to Shika-no-yu

Sulfur spring of white muddy water with outstanding efficacy that has been familiar as a therapeutic bath

At Shika-no-yu, the white muddy water, which is a sulfur spring, is divided into six different bathtubs of 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, and 48 degrees (there is no 48 degree bathtub in the women's bath), so you can enjoy your favorite temperature. It is said that taking a short hot bath is the most effective way to bathe, but try 41 degrees for the first time. The building of the hot spring was reconstructed in 1941, and the rustic wooden structure gives a sense of nostalgia!
The temperature gets hotter as you go from the front to the back
Tasteful wooden architecture blends in with the nature of Nasu
Shika-no-yu Official Website
*Image courtesy of Nasu-cho Tourist Association
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
All images are for reference only.

We recommend using "NASU-Ways" for sightseeing in Nasu and Shiobara!

NASU-Ways" is a convenient service for sightseeing in Nasu and Shiobara that allows you to purchase and use tickets for buses and tourist facilities all with a single smartphone! In addition, there are special offers and discounts available only on "NASU-Ways! Please use this service when sightseeing in Nasu and Shiobara!

Combine your favorite train with lodging or a day trip plan for a great travel experience!

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