Nasushiobara (那須塩原)

Map

Getting There

• train
• bus
• car

Best Times to Visit

• spring: Fresh greenery, blooming plants, comfortable hiking weather, and strawberry and dairy products make spring especially appealing.
• summer: Cooler highland conditions suit hiking, stream activities, ranch visits, and outdoor recreation compared with hotter urban areas.
• autumn: Autumn is the strongest season for colorful foliage across Shiobara gorge, Kinomata Valley, and suspension-bridge viewpoints.
• winter: Snowy mountain scenery and relaxing hot springs provide a rewarding winter experience, although some outdoor sites may be less accessible.

What's There

• bridge: Several suspension bridges cross the Hoki River and Shiobara gorge, including the 320-meter Momijidani Bridge.
• hiking: Shiobara offers guided nature walks, gorge trails, waterfall viewpoints, and valley strolls.
• mountain: The city includes mountainous landscapes, highland scenery, and valleys connected to the Nasu mountain range.
• nature: Forests, clear streams, waterfalls, gorges, and seasonal foliage define many major attractions.
• onsen: Shiobara Onsen has 11 historic hot-spring districts with abundant waters and varied spring qualities.
• park: Nasunogahara Park and Kinomata Garden provide landscaped recreation, walking areas, and family outdoor activities.
• river: The Hoki River and clear mountain streams shape Shiobara’s gorges, waterfalls, bridges, and recreational areas.
• views: Suspension bridges, waterfall viewpoints, and elevated gorge locations provide broad scenic views.
• food: Local specialties include Nasu Wagyu, strawberries, dairy products, strawberry-milk sweets, and farm-made ice cream.
• farm: Nasushiobara is a major dairy-farming region, with Senbonmatsu Ranch offering fresh milk and farm experiences.
• shopping: Nasu Garden Outlet offers resort-style shopping, restaurants, lifestyle goods, and convenient station access.

Specialties

• Nasu Wagyu (那須和牛): Nasu Wagyu is locally produced Japanese beef from the Nasu area of Tochigi. It is recognized for its carefully managed production and rich flavor.
• Strawberries (いちご): Strawberries are used in Nasushiobara products such as strawberry milk pudding and other local sweets. The city’s tourism bureau highlights strawberries together with locally produced milk as a regional food combination.
• Dairy Products (乳製品): Nasushiobara is a major dairy-farming area with fresh milk, yogurt, butter, cheese, gelato, and milk-based sweets. Local tourism information describes the city as one of Japan’s leading dairy regions.
• Strawberry Milk Pudding (いちごミルクプリン): Strawberry milk pudding and related sweets combine locally produced milk with strawberries. These products are promoted as distinctive Nasushiobara souvenirs.
• Senbonmatsu Milk and Ice Cream (千本松牛乳・アイスクリーム): Senbonmatsu Ranch produces milk-based refreshments including milk and ice cream. The products can be enjoyed near Senbonmatsu Hot Springs within the ranch grounds.