Nasu Shika no yu
Hot Spring Overview
Shika-no-Yu in Nasu Yumoto Onsen is a historic hot spring facility located in Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture.
Its origin dates back approximately 1,380 years, to the era of Emperor Jomei, the 34th emperor of Japan (around the year 630).
According to legend, a hunter named Saburō Yukihiro Kano witnessed a wounded white deer healing itself in the hot spring, which led to the name “Shika-no-Yu” (Deer Hot Spring).
One of the key features of Shika-no-Yu is its multiple baths with different water temperatures.
There are six types of baths with temperatures of 41°C, 42°C, 43°C, 44°C, 46°C, and 48°C (the 48°C bath is not available in the women’s section).
The hot spring also follows a unique therapeutic bathing method known as “Kaburi-yu”, in which bathers pour hot spring water over their heads multiple times before entering the bath.
Hot Spring Details
Practical Info
Visit Log
Bath Types
Facilities
Access Information
About 20 minutes by car from Nasu I.C. on the Tohoku Expressway, or approximately 35 minutes by bus from JR Kuroiso Station.
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About Secluded Rating
Access (Difficulty to Reach)
Easy access
Scenery & Atmosphere
Rural nature
Onsen Value
Historic unique spring
The atmosphere of traditional wooden architecture and the distinct scent of sulfur give Shika-no-Yu a hidden hot spring (hitō) feel.
However, due to its high popularity as a tourist destination and the large number of visitors, its rating as a true "secret onsen" is relatively low.
That said, its deep sense of tradition makes it well worth a visit at least once.