Nasu driving guide: Nasu Kogen, Mount Chausu and Shiobara

Nasu lies in northern Tochigi Prefecture, spanning Nasu Town and Nasushiobara City. Nasu Kogen, below Mount Chausu, is home to Nasu Yumoto Onsen and Sesshoseki, while the Shiobara hot-spring villages follow the Hoki River valley to the west. The main expressway gateways are Nasu, Kuroiso-Itamuro and Nishinasuno-Shiobara interchanges on the Tohoku Expressway.

This guide follows a one-day drive from Nasu Kogen up to Nasu Ropeway, then across to Shiobara Onsen, with tables of roads, parking and places to stop.

Map of the Nasu area

The line follows the Nasu Kogen–Mount Chausu–Shiobara drive below. Numbers mark the stops: green for viewpoints and nature, blue for roadside stations. Tap a marker to see its name.

Recommended drives

A first visit: Nasu Kogen and Mount Chausu, then Shiobara

Start at Michi-no-Eki Nasu Kogen Yuai-no-Mori and climb Prefectural Route 17, the Nasu Kogen Line. Stop at Nasu Heisei-no-Mori Forest, the Yahata azalea groves and Sesshoseki before continuing to Nasu Ropeway's lower station.

Descend to Michi-no-Eki Meiji-no-Mori Kuroiso, then head to Michi-no-Eki Yunoka Shiobara. Follow Route 400 past Momijidani Suspension Bridge, Mikaeri Falls and Ryuka Falls to Shiobara Onsen.

The route is about 74 km, with roughly 1 hour 30 minutes of driving. These map-based estimates exclude traffic and stops. Return down Route 400 to Nishinasuno-Shiobara IC; from Momijidani Suspension Bridge, that drive takes about 15 minutes.

Mount Chausu and Nasu Ropeway

Nasu Ropeway's return fare is ¥2,000 for visitors of junior-high-school age and older. It operates at 20-minute intervals between 8:30 and 16:30, with the last ascent at 16:00 and descent at 16:20. Severe weather can stop services.

The 2026 season is scheduled to run through 13 December, subject to maintenance and repair changes. Special sunrise services were announced for 1 and 8 November.

Parking around the lower station is free, with about 150 spaces. Lots may be locked during busy autumn weekends and holidays. When they are closed, use Toge-no-Chaya car park, with 166 free spaces, or Daimaru car park, with 160 spaces. The walk down the mountain path from Toge-no-Chaya to the station takes about ten minutes.

Autumn queues on the Nasu Kaido

During autumn colours and Golden Week, the Nasu Kaido between Nasu IC and Ikkenjaya gets very congested. Mornings are busiest around Mount Nasu. Tochigi Prefecture recommends approaching from Nasu Kogen Smart IC, for ETC-equipped vehicles only, or Kuroiso-Itamuro IC.

Roads you can drive

Places to stop

Viewpoints and nature

Numbers match the map.

Roadside stations

Best seasons and crowds

The Shiobara tourism association's report updated on 30 October 2026 described the higher parts of the Nichien Momiji Line as nearing the end of autumn colour, with the middle and lower slopes at their peak. Around Kurenai Suspension Bridge, about 30–40% of the leaves had turned. These are dated observations; check the latest report before planning a foliage trip.

Where traffic and parking get busy

• The Nasu Kaido between Nasu IC and Ikkenjaya is congested during autumn colours and Golden Week. Mornings are busiest around Mount Nasu.
• Parking at Nasu Ropeway's lower station may be locked on summer-holiday weekends and autumn weekends and holidays.
• When Nasu Animal Kingdom's main lot fills, use the temporary parking and shuttle bus.

Road closures and restrictions: November 2026

• The Otawara Civil Engineering Office's page, updated on 20 October, lists no construction or disaster restrictions in its jurisdiction. This is a dated report, not confirmation that every road is currently clear; its separate year-round and seasonal closures still apply.
• Mount Nasu is at volcanic alert level 1. JMA warns that fumes and volcanic gas inside the crater and similar areas can be life-threatening.
• Nasunogahara Museum closes on Mondays unless they are holidays. Its regular New Year closure is 29 December–3 January.

Getting there and fuel

Refuel in Kuroiso or Nishinasuno before heading into the hills. EV charging is available at Michi-no-Eki Nasu Kogen Yuai-no-Mori, Meiji-no-Mori Kuroiso and Yunoka Shiobara.

If you don't have a car

Read the licence and international driving permit guide and airport car rental pickup guide before arranging a rental car.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I drive for one day in Nasu?

Climb from Nasu Kogen on Route 17 to Sesshoseki and Nasu Ropeway, then drive along Route 400 to Shiobara Onsen in the afternoon. The route is about 74 km, with roughly 1 hour 30 minutes of driving before traffic and stops.

When does Nasu Ropeway finish its season?

Its 2026 season is planned to end on 13 December, subject to maintenance and repair changes. A return ticket is ¥2,000 for junior-high-school age and older. Regular hours are 8:30–16:30 at 20-minute intervals, with the last ascent at 16:00 and descent at 16:20. Weather can suspend operation.

How can I avoid autumn traffic?

Consider Nasu Kogen Smart IC, which requires ETC, or Kuroiso-Itamuro IC instead of the congested Nasu Kaido approach from Nasu IC to Ikkenjaya. Mornings are busiest around Mount Nasu.

Is the Nichien Momiji Line a toll road?

It has been free since 11 December 2020. Snow is possible in winter, so fit winter tyres before travelling in those conditions.

Where should I refuel?

Fill up in Kuroiso or Nishinasuno before continuing your drive into the hills.

Nearby areas and guides

• Nikko driving guide: Irohazaka, Lake Chuzenji and Oku-Nikko
• Urabandai and Bandai driving guide
• Tochigi driving and travel guide