What is a Ryokan? Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
Nasu (or Nasu-Kogen) is a hot spring area located north of Tokyo in picturesque northern Tochigi Prefecture. This highland area is well-known for its number and variety of hot springs. Some of the more popular hot spring areas are Yumoto, Takao, and Omaru. This hot spring area starts at the foot of Mount Nasudake which is in the center of a volcanic mountain range. Mount Nasudake is 1,915 meters high, and visitors can take a tramcar to near the top of this volcano and enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. Nasu is a very popular resort area offering both summer and winter recreational activities, and even the present Emperor of Japan has a summer retreat here.
