【那須温泉 鹿の湯】白濁の秘湯と火山の大地を辿る旅｜Shika no Yu in Nasu Onsen
Is there really milky hot spring water like this in the Kanto region? Another famous hot spring born from a volcano A journey to trace its origins The name is Hi, I’m Ryo. When people think of milky hot springs in the Kanto region, they usually think of Kusatsu Onsen. That’s probably what comes to mind. But actually, in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, there’s a little-known but truly authentic sulfur hot spring. It’s called Nasu Yumoto Onsen. With a history of over 1,300 years, its strong acidic waters with a pH of 2.4 bubble up naturally. It’s truly one of Japan’s great hot springs. And this time, I was granted special permission to film— I’ll be giving you an exclusive look inside “Shika no Yu,” the source spring of Nasu Yumoto. We’ll take our time and show it in detail. We’ll also explore the rugged volcanic terrain that nurtures this hot spring, a shrine associated with the legendary samurai Nasu no Yoichi, and the infamous “Killing Stone” steeped in myth. And we’ll climb Mount Nasu, which rises to 1,900 meters. Nasu isn’t just gourmet food and theme parks— there’s another side of its charm I hope you’ll enjoy through this video. All right, let’s get started! Here’s how to get there: Exit the Tohoku Expressway at the Nasu Interchange, then head north toward Nasu Yumoto along the Nasu Highway, and you’ll arrive in about 20 minutes. There are several free parking lots in Nasu Yumoto, but if you plan to visit all the main spots like Onsen Shrine, the Killing Stone, and Shika no Yu, the prefectural parking lot in front of the Nasu Highland Tourist Center is spacious and very convenient. We’ve just arrived. Let’s go straight to Shika no Yu! This part of Nasu Yumoto feels like stepping back in time— a nostalgic atmosphere fills the entire town. With old wooden walls, covered walkways, and the sound of the stream, it truly feels like being transported back to the Showa era. It’s a strange but comforting feeling. This stream flows from the side of the Killing Stone, which you can see ahead. Perhaps due to the high hydrogen sulfide content, the riverbed has turned a whitish color. The distinctive scent of sulfur fills the air all around. All right, let’s head inside. The nostalgic atmosphere of this well-aged building is just wonderful. Despite its age, the interior is kept remarkably clean— it’s a very pleasant place. It’s a day-use hot spring, but apparently, many celebrities have visited as well. Now, let me show you the inside of the baths— it still preserves the atmosphere of old Japan. It was even used as a filming location for the film *Golden Kamuy*, which is set in the Meiji era. You can even see a signature from the lead actor, Kento Yamazaki. This building was renovated in 1941, before World War II, and still retains much of that era’s character. It feels like time has completely stopped here. Sunlight streams through the wooden ceiling, the scent of sulfur hangs gently in the air, and hot spring water flows continuously. It has healed visitors for centuries— this is truly sacred ground for hot springs. It’s no wonder this place was chosen as a film location. The men’s bath is divided into six tubs, with temperatures ranging from 41°C to 48°C, so you can choose what suits you. At Shika no Yu, there’s a recommended bathing method called “short-interval bathing,” where you soak up to your waist for one minute, then your chest for one minute, then your neck for one minute. This method helps prevent dizziness or nausea and lets you enjoy the full benefits of the hot spring. I tried the 46°C tub, but it was scorching— I couldn’t even last a full minute. But with everything from mild to ultra-hot baths, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. At Shika no Yu, using soap or shampoo is prohibited because it makes the floor dangerously slippery. Besides, it would be a shame to wash off such amazing spring water. And this time— I’ve even been given special permission to film the women’s bath. Let’s take a peek! In the women’s section, there are four tubs: 41°C, 42°C, 44°C, and 46°C. You can pick the temperature you like. And at the very back, there’s a large, spacious bath with a relaxing atmosphere. The water here is kept at 42°C, a comfortable temperature that’s easy to enjoy. Wooden stairs and railings overlook the bathing area, and when you look up through the steam, it feels like the bath is gently embracing you— a uniquely Japanese sense of rustic beauty. And the bathwater is a softly milky white with a gentle sulfur scent. The spring is a strongly acidic hot spring with a pH of 2.4. It’s a bit stimulating on the skin, but has strong antibacterial properties and is said to be effective for cuts and skin conditions. Acidic springs like this also have a gentle peeling effect, removing dead skin cells. After bathing, your skin feels smooth and soft. What’s more, this spring contains abundant sulfate and metasilicic acid, which makes it highly moisturizing and great for your skin. In the water, it feels thick and silky, and after bathing, it leaves your skin feeling hydrated and smooth. However, if you have sensitive skin, please bathe cautiously and don’t overdo it. Ahh, that was a great bath. My skin really does feel smooth— this is a hot spring I’d especially recommend to women. This famous hot spring is nurtured by the still-active Nasu volcanic zone. The rocky area you see ahead is still emitting volcanic gases. Now then— let’s visit the shrine that has long watched over this hot spring. Cross the Motoyu Bridge near Shika no Yu and head up the mountain path, and you’ll return to the prefectural parking lot. Right nearby, you’ll find the entrance to Nasu Onsen Shrine. At the entrance, there’s also a footbath facility called Konbairo-no-Yu. The walk to Nasu Onsen Shrine and the Killing Stone is quite long, so the footbath is a welcome place to relax. There’s a famous legend that during the Battle of Yashima, the samurai Nasu no Yoichi prayed to this shrine’s deity and successfully shot his arrow into a fan target. Because of this story, the shrine is said to bring victory in battle. Still, it’s quite a long walk from the torii gate to the main hall, with many stone steps. When you finally reach the top, you really start to believe you’ll be blessed. Here we are at the main hall. Here’s what it looks like from above. That was a hike! That dragon god has a very dignified mustache! As you’d expect from a top-ranked shrine—it has an impressive presence. We’ll also visit the inner shrine located at the summit of Mount Chausu. Let’s pray for a safe journey while we’re here. There’s also a monument inscribed with a poem by Emperor Showa, who had great affection for Nasu. Go further into the shrine grounds, and you’ll arrive at a strange place filled with sulfur fumes and heat— this is the site of the infamous Killing Stone. According to legend, a nine-tailed fox disguised as a woman was slain here after deceiving the imperial court. In fact, wild animals have long been found dead here due to volcanic gases— which is said to be the origin of the name “Killing Stone.” Most recently, in 2022, eight wild boars were found dead here, drawing public attention. Access is now restricted in certain areas, and fences have been installed around dangerous zones. This large cracked rock is the Killing Stone— originally, it was one solid boulder. But in 2022, a natural phenomenon caused it to split in two, and some speculated that the seal on the nine-tailed fox had been broken. This area was also once called “Sai no Kawara,” and known as a place where hot spring minerals were harvested. Beyond the wooden walkway, the scenery almost feels like another world. Another thing you shouldn’t miss is the thousands of Jizo statues offered by couples praying for children. As a spiritually powerful place, it still draws many visitors and worshippers. And now, for our final destination— let’s climb Mount Nasu, the volcano that gives birth to these hot springs. The weather at the summit isn’t great, but mountain weather changes quickly, so let’s go anyway. We’re aiming for Mount Chausu, one of the Nasu mountain range’s peaks. You can take a ropeway up to the 9th station, and from there, it’s a hike to the summit. From the ropeway, you might even spot a Japanese serow or a black bear. We’re completely in the clouds now. It takes about 4 minutes to reach the 9th station. There are two main trails to the summit from here: one is a scenic clockwise trail that loops around the middle slopes, and the other is a steep, direct climb. I chose the gentler route for the ascent, and the steep one for the descent. Oh, it looks like the summit is clearing up! What a beautiful ridgeline. They say this area turns into a golden carpet in the fall. We’ve reached a point called Ushigashira. Below us, you can see Ubaga-daira and Hyotan Pond, but we’re skipping them this time out of caution—bears roam the area. The path still feels endless… Look, there’s steam rising ahead. Let’s get closer. This is clearly an active volcano. It’s honestly a little scary. Mount Chausu is generally considered beginner-friendly, but due to the volcanic terrain, the footing can be rough and unstable, so you should definitely be cautious of changing weather too. For your safety, I highly recommend being properly equipped for the hike. Once you pass the tough part, you’ll see a torii gate in the middle of a mystical landscape. I wish I could show you the magnificent view, but unfortunately the weather isn’t cooperating. While it was 36°C down below, up here it’s a pleasant 22°C. The cool mountain air feels great. Today, we introduced you to Nasu’s iconic hot spring, Shika no Yu, and the volcanic land that nurtures its healing waters. I hope you enjoyed it. When I think of milky hot springs, I usually picture Kusatsu— but I was surprised to find that Nasu, which is also easily accessible from the city, has such an incredible spring. It’s not crowded, and nearby you’ll find mystical shrines and scenic landmarks. It’s the perfect hidden getaway for adults to enjoy a quiet, high-quality hot spring. Plus, being in a cool highland area, you can enjoy a refreshing visit even in summer—that’s one of Nasu’s greatest charms. Next time, I’ll introduce a luxurious hotel that just opened in Nasu last year. It’s located near the Imperial Villa, and features a different hot spring source from Shika no Yu, elegant guest rooms, and exceptional cuisine that I can’t wait to show you. Please stay tuned for that. Thank you for watching, and see you next time!
関東屈指の名湯草津温泉を思わせる乳白色の湯が、実は栃木県にも…。
今回は「白濁の秘湯」として知られる那須温泉「鹿の湯」を訪ね、
この温泉を生み出す那須火山の大地と、その源流を辿る旅に出かけました。
湯けむりに包まれた木造の湯殿、そして強烈な硫黄の香り。
千年以上の歴史を誇る鹿の湯は、草津にも勝るとも劣らない魅力を秘めています。
さらに「殺生石」「温泉神社」「賽の河原」など、
那須火山が育んだ神秘的な名所にも立ち寄りながら、
温泉の起源と自然の息吹を体感しました。
Did you know that a hot spring just as milky as Kusatsu exists in Tochigi, not Gunma?
In this video, we visit Shika no Yu, a legendary onsen in Nasu, known for its
cloudy white water and strong sulfur scent.
We trace the origin of the hot spring,
exploring the volcanic landscape of Mt. Chausu,
and stopping by spiritual spots such as Sessho-seki (Killing Stone)
and the historic Onsen Shrine.
Step into a wooden bathhouse filled with steam,
where ancient healing waters have flowed for over a thousand years.
🎥 「Travel in the wind」では、日本各地の美しい風景・観光地・ホテルをご紹介しています。チャンネル登録もぜひお願いいたします！
“Travel in the wind” introduces beautiful scenery, sightseeing spots, and hotels from all over Japan. Please subscribe to our channel!
🔔 チャンネル登録はこちら：www.youtube.com/@T-wind-du1nv
🎥 次回予告
次回の動画では、那須御用邸近くに誕生した話題のリゾートホテル
**「那須温泉 森旬の籠 by ヒューイットリゾート」**をご紹介します。
どうぞお楽しみに！
🔔 Next Episode Teaser
Stay tuned for our next video, where we introduce
a luxurious new resort hotel near the Nasu Imperial Villa:
Mori Shun no Kago – Hewitt Resort.
栃木の温泉↓
◆湯西川温泉《本家伴久 平家伝承かずら橋の宿》
◆塩原温泉 《全室離れの宿 楓音》
◆日光 オーベルジュ《はなぶさ日光》
【鹿の湯】
〒325-0301 栃木県那須郡那須町湯本１８１
1:27 アクセス方法
1:57 鹿の湯
4:45 女湯
5:38 泉質
6:40 那須温泉神社
8:15 殺生石
9:55 那須ロープウェイ
10:30 茶臼岳登山
12:55 次回予告「那須温泉 森旬の籠 by ヒューイットリゾート」
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#那須温泉
#白濁の湯
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