Located south of Nasushiobara City, the Nishinasuno area saw the establishment of numerous farms during the Meiji era’s land reclamation projects. Many of the cultural properties dating back to that time form the core of the Japan Heritage site, “The Future Envisioned by Meiji Aristocrats: A Romantic Tale of Nasunogahara’s Land Development.” This area offers opportunities for historical journeys exploring the Japan Heritage site, as well as enjoyment of vast ranches and rural landscapes, including opportunities to interact with animals and savor farm-fresh cuisine at Senbonmatsu Ranch.

With a history spanning over 1200 years since its opening, this hot spring resort has soothed countless travelers for centuries. Eleven hot spring areas are scattered along the Hokigawa River, which showcases the beauty of the valley in every season. From the Meiji to Showa periods, members of the imperial family and renowned literary figures such as Natsume Soseki and Tanizaki Junichiro visited the area, leaving behind a lasting legacy. In addition to the hot springs with their diverse colors and water qualities, this resort offers a refreshing experience for both mind and body, with its scenic natural surroundings, rural landscapes, and gourmet cuisine unique to the highlands.

The Itamuro area is blessed not only with hot springs but also with magnificent nature spreading at the foot of the Nasu mountain range. There you will find the representative “Numappara Marshland,” the small but graceful “Otome Falls” which resembles a beautiful woman, and the “Kinomata Valley and Park” where your soul will be cleansed by the flowing lemonade-colored water.

Development progressed through the Nasu Canal project, and with the opening of the railway in the mid-Meiji period, Kuroiso began to develop rapidly. Also, in Nabekake, on the east side of town, the old Oshu Kaido road passed through, and a haiku monument remains that is said to have been visited by Matsuo Basho on his journey along the Oku no Hosomichi. Higashi Nasuno (Nasu Shiobara), on the west side of town, is experiencing rapid growth as a new town development following the opening of the Tohoku Shinkansen.