[2026 Latest] 15 Must-See Tourist Spots in the Itamuro Area | Cafes, Lunch, Hot Springs, and Art
The Itamuro Road leading to Itamuro Onsen is dotted with places to stop by, including cafes surrounded by nature, lunch spots where you can enjoy local ingredients, day-trip hot springs, nature experiences, and art spots. This article introduces 15 recommended tourist spots in and around Itamuro Onsen, a hot spring resort with a history of over 1000 years. Whether you’re planning a trip to Itamuro Onsen or have visited before, you’re sure to discover a new way to enjoy Itamuro.
5 Popular Cafes and Lunch Spots to Visit in the Itamuro Kaido/Itamuro Onsen Area
The Itamuro area boasts a variety of unique cafes and lunch spots surrounded by abundant nature. Its charm lies in the fact that you can enjoy it in many ways, whether it's taking a break during a drive or relaxing on your way home from a trip. We'll introduce some spots where you can enjoy the atmosphere and local ingredients that only Itamuro can offer!
Re:Kitchen
If you head down the Itamuro Road from the Kuroiso area, you'll find "Re:Kitchen" next to the roadside station Meiji no Mori Kuroiso. Owned by a registered dietitian, this restaurant serves creative home-style cooking using ingredients from Tochigi Prefecture. The menu clearly displays nutritional information, including salt content and calories, allowing you to choose according to your health and preferences. I visited on a weekday, but it was almost fully booked with reservations as soon as it opened, demonstrating its popularity. It is also barrier-free, making it easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and people of all ages can enjoy a meal there. Address: 27-2485 Aoki, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture TEL: 0287-73-5450 Business Hours: 11:00-16:00 (LO 15:00) Closed: Wednesdays SNS: Instagram @rekitchen87 HP: https://foodplace.jp/rekitchen/ Payment Method: Cash only
DAILY COFFEE STORE
Opened in March 2026, "DAILY COFFEE STORE" is a cozy, homey space with 14 seats inside a white building that blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature. Their signature item is a yeast-based donut, characterized by its crispy exterior and chewy interior. They also offer several visually appealing brunch options, reflecting their desire for customers to enjoy a pleasant morning. The welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for those who want to relax alone, read, or work while enjoying a cup of coffee. (Wi-Fi available) Address: 27-211 Aoki, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Closed: Tuesdays and the 3rd Wednesday of the month *Check Instagram highlights for details SNS: Instagram @daily_coffee_store Payment Methods: Cash / Various cashless payment options
Mori Shoten Toda Crossroads Store
Mori Shoten Toda Crossroads, the second branch of the popular Mori Shoten located in front of Nasushiobara Station, opened in September 2025. Its signature dish is the "Nasu Black," characterized by its black soup. The rich soup is made from two types of local chicken and is based on a light dried sardine broth, making it a bowl that offers a surprising contrast to its appearance. I always find myself staring at the menu, trying to decide between Nasu Black, the jet-black miso ramen, or the medicinal mala tang... It opens at 8am, so it's also recommended for breakfast on days when you're heading to Itamuro early. The staff will greet you with big smiles and energy! Address: 15-60 Toda, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture TEL: 0287-74-2828 Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM (Last Order 2:00 PM) Closed: Irregular holidays *Please check official SNS SNS: Instagram @toda_cross.morishou Payment Methods: Cash, various cashless payment methods accepted
Handmade Soba Kashiwaya
Next up is "Teuchi Soba Kashiwaya," located along the road from Itamuro Onsen to Nasu Highlands. They pride themselves on their 100% buckwheat soba noodles, made using only domestically produced buckwheat depending on the season, and you can sometimes watch them making the noodles in the restaurant. A popular menu item is the "Katsudon and Mini Seiro Soba," which allows you to enjoy freshly fried pork cutlet and 100% buckwheat soba together. It's also nice that you can choose between tatami seating or table seating. They sometimes close once they run out of soba, so be sure to visit early! Address: 599-5 Itamuro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture TEL: 0287-69-0244 Business Hours: 11:00-14:00 (closes when soba runs out) Closed: Thursdays Payment Method: Cash
Suikotei (located inside Daikokuya, Itamuro Onsen)
The fifth stop is Suikontei, a garden cafe located on the grounds of Daikokuya, a long-established inn in Itamuro Onsen. It is open to non-guests as well. You can enjoy tea freely from a large Nambu iron kettle filled with water at a hearth made of Oya stone. In addition to a light lunch served while you enjoy the sounds of the Nakagawa River and birdsong and gaze upon the historic building, they also offer sweets such as oshiruko and anmitsu, which is a nice touch. It is a great place to relax while looking at the garden, so it is recommended as a place to take a break when visiting Itamuro Onsen. Address: 856 Itamuro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture TEL: 0287-69-0226 (Daikokuya representative) Opening hours: 9:00-16:00 Closed: Same as Daikokuya HP: https://www.itamuro-daikokuya.com/food-2/cafe/ Payment methods: Cash, various cashless
Two activities to enjoy nature in Itamuro
In Itamuro, surrounded by the rich natural beauty of the Nakagawa River's headwaters, you can enjoy experiences that bring you closer to nature, such as fishing and nature tours. It's also appealing because there are many spots that are easy for families with children and beginners to participate in.
Nasu Fishland
Nasu Fishland is a managed fishing area utilizing the clear waters of a tributary of the Nakagawa River. It offers four types of fishing areas, from a trout fishing area for beginners and families to a char and cherry salmon course, and a lure and fly fishing area. Fishing tickets are purchased per rod, and can be shared among multiple people. You can enjoy your catch grilled or fried on the spot, and there is also a covered barbecue area, so you can come empty-handed. Admission and parking are both free, and dogs are welcome. Address: 46 Itamuro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture Opening hours: Please check the opening calendar on the official website (nasufish.com/eigyou_cal/) Closed: Irregular holidays *Please check the official website SNS: Instagram @nasu_fishland HP: https://nasufish.com/ Payment methods: Cash, various cashless
Moora Beat
Another activity unique to this area that I'd like to introduce is the nature tour offered by "Moora Beat." Based in the Itamuro Onsen area, they organize walking tours with nature guides. The main locations are the Numappara Marsh, a wetland known to have been frequently visited by Emperor Showa, and the concept is a "low-effort tour" with minimal physical exertion. In addition to daytime nature tours, they offer programs that are easy for people who are not confident in their physical fitness or those with children, such as night tours where you can walk without carrying a light and dog tours where you can participate with your dog. Meeting place: Itamuro Onsen Municipal Parking Lot (844-20 Itamuro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture) TEL: 090-7194-2960 (Email inquiries recommended https://moorabeat.com/contact/) Business hours: 8:30-17:30 (telephone response time), tours require reservations Closed days: None SNS: Instagram @mooraBeat HP: https://moorabeat.com/ Payment methods: Cash, various cashless
6 Recommended Accommodations and Hot Springs in Itamuro Onsen
Itamuro offers a variety of accommodations, from traditional inns that uphold the history of hot spring resorts to those that propose new styles of stay. The availability of facilities where you can enjoy the hot springs even on a day trip is also a major attraction.
Okunasu, Taisho Village, Yukinoyu Onsen
This single-building inn is open year-round and also offers day-use bathing. Its specialties are "Tsuna-no-yu," an open-air bath that revives the traditional bathing method called "tachiyu," and "Ootaki-no-yu," where hot spring water flows down from a height of 4 meters. The baths are rotated between men and women, so you can enjoy Tsuna-no-yu and Ootaki-no-yu on alternating days. For day-use bathers, there is also a rest area, a dining hall, and a footbath cafe called "Miyabi," making it an easy facility to incorporate into a family day trip. Address: 3536-1 Hyakumura, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture TEL: 0287-69-1126 Business Hours: Day-use bathing 10:00-21:00 (Rest area available from 10:00-17:00, bathing only after 17:00) Closed: Open all year round Price: Adults 800 yen (10:00-17:00) / 500 yen (17:00-21:00), Children 500 yen / 300 yen, Tuesday Ladies' Day Adults 400 yen Website: https://www.satinoyu-onsen.info/ Payment Method: Cash
Guesthouse Leu.
Guesthouse Leu., a multi-purpose facility that opened in April 2025 after renovating a former hot spring inn, is themed around "living." It offers long-term stay plans ranging from one night to one month, and features a natural hot spring bath, a shared kitchen, and private rooms for online meetings. The JAM floor (common space) is very unique, making it easy for people to interact with each other. In addition to accommodation, the guesthouse regularly holds events that allow guests to interact with local people, and is used not only by tourists but also by people considering moving to Nasu or living in a second home. Parking is shared with Nasu Fishland. Address: 46 Itamuro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture TEL: 0287-74-6565 Business Hours: Check-in 16:00~ (latest 22:00), Check-out 10:00 Closed: None SNS: Instagram @guesthouse.leu HP: https://leu.jp/ Payment Method: Cash
Itamuro Onsen Daikokuya
This long-established inn boasts three buildings on a 3,000-tsubo (approximately 10,000 square meter) plot of land. The hot spring water is a simple alkaline spring, characterized by its lukewarm temperature of around 40°C and free-flowing natural spring water. It has long been favored by people with high blood pressure and those recovering from injuries. The inn also features "Ataraxia," a low-temperature sauna-like facility made from Korean yellow clay. Another unique feature is the permanent and temporary art exhibitions held on the premises. As a "recreational and art inn," it's a very rare place where guests can immerse themselves in both hot springs and art. Address: 856 Itamuro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture TEL: 0287-69-0226 Business Hours: Check-in 14:00~, Check-out 10:30 Closed: Please check official SNS SNS: Instagram @daikokuya_itamuro_onsen HP: https://www.itamuro-daikokuya.com/ Payment Methods: Cash, various cashless payment options
Kikuya Inn
This is a small inn with only three rooms available per day. Originally operating as "Kikuya Ichibokan" for about 40 years, it relocated to the heart of Itamuro Onsen in 2019. Instead of a large public bath, each of the three rooms is equipped with two different types of free-flowing hot spring water at varying temperatures, allowing guests to enjoy a peaceful hot spring experience in the comfort of their room. When searching on a car navigation system, it may lead you to the old location, so it is recommended to check Google Maps before visiting. Address: 844-7 Itamuro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture TEL: 0287-69-0303 Business Hours: Check-in 15:00-18:00, Check-out 11:00 Closed: Please call to confirm SNS: Instagram @yuyado_kikuya HP: https://www.kikuya-nasu.com/ Payment Methods: Cash, various cashless payment options available
ONSENRYOKANN Yamaki
Nestled in the quiet mountain village of Itamuro Onsen is the small inn "ONSEN RYOKAN Yamaki," with only eight rooms. The cuisine, which emphasizes the natural flavors of locally sourced ingredients, and the modern architectural space surrounded by wood create a wonderfully comfortable atmosphere. The free-flowing natural hot spring, surrounded by abundant nature, deeply heals both mind and body. It's a sophisticated hideaway for adults, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and return to your true self. Address: 844 Itamuro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture TEL: 0287-69-0214 (Main) / 0287-69-0011 (Reservations only) Business Hours: Check-in 15:00 - (Last 17:30) / Check-out 11:00 Closed: None SNS: Instagram @ryokan_yamaki HP: https://yamaki-onsen.com/ Payment Methods: Cash, various cashless payment options
Itamuro Bettei Retreat SPA Japanese Herbal
"Itamuro Bettei Retreat SPA Wayakusou," a spa with six rooms, offers a program designed to fundamentally restore mind and body, focusing on regulating the autonomic nervous system and breathing, including customized manual therapy, yoga, forest bathing, and hot spring therapy. It's a hidden retreat for adults where you can deeply heal from the fatigue of everyday life in a private open-air bath with 100% natural, free-flowing hot spring water, surrounded by the scent of cypress and the sound of a flowing river. The early check-in time is also a plus for those who want to fully enjoy Itamuro and the spa. Address: 841-14 Itamuro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture TEL: 0287-69-0666 Business Hours: Check-in 13:00~ / Check-out 10:00 Closed: Irregular holidays SNS: Instagram @spa_wayakusou HP: https://spa-wayaku-sou.jp/ Payment Methods: Cash, various cashless payment options
Two art and cultural spots you should visit when sightseeing in Itamuro
Itamuro Onsen is also known as a "village of relaxation and art." In addition to hot springs, there are facilities scattered throughout the area where you can experience contemporary art and culture, allowing you to enjoy appreciating works of art in a tranquil environment.
Itamuro Onsen Daikokuya Suga Kishio Warehouse Museum
The Daikokuya, a long-established inn also featured in this article, is a facility that symbolizes the concept of "a lodging for relaxation and art" that it has adopted since the 1980s. Opened in 2008, it is said to be the world's only museum specializing in the works of Kishio Suga, a contemporary artist who represents the Mono-ha movement. Approximately 250 works from the 1980s to the present are on permanent display. Viewing is by reservation only, and guided tours, including installations of five gardens created by Mr. Suga, are offered every morning at 10am. Even non-guests can visit if they inform the inn of their date of visit, name, and number of people by phone in advance. Address: 856 Itamuro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture (inside Daikokuya) TEL: 0287-69-0226 (Daikokuya representative, reservations required) Visiting hours: 10:00-11:00 every morning (approximately 1 hour tour) Price: 770 yen Closed: Same as Daikokuya SNS: Instagram @daikokuya_itamuro_onsen HP: https://www.itamuro-daikokuya.com/art/museum/ Payment methods: Cash, various cashless payment methods accepted
N's YARD
This is a private art space established in 2018 by contemporary artist Yoshitomo Nara. Located in the Aoki area at the entrance to the Itamuro Road, it displays not only Nara's own works but also his collection of record jackets, objects, and other items. The space also includes a café and shop, allowing visitors to relax after viewing the artwork. Admission is required for both the café and shop; they cannot be used independently. The space is closed for the winter season from late December to early March each year, so it is recommended to check the opening hours before visiting. Address: 28-3 Aoki, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture TEL: 0287-73-5711 Opening Hours: 9:50 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM) Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Closed during winter, please check for the latest information) Admission Fee: Adults/University Students 1,500 yen, High School Students 1,000 yen, Elementary/Junior High School Students 500 yen, Children under elementary school age free Website: https://www.nsyard.com/ Payment Methods: Cash, various cashless payment methods
Take a relaxing trip to the Itamuro area.
The Itamuro area is a place where you can relax at a cafe, enjoy a local lunch, get some exercise in nature, soothe your fatigue in a hot spring, and experience art. It's about a 30-minute drive from Shiobara Onsen and easily accessible from Nasu Highlands, making it perfect for those who want to avoid crowds and enjoy a leisurely trip. Why not take a relaxed drive along the Itamuro Road and discover your own favorite spots?
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