Waterfalls, wetlands, and hot springs: A luxurious scenic drive around Nasu-Shiobara in one day.

This trip will take you to natural spots such as wetlands and waterfalls. There will be stairs and mountain trails, so please wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers or trekking shoes. There are some places with uneven footing at Ryuka Falls, Kaiko Falls, and Numappara Wetlands. Numappara Wetlands, where we will head first, is at an altitude of approximately 1,230m. Even in summer, the plateau is cool, and it gets chilly in the mornings and evenings. You might shiver if you go in just a short-sleeved shirt, so it's a good idea to pack a light jacket in your bag. The areas near streams and waterfalls are wet and slippery from the spray, so be careful not to slip while you're engrossed in taking pictures. Also, mountain weather is unpredictable, so rain gear such as an umbrella or raincoat is essential! And one more important thing is bears. Nasushiobara City is an area inhabited by Asiatic black bears, and Tochigi Prefecture and the city regularly publish information on bear sightings. When walking along the mountain trails (Numappara Marsh, Ryuka Falls, Kaiko Falls), make noise by ringing a bear bell or similar, and avoid walking alone in the dim light of early morning or dusk. Enjoying the scenery safely is the first step to experiencing its best views!

Our first destination is Numappara Marshland, located at the western edge of the Nasu mountain range. At an altitude of approximately 1,230m, it's a high-altitude marshland stretching about 250m east-west and 500m north-south. A boardwalk circles the marshland with Mount Nasu in the background, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of tourist areas. After parking, we head to the marshland. It's important to remember that the path changes direction on the way there and back. The walk from the parking lot to the marshland is about 15 minutes downhill, but the return trip involves an uphill climb. The elevation difference is about 30m. Since the return journey is a gentle uphill, it's recommended to leave a little energy in reserve. Once at the marshland, a walk around the boardwalk takes about 30 minutes. The scenery slowly changes as you walk. The seasonal changes are also a highlight. Fresh greenery and azaleas add color, and in early summer, various flowers such as false hellebore begin to bloom. Many visitors who have actually walked there say things like, "The air is so clear and refreshing," and "There aren't many places where you can walk with the Nasu Mountains in the background." On the other hand, there have also been reports of encountering groups of monkeys, so please keep a safe distance from wild animals. The city road to the parking lot is partially gravel and has many curves, so it takes a little effort to get there. However, because of that, there are fewer visitors, making it a hidden gem where you can relax. It's the perfect place to start a day when you want to "escape the hustle and bustle and take a deep breath close to the sky." ⚫︎Numappara Marshland Basic Information Location: Itamuro, Nasushiobara City Parking: Numappara Parking Lot (Free, approximately 100 regular cars) Walking: Approximately 15 minutes from the parking lot to the marshland (downhill on the way there, uphill on the way back), approximately 30 minutes to walk around the boardwalk Toilets: Public toilets on the north side of the parking lot (not potable water as it uses rainwater). No toilets in the marshland Winter Closure: The city road is closed from early December to late April (toilets are also closed in winter)

After enjoying the fresh mountain air in the wetlands, take a short drive to Otome Falls. This pristine waterfall is about 5 meters wide and 10 meters high. Look for the "Otome Falls Parking Lot P" along the prefectural road. To reach the falls, descend a 30-meter staircase from the parking lot. After a few minutes, you'll arrive at an observation deck where you can see the cascading water directly in front of you. There are places where you can get very close to the water's edge, but be careful as the ground can be muddy. Visitors have commented that "it feels good just standing there" and "the sound of the water and the negative ions are soothing." Depending on the time of day when the light is aligning, you might even see a rainbow in the spray. In summer, it's a cool and refreshing spot that's bustling with people seeking a respite from the heat. Be careful of the signs that warn against entering the area near the waterfall basin. Even from the designated areas, the beauty of the waterfall is fully apparent. • Otome Falls Basic Information Location: 703 Itamuro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture 325-0111 (Along Prefectural Road 266 / Landmark: "Otome Falls Parking Lot P") Parking: Approximately 20 regular cars in front of the Otome Falls rest area (free). The road is narrow and bus parking is not possible. Toilets: Public toilets on the east side of the parking lot (closed in winter: mid-December to mid-March of the following year) Access: Descend the stairs from the parking lot to the observation deck. A few minutes one way, steep and slippery.

There's a delightful stop at the Otome Falls parking lot: COFFEE ONTARIO, a small coffee stand housed in an old rest area. It's open irregularly, mainly on weekends, and you can enjoy a cup of coffee to go on a bench (parklet) by the waterfall. This hidden gem has even been featured on television. They serve cold-brew iced coffee and vegan cookies from Ovgo baker. A cup of coffee enjoyed in the refreshing mountain air is a reward in itself. Bringing your own cup will make the experience even more special. Since their operating days are limited, it's recommended to check in advance if you plan to visit in conjunction with the waterfall, to avoid disappointment. Please check their social media for operating days. ⚫︎COFFEE ONTARIO Basic Information Location: Inside the Otome Falls parking lot/rest area (parking lot is shared with Otome Falls) Hours: Irregular, mainly on weekends (Saturday, Sunday, Monday). Takeout available. Business days: Check social media. Instagram: @o_n_t_a_r_i_o_

After a good morning walk, you're bound to work up an appetite. Our first choice is Sobadokoro Yashio, a long-established soba restaurant in a traditional Japanese house in the Itamuro Onsen hot spring town. Founded in 1981, it has long been loved by locals and travelers alike. Their signature dish is handmade soba noodles made with buckwheat flour from Otoineppu, Hokkaido, the northernmost point of Japan, and the famous spring water of Nasu. The noodles are thin, fragrant, and have a wonderful chewiness. The dipping sauce is a delicate yet rich flavor, made with dashi broth from bonito, mackerel, and kelp. Tempura made with fresh mountain vegetables and other vegetables is also popular. You should definitely try their famous "Three Kinds of Tempura Soba." It comes with three different toppings: walnut sesame sauce, yam, and spicy grated radish, allowing you to enjoy comparing the flavors all at once. It's a slightly luxurious bowl of soba that offers multiple delights in one. • Soba Restaurant Yashio Basic Information Location: 844-41 Itamuro, Nasushiobara City Phone: 0287-69-0140 Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Closed: Tuesdays *Please check the website or social media for the latest information. Parking: Available Website: nasuyashiosoba.com / Instagram: @nasuyashiosoba

Another lunch option is located in a slightly unusual place: Kitakaze to Taiyo (North Wind and Sun), a restaurant and cafe housed in the former Toda Elementary School, which had been closed down. The space, which utilizes the former school building, retains traces of classrooms everywhere, giving you a nostalgic feeling even if it's your first time there. The menu is also authentic. You can enjoy dishes such as stewed hamburg steak made with Nasu Kogen Wagyu beef, curry made with Yashio pork and farm vegetables, and a colorful assortment of appetizers. (Menu may change depending on the season.) I was able to spend a relaxing and pleasant time eating while gazing at the playground outside the window. There is also a gallery attached to the building, and it participates in the "ART369 Project," which tours local art. If you look at the artwork after your meal, you can enjoy a mini-museum experience. It is a warm and welcoming place that is deeply rooted in the community. • Kitakaze to Taiyo Basic Information Location: 708-1 Toda, Nasushiobara City Phone: 0287-73-8700 Business Hours: Lunch 11:00-14:00 (LO 13:30) / Cafe 14:00-16:00 (LO 15:15) Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and the first Thursday of the month *Please check our social media for the latest information. Instagram: @kitakazetotaiyou2019

From Itamuro, we crossed the road and headed towards Shiobara. In the afternoon, we started at Ryuka Falls, one of Shiobara's most representative waterfalls. It is said that there are more than 100 waterfalls in Nasu-Shiobara city, but Ryuka Falls is counted as one of the most famous "Ten Famous Waterfalls of Shiobara". The name comes from its appearance. The way the water flows down in three stages looks as if a dragon is ascending to the heavens, hence the name. We parked our car in the parking lot along National Route 400 and walked along the stream-side promenade for about 20 minutes one way (about 40 minutes round trip, a distance of about 700m). The walk itself is also worth seeing, as two other waterfalls, Nunotaki and Fukyo Falls, appear along the way. The time it takes to get there makes the feeling of awe when you finally see the main waterfall all the more special. There are gentle slopes and stairs, and some places are uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. Especially during the autumn foliage season, the beauty of the colorful gorge is outstanding, and the time spent walking becomes a reward in itself. ⚫︎Ryuka Falls Basic Information Location: 329-2921 Higashiyama National Forest, Shiobara, Nasushiobara City (along National Route 400) Walking trail: Approximately 700m from the parking lot, approximately 20 minutes one way (approximately 40 minutes round trip) Toilets: Available in the parking lot Note: There are continuous slopes and stairs, and some areas have uneven footing (non-slip shoes are essential)

Next, we head to Mikaeri Falls, whose name itself is intriguing. The entrance is at Gamaishi Park, near the Gamaishi Tunnel on National Route 400. The name comes from the fact that "travelers who depart cannot help but look back" at its beauty. It is a place associated with literary figures, as it was also depicted in the novel "Konjiki Yasha" (The Golden Demon) by the great Meiji-era writer Ozaki Koyo. After parking your car in the Gamaishi Park parking lot, take the walking path while admiring the monument to Ozaki Koyo. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the waterfall. Along the way, you will find the Mikaeri Suspension Bridge, completed in 1987. It is 100m long and 30m high. The bridge sways quite a bit when you cross it, so it may feel a little thrilling for those who are afraid of heights. You can see the waterfall from the observation deck on the other side of the bridge. The waterfall, which flows over a tributary of the Hoki River, shows its slender and delicate form on the opposite bank. The author has visited several times for walks and to refresh, and has been soothed by the delicate beauty of the waterfall flowing on the opposite bank and the beauty of the gorge. The real highlight is in autumn, when the gorge is dyed in the colors of the autumn leaves. A spectacular view awaits you, where you can enjoy the swaying suspension bridge, the colorful trees, and the delicate waterfall all at once. ⚫︎Kaiko Falls and Kaiko Suspension Bridge Basic Information Location: 329-2801 Nishiyama National Forest, Sekiya, Nasushiobara City (near National Route 400 and Gamaishi Tunnel) Parking: Gamaishi Park Parking (12 spaces for regular cars, free) Toilets: Public toilets available at Gamaishi Park Access: From the parking lot, go past the monument to the walking trail, about 10-15 minutes. There are steep stairs and slippery areas.

The highlight of the afternoon is the Momijidani Suspension Bridge spanning the Shiobara Dam Lake. At an impressive 320 meters long, it boasts the title of one of the largest pedestrian-only suspension bridges on Honshu, lacking any reinforcing girders. The main towers are approximately 26 meters tall. Just hearing the numbers conveys its immense scale. Standing on the bridge, the scenery of the Shiobara Gorge unfolds in all its seasonal beauty. It's especially stunning during the fresh green season and, as the name suggests, during the autumn foliage season. However, being such a long suspension bridge, it sways considerably when you walk across it. Nevertheless, the views from there are exceptional, making it a slightly luxurious spot where you can experience thrills and breathtaking scenery at the same time! At the foot of the bridge is the "Forest Station," which features a souvenir shop, direct sales outlet, soft-serve ice cream, and a restaurant. It's the perfect place to take a break after crossing the bridge or to choose souvenirs. During the peak autumn foliage season, traffic jams can occur even to enter the parking lot. Visiting with plenty of time to spare will allow you to enjoy it at your own pace without rushing. ⚫︎Momiji Valley Suspension Bridge Basic Information Location: 1425-60 Sekiya, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture 329-2801 Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM (April 1st - October 31st) / 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (November 1st - March 31st) Bridge Crossing Fee: Adults 300 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 200 yen, Seniors (65 and over) and People with Disabilities 200 yen, Infants Free Parking: Free, 2 locations (Left bank = National Route 400 side / Right bank) Shops and Others: There is a souvenir shop, direct sales store, soft serve ice cream, restaurant and restrooms at the "Forest Station" at the foot of the bridge. Time Required: Round trip approximately 20-30 minutes

Walk through wetlands close to the sky, feel the spray of a waterfall, savor freshly made soba noodles, cross a long suspension bridge, and finally soak in golden hot springs. In Nasu-Shiobara, such a fulfilling day is possible if you have a car. Before you go, double-check your preparations. Wear comfortable shoes, a light jacket for the highlands, and a bear bell for walking in the mountains. Also, it's a good idea to check the opening days and hours of shops and facilities on their websites or social media. Open a map, mark the places you want to go, and then just drive! How about taking a luxurious scenic drive to Nasu-Shiobara on your next day off?