This itinerary invites you to explore Tokyo’s gardens, Japanese tea, and art before continuing to Nasu, where nature, renowned hot springs, fragrances, Wagyu beef, and contemporary art nourish both body and mind.
In Tokyo, experience tranquility and beauty at Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens and the Nezu Museum, and discover the depth of Japanese tea at Jugetsudo. Then travel to Tochigi to explore the natural landscapes of Nasu and Shiobara with a local guide before unwinding in the waters of Shika no Yu and at a hot spring inn. You’ll also enjoy fragrances created from forest botanicals, Wagyu beef, and art at N’s YARD to round out your three-day journey that awakens the senses.
*For the latest information on business hours, days when spots/facilities are regularly closed, prices, etc., please check the official website for each spot/facility or check directly with the spot/facility.
Destination
Itinerary
3Days
Transport
JR Tohoku Shinkansen
Tokyo to Utsunomiya
Tokyo to Utsunomiya
About
50 minutes
50 minutes
Day1
TOKYO
1
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
公益財団法人 東京都公園協会
Construction of this garden was started during the early Edo Period in 1629 by Yorifusa, the founder of the Mito Tokugawa family, as the garden for his secondary residence (which later became his main mansion in Edo). It was completed in the lifetime of Mitsukuni, the second Mito Tokugawa feudal lord. The garden is composed of artificial hills and ponds circled by paths, built around a central pond. Mitsukuni referred to the opinions of Zhu Shunshui ("Shu Shunsui" in Japanese), a surviving retainer of the Ming Dynasty when constructing the garden, incorporating scenes from China, including a "full-moon" shaped bridge (*Known as the Full Moon Bridge in Japanese, because the arch of the stone bridge reflected on the water's surface creates an image like a full moon) and a West Lake bank. The garden itself was also named by Shunshui, making it brim with the atmosphere of China.
8 minutes by foot
11 minutes by train (non-JR lines)
10 minutes by foot
2
Tea Experience ＠Jugetsudo Ginza Kabukiza
Adjoining the rooftop garden on the 5th floor of Kabukiza Tower is Jugetsudo Ginza Kabukiza, a café specializing in Japanese tea, enclosed by 3000 pieces of bamboo. Visitors can enjoy shopping, having tea, and participating in workshops in this "Zen" space designed by architect Kengo Kuma. Experience Japanese tea here, through a tea experience program that introduces you to the first steps of the tea ceremony in two languages, Japanese and English, in a way that is easy to understand. Learn how to make and drink matcha in practical lessons, where each individual will be presented with a new matcha set. Enjoy using it when you get home.
5 minutes by foot
13 minutes by train (non-JR lines)
8 minutes by foot
3
Nezu Museum
The museum was founded in 1940 to preserve and display Japanese and East Asian premodern art collection of Nezu Kaichiro, a prominent businessman whose career included being President of the Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. Current main building was designed by Kengo Kuma. The expanse of this open, relaxing space is an enjoyable place to appreciate art.
The lush 17,000 square meters of Japanese garden behind the museum creates an oasis in the city, where visitors can take pleasure in the passage of the seasons. (Entry to the garden requires museum entrance fee. Online Timed-entry reservation is recommended. )
The lush 17,000 square meters of Japanese garden behind the museum creates an oasis in the city, where visitors can take pleasure in the passage of the seasons. (Entry to the garden requires museum entrance fee. Online Timed-entry reservation is recommended. )
Day2
TOCHIGI
4
Tokyo Station
1h15minutes by JR Tohoku Shinkansen
6 minutes by train (JR)
10 minutes by foot
5
shiobara viva
Join Ann-chan, a local guide with a global perspective, to experience the true essence of Japan. Just 70 minutes from Tokyo, Nasushiobara offers a profound escape. Immerse yourself in wild nature and dynamic river gorges for overwhelming healing. Enjoy history, culture, and nature year-round: vibrant green foliage, crystal-clear waters, blazing autumn leaves, and serene snowscapes. Soak in "Shiobara Onsen," a rare hot spring sanctuary with 1,200 years of history, and deeply connect with locals.
35 minutes by taxi
6
Shika no Yu
This hot spring facility is located in Yumoto, Nasu Town. It is said to have opened approximately 1,390 years ago.
The origin of the discovery of this hot spring is said to be that a county official was hunting in the mountains and chased a deer that he missed shooting, and the deer healed its wounded body with the hot spring.
It is considered the oldest hot spring in Tochigi Prefecture, and many of the surrounding hot-spring hotels use it as their spring water source.
The origin of the discovery of this hot spring is said to be that a county official was hunting in the mountains and chased a deer that he missed shooting, and the deer healed its wounded body with the hot spring.
It is considered the oldest hot spring in Tochigi Prefecture, and many of the surrounding hot-spring hotels use it as their spring water source.
5 minutes by taxi
7
Nasu Onsen Sanraku
Sanraku, standing in serenity on the famous summer retreat, Nasu Highlands, is a long-established ryokan inn with a history of over 100 years. Its open-air baths feature the natural hot spring water flowing directly from the inn’s on-premise spring that produces as much as 800 liters per minute. This pure onsen water reaches the tubs without treatments such as heating, circulation, or filtering. Sanraku also has guest rooms with an open-air bath for you to enjoy a soak in privacy.
15 minutes by taxi
Day3
TOCHIGI
8
nasu aroma Lab.
Surrounded by the forests of the Nasu Highlands, the Aroma Distillery carefully distills branches and leaves from Yamizo cedar that would otherwise go unused, along with locally grown plants, and seasonal citrus peels. Visitors can watch as these natural ingredients release their fragrances through distillation, then create an aroma craft by blending essential oils. Discover natural fragrances created through a sustainable local cycle at this aroma Distillery, where the essence of Nasu's nature is captured drop by drop.
10 minutes by taxi
9
WAGYU STEAK SAKURA NASUKOGEN TEN
This steakhouse is located in the Nasu Highlands, which spread out at the foot of the magnificent Nasu Mountains.
We pursue the true flavor and deliciousness of beef and serve steaks that have been aged to perfection.
We welcome you with safe, healthy, and body-friendly dishes.
Please enjoy our steaks, which are cooked with care.
We pursue the true flavor and deliciousness of beef and serve steaks that have been aged to perfection.
We welcome you with safe, healthy, and body-friendly dishes.
Please enjoy our steaks, which are cooked with care.
10 minutes by taxi
10
N’s YARD
Photo: Mie Morimoto ※The images may differ from the current facility appearance.
N’s YARD is a private modern art space displaying the works of modern artists and was created with the intention of making a space available for visitors to casually see the works of the artist and sculptor, Yoshitomo Nara. The museum has a café and a museum shop, too. Five exhibition rooms showcase not only Nara’s works including paintings, drawings, and 3D art pieces, but also Nara’s collections of other artists’ works, records, and dolls. Exhibitions are planned and designed by Nara.
update: Oct.28.2026
