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Autumn color video introduction of "Mt. Nasu (Chausu-dake)" in Nikko National Park located in Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Image of autumn on Mt. Nasu (Mt. Chausu), Tochigi Prefecture
Photo:Autumn on Mt. Nasu (Mt. Chausu), Tochigi Prefecture

This video, titled "[4K]【Nikko National Park】 Autumn leaves of Mt. Nasu Kanto No. 1 autumn leaves spot 2020," was uploaded by "Superb view of Japan."

Mt. Nasu, which boasts some of the best autumn leaves in the Kanto region, is located in Nikko National Park in Tochigi Prefecture.
What makes Mt. Nasu so great in autumn is that visitors can enjoy hiking while viewing the beautiful autumn leaves.

The combination of the majestic Mt. Nasu and the blazing red autumn leaves, as shown in the video, will make you want to see it in person! Be sure to check out the incredibly scenery in the video in 4K!

When to See Autumn Leaves on Mt. Nasu

Image of Mt. Nasu (Mt. Chausu), Tochigi Prefecture
Photo:Mt. Nasu (Mt. Chausu), Tochigi Prefecture

Mt. Nasu, the main peak of the Nasu Mountain Range, a volcanic group centering on the five peaks of Nasu, is also called Mt. Chausu, and has been selected as one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains.

Located in the northwestern part of Nasu, Tochigi, in Japan's Kanto region, Mt. Nasu is 1,915 meters (~6,283 ft.) above sea level. Together with Mt. Asahi to the north, it's a great place to enjoy the autumn colors of mountain maples and azaleas in the fall. Because Mt. Nasu is an active volcano even today, you can smell sulfur in the air around it.

The best time to view the autumn leaves is usually from late September to early October, and since there is a ropeway, both beginners and advanced hikers can enjoy them. The area is crowded with hikers who come to see the autumn colors every year.

Highlights & Where to See the Autumn Leaves on Mt. Nasu

Image of autumn leaves at Ubagadaira, Mt. Nasu (Mt. Chausu), Tochigi Prefecture
Photo:Autumn leaves at Ubagadaira, Mt. Nasu (Mt. Chausu), Tochigi Prefecture

The highlight of the autumn leaves on Mt. Nasu is the collaboration between the active volcano, Mt Nasu, and the fiery red autumn leaves that can be seen all the way up to the top of the mountain.
[Video] 1:33 - Beautiful Autumn Leaves on Mt. Nasu

While the view from the top of the mountain is, of course, spectacular, the panoramic view of the town below and the colorful autumn leaves will take your breath away.
There is also a well-maintained hiking trail at the top of the mountain, so you can make a round trip around the caldera.

If you go when the leaves are changing colors, the spectacular view from Ubagadaira is something you don't want to miss.
The volcanic gasses and autumn leaves atop the majestic Mt. Nasu are sure to leave a lasting impression! Don't forget to bring a camera, because this is an excellent spot for taking photos.
[Video] 5:57 - Ubagadaira at the Foot of Mt. Nasu

Hiking Trails and What to Wear When Hiking Mt. Nasu in Autumn

Image of the Mt. Nasu Ropeway, Tochigi Prefecture
Photo:The Mt. Nasu Ropeway, Tochigi Prefecture

Mt. Nasu is a great mountain for both beginners and experienced hikers alike.
There are several hiking trails on Mt. Nasu with varying levels of difficulty, but the course using a ropeway is recommended for beginners. For those interested in hiking Mt. Nasu but feel that they are not ready for the challenge of a full-scale hiking adventure, we recommend using the ropeway.
It takes about 50 minutes to reach the top of Mt. Nasu from Nasu Ropeway Station. This is a hiking course where you can casually enjoy climbing the mountain while viewing the autumn leaves.

For those looking to hike Mt. Nasu, here are some tips on what to wear and what temperatures to expect when hiking during autumn.
From late September to late October, the best time to view the autumn leaves, the temperature is usually around 10°C (50°F). Mornings and evenings are cold and there can be strong winds when you reach the summit, so be sure to wear clothing that is easy to put on and take off, as well as layers of clothing to regulate your body temperature.

For shoes, wear hiking boots or other suitable footwear for hiking, and don't forget rain gear as the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable.

Climbing Mt. Nasu for Beginners – Ropeway Fees, How to Get There, Etc.

Image of Mt. Nasu and the Mt. Nasu Ropeway, Tochigi Prefecture
Photo:Mt. Nasu and the Mt. Nasu Ropeway, Tochigi Prefecture

When accessing the trailhead by car, there are three parking lots.
Nasu Ropeway parking lot: 175 cars
Nasu Toge no Chaya Parking Lot 1 & 2: 167 spaces
Daimaru Parking Lot: 160 spaces

The round-trip ropeway fee is 1,800 yen for adults (junior high school students and older) and 900 yen for children (Ages 3 to elementary school students).
The ropeway recommended for those who are just looking to see the autumn leaves, as they can be seen from the ropeway when they're in season.

It takes about 4 minutes to reach the station at the top from Nasu Ropeway Sanroku Station. You'll reach the 9th station of Mt. Nasu in no time.

Things To Do Near Mt. Nasu

Image of Tsutsuji Suspension Bridge, Nasu Kogen, Tochigi Prefecture
Photo:Tsutsuji Suspension Bridge, Nasu Kogen, Tochigi Prefecture

Here are some places of interest that we recommend checking out when visiting Mt. Nasu.

Nasu Onsen
Mt. Nasu is located right next to Nasu Onsen, and in the nearby onsen town, visitors can enjoy a variety of different hot springs to relax after a day of sightseeing or hiking.
The oldest hot spring at Nasu Onsen is Shika no Yu, meaning "Deer Hot Spring." This hot spring is 1,300 years old and is the origin of Nasu Onsen. Its name comes from a legend that the local villagers saw an injured deer limping around, but after falling into the hot spring it miraculously recovered.

Tsutsuji Suspension Bridge
Tsutsuji Suspension Bridge is a beautiful bridge that stretches across a low valley. In the fall, the surrounding trees change to beautiful shades of yellow and orange and delight the eyes of visitors.
The bridge itself is aesthetically pleasing as well, so be sure to take a photo with it when visiting.

Besides the two places mentioned above, there are a number of other attractions in the area, including the famous "Killing Stone" located across the bridge. According to legends, the stone was said to hold the spirit of a nine-tailed fox demon that turned into such after being vanquished after attempting to assassinate Emperor Toba (1103-1156). In recent years, the stone suddenly split in half, and can still be seen by visitors.

Also in the area are numerous waterfalls, museums, and many more exciting things to see and do. There are also some lovely azalea fields nearby that can be seen blooming in the spring. During autumn, they're known for their wonderful foliage.

Summary of Autumn Leaves on Mt. Nasu

Image of autumn leaves on Mt. Nasu (Mt. Chausu), Tochigi Prefecture
Photo:Autumn leaves on Mt. Nasu (Mt. Chausu), Tochigi Prefecture

The beautiful autumn leaves against the white smoke and black surface of the mountain make Mt. Nasu a sight that should be on anyone's bucket list.

Mt. Nasu is expected to see heavy traffic during the autumn months. When visiting, it's recommended that you check not only the weather forecast, but also how far along the leaves are and how crowded the parking lots are with live cameras.

After climbing the mountain, you can stop by an onsen (hot spring) to relax after a long day of hiking. Hot springs can be enjoyed by visitors on even one-day trips at Holiday Village Nasu. In addition to Mt. Nasu, Nikko National Park is home to a variety of scenic locations. If you're visiting Tochigi, be sure to take a moment to appreciate its natural beauty as well!

[TripAdvisor] Mt. Nasu

Written By
Last Updated : Sep. 16, 2024
Japan
鈴木 正孝(Masataka Suzuki)
A writer born and raised in Asakusa, Tokyo who loves traveling and novels
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