History of Nasu Yuzen Shrine It is said that a hunter named Kano found onsen here when he was trying to hunt a white deer. He built this shrine for thanksgiving. According to an article written in Nara period (A.D 710~794), we can confirm that the shrine already existed during that time.   During the Genpei War in 12th century, an archer called Nasu Yoichi came here to pray for victory over Taira family’s army. He shot down a fan by one arrow that enemy put on the front of their boat when he stood on the ground. It made him became legend and the shrine became very famous for blessing Yoichi. Yoichi donated his bow and arrow to the shrine, which became shrine’s tressure later.   Shrine’s famous festival The most important event of the shrine is the “Dai Festival”, which is held on October 8 and 9 every year. They dedicate onsen to the God, and perform a traditional dance called “Urayasu Dance”.   Then on October 9, people perform another traditional dance called “Ozawa’s Lion Dance,” which is designated as the “Intangible Cultural Property of Nasu Machi” to pray for prosperity.   There is also a famous festival be held on the last weekend of May, the “Nasu Seshosseki Gojinka Festival”. The highlight of the festival is a parade from Yuzen Shrine to Sesshoseki by participants attired in white clothing with torches.

Nasu Onsen-kyo is a spread out hot spring resort on the slopes of Mt. Nasudake，the main peak of the Nasu mountains. The origin of the Onsen-kyo is “Shikanoyu” discovered in the 7th century.The “Shikanoyu(deer spring)” was named after locals witnessed an injured deer completely heal after jumping into the steaming pool. It's been renowned for its healing powers ever since. Historic visitors include Yoritomo Minamoto，a great samurai of 12th century，and Basho Matsuo，a famous poet of 17th century. Onsen styles vary from modern hotels in the highland to traditional wooden baths where you can try bathing in more than one spot to feel the difference.

Nasu is known as the largest volcanic zone in Japan. Several large eruptions in the past have claimed many victims here. The villagers in the neighboring area started to cleanse themselves to appease the anger of the mountain, visit Nasu Yuzen Shrine, light the fire of the Avici hell and worship this as gojinka (sacred fire). This then became established as an event to pray for a bumper harvest and sound health before long.   The Gojinka Festival features a parade from Nasu Yuzen Shrine to Sesshoseki by participants attired in white clothing with torches. A large torch (gojinka) is then lit to create a fantastic atmosphere.   While the gojinka burns, the folk entertainment of hakumen konmo kyubikitusne drums is presented at Sesshoseki - the site of the legend of kyubinokitusne (nine-tailed fox). The general public can also participate in the torch parade which involves a walk through the dark.

This hot spring facility is located in Yumoto, Nasu Town. It is said to have opened approximately 1,300 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 baths are divided into six temperature levels ranging from 41–48 degrees Celsius (there is no 48-degree women’s bath). It is said that by following the bathing protocol, such as pouring water over yourself before entering the bath, you can increase the hot spring’s effects.

This information center is located in Nikko National Park. The center features videos， pictures， and other information exhibits about the history， nature， and other aspects of the Nasu Kashi region. Head to the exhibition room and experience the interactive exhibits to find out more about flora and fauna of the Nasukashi area， or enter the special exhibition room to learn about the center’s connection to Japan’s royal family and the nearby Nasu Imperial Villa. The lecture hall and conference room regularly host nature appreciation activities. Join these free activities and interact with local volunteers for a deeper understanding of the Nasu area's offerings."