Nasu Highland
So we made it through summer vacation- the unbearable humidity, tripping over children and pushing past the throngs of families on vacation. Left is the echo of laughter in the human barren parks and the dropping of decibels on the cicadas song as their lives wane along with the seasons final weeks. This happens to be the ideal time for a relaxing break. Few wait lists, few people and off-season prices offer a quiet peaceful opportunity to unwind for a needed vacation from the vacation.
Destination:
On a budget for time and money we chose to stay closer to home. Scratching our heads a bit, we even hung a map of Japan up on the wall and were about to throw a dart at it to determine where to go. Eventually we decided on cottage country Nasu Highland. Nasu Highlands is a couple of hours north of Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture. It is “famed” as being the place where one of the Imperial summer homes is located. Sure enough, just a couple of weeks back Princess Masako and family were kickin back here. Homes are a steal as a second home can be had for about $100,000 cdn., with bonus bragging rights of occasionally having the emperor as your neighbor.
Access:
As mentioned above, Nasu Highlands is about 2 hours from Tokyo…if you are loaded down in amulets, the stars are aligned and you have super powers. The Tokyo expressway is a misnomer- yes it is a “way” but its an abuse of the word “express”- its often bumper to bumper that your car can spawn the carbaby of the Volvo in front. Makes one wonder how long the alternative ways take. Once you make it onto the Tohoku expressway it should be smooth driving.
Accommodations:
We don’t own a second home in cottage country and unfortunately are not bunking with the Imperial Family. This leaves ryokans, minshiku, many western style pensions, onsen hotels and luxury resorts. Our choice was made for us by Masa’s company because they offer to pay for more than half if we stay at any Daiwa Royal Resort.
Rindokou Daiwa Royal, is a faded luxury resort. Wrapped in mint green cotton robes and logo stamped beige slippers are many elderly folk who quite likely honeymooned here. The rooms are “tastefully” (hey different strokes for different folks) decorated in 1980’s fashion- shiny, pastel floral printed bed spreads and curtains, it is a world where elevator music reigns supreme and the internet is yet to be discovered. You can see how the management tinkered with change through the decades- during the 70’s it was probably a swinging, sophisticated joint, the 80’s updated the decor, 90’s brought the concept of keyless locks and the big millennium update were the little flat screen tvs in each room that frankly stand out like if you painted a pair of crocs on the Statue of Liberty’s feet. With all that said, there is a charm to all this- like walking through an old yellowing photograph album of your childhood. It’s a living memory- not my memory but someone else’s that is fun to imagine. The rates we got were a bargain so no complaints here but I would be “royally” PO’ed if I paid the regular rates of \15000 (150 bucks per person/per night).
The resort has a few facilities worth mentioning a swimming pool (which closes the last day of August?!), Tennis Court, 4 hotsprings (a set of indoor/outdoor for each gender), Massage and Reflexology station, giftshop, video arcade, karaoke bar (stage style, no private rooms), café, French restaurant, Steak house, Chinese restaurant and Japanese restaurant.
Due to the huge discount we will most certainly be trying out other Daiwa Royal resorts.
Service, as most Japanese establishments, is efficient, helpful and always going the extra step for guests comfort eg. we requested a yukata for our 3 year old and they brought up another for baby. A bassinet is provided in all the restaurants so parents have both hands free to enjoy their meal.
Sightseeing
History:
The Imperial Villa has a small barrier at the end of the road preventing anyone from entering or even viewing the building. It was erected the year Hirohito became Emperor and was known to have a special place in his heart. To actually experience history not just snapping photos of “do not enter” signs there are a couple of places
The Killing Stones legend comes from the story of the devious fox with 9 tails found in Chinese and Indian stories. This creature filtered into Japan centuries ago when the fox set its sights on destroying this island country. To infiltrate the kingdom the creature transformed into a beautiful woman who worked in the imperial court. Outed by perceptive Shamans and chased away, the fox fled to Nasu. The benevolent Emperor- concerned for the well-being of Nasu residents sent some warrior hitmen after it.. The job was accomplished but the sneaky fox- not one to admit defeat, transmutated into a rock that emits poisonous gases.
(insert poem)
Basho, ever inspired penned this haiku about a particular Willow tree in Nasu. Still standing and revered, Basho’s poem in inscribed in a rock next to this fine specimen.
Museums
Nasu has taken tourist trap into a whole different level. You enter the town in utter confusion as you are surrounded by a kajillion of brown and white signs- which make it difficult to find the direction sign to where you want to get to. What do all these signs say? Turns out any bloke with a collection can open a museum and charge the standard $10 (\1000) entrance fee. There are dozens of small museums to keep the traveler busy and wallet empty. Teddy Bears, Low Quality 3-D , Stained Glass and the herb choice of many- marijuana even has a museum.
Amusement Parks
Nasu Highland is a popular entertainment destination for those living nearby and a way to kill a day with the children.
Rindoko Family Farm
There are numerous small farms that offer free entry and are wonderful to take those with young children. A few animals to interact with at minimal cost, little shops with handmade goods and farm produce make it an educational and pleasant way to while away the morning. We visited Minami ======== Farm but others all within reasonable driving distance are:
Nature
Mount Chasudake
Onsen
Food
Destination:
On a budget for time and money we chose to stay closer to home. Scratching our heads a bit, we even hung a map of Japan up on the wall and were about to throw a dart at it to determine where to go. Eventually we decided on cottage country Nasu Highland. Nasu Highlands is a couple of hours north of Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture. It is “famed” as being the place where one of the Imperial summer homes is located. Sure enough, just a couple of weeks back Princess Masako and family were kickin back here. Homes are a steal as a second home can be had for about $100,000 cdn., with bonus bragging rights of occasionally having the emperor as your neighbor.
Access:
As mentioned above, Nasu Highlands is about 2 hours from Tokyo…if you are loaded down in amulets, the stars are aligned and you have super powers. The Tokyo expressway is a misnomer- yes it is a “way” but its an abuse of the word “express”- its often bumper to bumper that your car can spawn the carbaby of the Volvo in front. Makes one wonder how long the alternative ways take. Once you make it onto the Tohoku expressway it should be smooth driving.
Accommodations:
We don’t own a second home in cottage country and unfortunately are not bunking with the Imperial Family. This leaves ryokans, minshiku, many western style pensions, onsen hotels and luxury resorts. Our choice was made for us by Masa’s company because they offer to pay for more than half if we stay at any Daiwa Royal Resort.
Rindokou Daiwa Royal, is a faded luxury resort. Wrapped in mint green cotton robes and logo stamped beige slippers are many elderly folk who quite likely honeymooned here. The rooms are “tastefully” (hey different strokes for different folks) decorated in 1980’s fashion- shiny, pastel floral printed bed spreads and curtains, it is a world where elevator music reigns supreme and the internet is yet to be discovered. You can see how the management tinkered with change through the decades- during the 70’s it was probably a swinging, sophisticated joint, the 80’s updated the decor, 90’s brought the concept of keyless locks and the big millennium update were the little flat screen tvs in each room that frankly stand out like if you painted a pair of crocs on the Statue of Liberty’s feet. With all that said, there is a charm to all this- like walking through an old yellowing photograph album of your childhood. It’s a living memory- not my memory but someone else’s that is fun to imagine. The rates we got were a bargain so no complaints here but I would be “royally” PO’ed if I paid the regular rates of \15000 (150 bucks per person/per night).
The resort has a few facilities worth mentioning a swimming pool (which closes the last day of August?!), Tennis Court, 4 hotsprings (a set of indoor/outdoor for each gender), Massage and Reflexology station, giftshop, video arcade, karaoke bar (stage style, no private rooms), café, French restaurant, Steak house, Chinese restaurant and Japanese restaurant.
Due to the huge discount we will most certainly be trying out other Daiwa Royal resorts.
Service, as most Japanese establishments, is efficient, helpful and always going the extra step for guests comfort eg. we requested a yukata for our 3 year old and they brought up another for baby. A bassinet is provided in all the restaurants so parents have both hands free to enjoy their meal.
Sightseeing
History:
The Imperial Villa has a small barrier at the end of the road preventing anyone from entering or even viewing the building. It was erected the year Hirohito became Emperor and was known to have a special place in his heart. To actually experience history not just snapping photos of “do not enter” signs there are a couple of places
The Killing Stones legend comes from the story of the devious fox with 9 tails found in Chinese and Indian stories. This creature filtered into Japan centuries ago when the fox set its sights on destroying this island country. To infiltrate the kingdom the creature transformed into a beautiful woman who worked in the imperial court. Outed by perceptive Shamans and chased away, the fox fled to Nasu. The benevolent Emperor- concerned for the well-being of Nasu residents sent some warrior hitmen after it.. The job was accomplished but the sneaky fox- not one to admit defeat, transmutated into a rock that emits poisonous gases.
(insert poem)
Basho, ever inspired penned this haiku about a particular Willow tree in Nasu. Still standing and revered, Basho’s poem in inscribed in a rock next to this fine specimen.
Museums
Nasu has taken tourist trap into a whole different level. You enter the town in utter confusion as you are surrounded by a kajillion of brown and white signs- which make it difficult to find the direction sign to where you want to get to. What do all these signs say? Turns out any bloke with a collection can open a museum and charge the standard $10 (\1000) entrance fee. There are dozens of small museums to keep the traveler busy and wallet empty. Teddy Bears, Low Quality 3-D , Stained Glass and the herb choice of many- marijuana even has a museum.
Amusement Parks
Nasu Highland is a popular entertainment destination for those living nearby and a way to kill a day with the children.
Rindoko Family Farm
There are numerous small farms that offer free entry and are wonderful to take those with young children. A few animals to interact with at minimal cost, little shops with handmade goods and farm produce make it an educational and pleasant way to while away the morning. We visited Minami ======== Farm but others all within reasonable driving distance are:
Nature
Mount Chasudake
Onsen
Food
Labels: Out of prefecture
posted by Lily @ 9:57 PM
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