Hot spring with a view from the rooftop bath (Photo: Tom Roseveare)

TAOYA Nasu Shiobara

Hot spring resort in the forested highlands of Tochigi

Hot spring with a view from the rooftop bath (Photo: Tom Roseveare)
Tom Roseveare   - 5 min read

TAOYA Nasu Shiobara is a modern hot spring resort nestled in the leafy valleys of nature-rich Shiobara, part of the Nikko National Park in northern Tochigi prefecture.

Opened in August 2023, it’s the 5th entry under the TAOYA name. Envisaged by the Ooedo Onsen Monogatari group, this exciting hot spring resort brand is aiming to redefine a new dimension of relaxation, while providing all-inclusive facilities and unbeatable hospitality.

TAOYA Nasu Shiobara is a modern, stylish and luxurious renovation of the former Kamoshika-so property located here, providing 60 rooms across 11 room types, including comfortable and spacious Western-style options, as well as Japanese tatami rooms (with futon bedding).

View of the inner courtyard from the second floor (where the public bath is located)
View of the inner courtyard from the second floor (where the public bath is located)

The all-inclusive and hospitality vibe kicks in immediately, with a welcome drink recommended at the lounge overlooking the inner courtyard (complete with firepit after dark).

The lounge bar stays open until late (Hours: 14:00–23:00 / 6:00–10:00)
The lounge bar stays open until late (Hours: 14:00–23:00 / 6:00–10:00) (Photo: TAOYA Nasu Shiobara)

Guests will get to enjoy free-flowing drinks at both the lounge bar and dinner, located in the nearby Grotto — a stylish, dimly-lit atmospheric grill restaurant that elevates what you might expect from a buffet to fine-dining levels.

Impressive lighting at GROTTO, the grill restaurant
Impressive lighting at GROTTO, the grill restaurant

The restaurant oozes class with its VIP feel and moody lighting, with a decadent line-up of exquisite dishes and beverages on offer, all freshly prepared — many in front of your eyes in the "live kitchen" on the wood-fire grill.

GROTTO's chefs at work preparing and serving dishes
GROTTO's chefs at work preparing and serving dishes (Photo: TAOYA Nasu Shiobara)

Grotto lives up to its name, providing a cosy, chic setting to unwind while not making you think too hard about that extra dessert (or two) or cheeky glass of wine.

Hot Springs of Shiobara Onsen

Hot spring with a view from the rooftop bath
Hot spring with a view from the rooftop bath

No visit to Shiobara Onsen—the historic onsen town this area of Tochigi is part of—is complete without experiencing the local hot spring and TAOYA doesn't disappoint.

TAOYA's hot spring waters are flow from the Fukuwata Onsen source — one of eleven hot springs that make up the Shiobara Onsen area. It’s a sodium-calcium chloride hot spring that’s great for soothing aching muscles and relieving fatigue and, thanks to panoramic Shiobara valley views from the open-air rooftop bath, certainly provides a good way to relax too.

Once you're checked in, TAOYA is expecting you to unwind and relax thanks to their all-inclusive plans aiming to be a cut above the rest. Combined with the abundant nature on offer in the Nasu-Shiobara region, TAOYA offers both a compelling reason to visit and place to stay.

Unwind in the evening, beside the firepit
Unwind in the evening, beside the firepit (Photo: TAOYA Nasu Shiobara)

Getting there

From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Nasu Shiobara Station (1h8m), before transferring to a JR Kanto bus for Shiobara Onsen (1h).

If driving, the nearest interchange is at Nishi-Nasuno-Shiobara IC (Tohoku Expressway / E4) which is a 20 min drive from the hotel (free parking).

Tom Roseveare

Tom Roseveare @tom.roseveare

Creative Director at Japan Travel, based in Tokyo. Feel free to reach out about living, working or travelling in Japan – just book a time.