8 Must-See Tourist Spots in Nasukarasuyama, Known for Its Scenic Sites and Historic Landmarks

Nasukarasuyama City is located in the central-western part of Tochigi Prefecture. Some people might think, “Could it be...?” upon hearing the name Nasukarasuyama. During the late Heian period, Nasu no Yoichi, who served Minamoto no Yoshitsune, left behind a famous episode in history when he shot a fan in the Battle of Yashima. This Nasukarasuyama area is closely connected to the Nasu clan.
Among the many places in Tochigi Prefecture famous for cherry blossoms and historical cultural heritage, Nasukarasuyama stands out as a spot where visitors can enjoy both sightseeing and historical exploration. The city places great emphasis on historical tourism, with careful attention paid to sites related to history and culture. Of course, there are also many popular tourist destinations where you can enjoy outdoor activities and local festivals!
This time, we’ll introduce eight representative sightseeing spots in Nasukarasuyama, where you can experience its deep history firsthand—complete with historical episodes.

1. Ryūmon Falls (Ryūmon no Taki): A Photogenic Great Waterfall with the Legend of the Water Dragon

Ryūmon Falls is the most popular tourist spot in Nasukarasuyama City. It’s conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Taki Station on the JR Karasuyama Line, making it easily accessible for visitors.
This grand waterfall, 65 meters wide and 20 meters high, is located on the Egawa River, which merges with the Naka River. There’s a legend that a giant serpent resides here, a story that still lives on today. The sight of water powerfully cascading down the 20-meter drop is truly breathtaking, making it a favorite destination for tourists. A unique feature of this waterfall is the two vertical holes halfway down. There’s also a well-maintained walking path that lets you get up close to the falls. You can even walk down near the basin, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll while sightseeing in Nasukarasuyama. Visitors also love the refreshing negative ions said to fill the air around the falls.
In summer and at the end of the year, the waterfall is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a mystical scene. From mid to late November, you can also see salmon swimming upstream. In midwinter, depending on the weather, the falls may freeze over, offering a seasonal view of nature’s wonders and wildlife. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, the fall colors are stunning. The JR Karasuyama Line runs above the falls, creating a perfect photo opportunity where the train, the falls, and the cherry blossoms or autumn leaves come together in one scenic shot. This is one of the secrets behind Ryūmon Falls' popularity with visitors.
Right nearby, you’ll find the Ryūmon Furusato Folk Craft Museum. Inside, there’s a section featuring local folktales from Nasukarasuyama, and you might even encounter a surprising dragon god exhibit! From the observation deck on the third floor, you can look down at Ryūmon Falls and clearly see the pool where the dragon is said to have emerged. Best of all, thanks to Nasukarasuyama City’s hospitality, admission is free. It's a great place to take a break during your sightseeing. There’s also free parking, which is handy for those visiting Nasukarasuyama by car.

2. Taihei-ji Temple: A 1,200-Year-Old Historic Temple that Inspired a Novel

Just a 3-minute walk from Ryūmon Falls is Taihei-ji Temple, another must-see spot in Nasukarasuyama. The temple was built by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, who was appointed as Sei-i Taishōgun (Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force Against the Barbarians) by Emperor Kanmu, to pray for the fulfillment of his great ambitions. The imposing Niōmon Gate on the temple grounds was relocated here during the Edo period. Its powerful and dignified appearance makes it worth seeing and has earned it the designation of a city cultural property. It’s a must-visit tourist spot when you’re at Ryūmon Falls.
In addition to the Niōmon Gate, there are many cultural assets, such as the main statue of Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon), designated a cultural property by Nasukarasuyama City, and an ornate canopy designated by Tochigi Prefecture. In spring, the weeping cherry blossoms are spectacular, and in autumn, the colorful leaves make for stunning photo opportunities. This attracts many visitors from inside and outside the prefecture.
Also on the temple grounds is the grave said to belong to Oshigahime, the inspiration for Kawaguchi Matsutarō’s novel Hebihimesama ("The Serpent Princess"). Many fans visit for this reason as well.
The beautiful natural surroundings are another attraction. You can see katakuri flowers in spring and vibrant autumn foliage later in the year. Along with its nature, visitors can appreciate Japan’s traditional craftsmanship, culture, and history. Together with Ryūmon Falls and Ryūmon Furusato Folk Craft Museum, this area forms a compact and enjoyable sightseeing course in Nasukarasuyama.

3. The Scenic Ruins of Morita Castle, Home of Nasu no Yoichi's Elder Brother

Next on the list of recommended sightseeing spots in Nasukarasuyama is the Morita Castle Ruins.
Morita Castle was built by Morita Tarō Mitsutaka, also known as Nasu Mitsutaka, the eldest brother of the famous Nasu no Yoichi. This mountain castle was constructed on the hills along the right bank of the Arakawa River, a tributary of the Nakagawa River. Taking advantage of the cliffs, it served as a natural fortress and was known as the "Impregnable Ryugai Castle." Like Inazumi Castle, it was later abandoned by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
At the castle ruins today, you can still clearly see the remnants of dry moats, earthworks, and the castle gate. There are many historical markers explaining its significance, making it a spot worth visiting for those exploring Nasukarasuyama's historical sites. On clear days, you can even enjoy distant views of the Nasu mountain range, making it an ideal scenic location as well.
At the foot of the Morita Castle ruins is Hōchō-ji Temple, another recommended stop when visiting the ruins. Officially named Daiunzan Kōryūin Hōchō-ji, the temple is said to have been founded by Nasu (Morita) Mitsutaka, the same person who built Morita Castle. Hōchō-ji was originally established in Ishihara, Morita as the family temple of the Morita clan.
Later, when the area came under the rule of the Ōtawara clan, it became their family temple. In 1703, it was relocated to its current position halfway up the Morita Castle ruins. The temple grounds are beautifully adorned with seasonal flowers, including katakuri (dogtooth violets), mountain azaleas, and lotus flowers. There’s also a walking trail from Hōchō-ji Temple to the Morita Castle ruins, taking about 10 minutes—perfect for sightseeing and photography in Nasukarasuyama.

4. Morita’s Lion Dance: A Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property

About ten years after Morita Castle was abandoned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, around 1600, a series of natural disasters struck the region. Concerned about the unease among the people, the Ōtawara clan prayed to appease the gods and Buddha and to ward off further disasters. They enshrined Benzaiten and prayed for stability and a bountiful harvest. This was the beginning of the Benzaiten Festival, which has since become a major event held annually for three days in late August throughout Morita-juku.
The main attraction of the festival is the Morita Lion Dance, which has been designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Nasukarasuyama City. If you’re visiting Nasukarasuyama, this is a must-see cultural performance. The dance tells a love story featuring three lions—two males and one female—choreographed to the sound of flutes. Midway through, performers wearing masks of Okame and Hyottoko appear, adding humorous and lively entertainment to the event.
It’s a joyful and dynamic ritual dance where gods and humans come together. Be sure to experience this captivating tradition in person during your visit to Nasukarasuyama!

5. Karasuyama Castle: The Main Castle of the Nasu Clan

Karasuyama Castle was constructed in 1418 during the Muromachi period by Sawamura Gorō Sukeshige (also known as Nasu Sukeshige), a member of the Nasu clan. During the Muromachi period, when the Nasu clan split into factions, Sukeshige was driven out of the Nasu main family's castle. At that time, he reportedly took refuge by rebuilding Inazumi Castle, which had ties to Nasu no Yoichi's grandfather.
However, because Inazumi Castle was a flatland castle and easy to attack, Sukeshige relocated and built Karasuyama Castle on Mount Hachikō. Although the Nasu clan experienced several splits and relocations, Karasuyama Castle became their primary stronghold, as recorded in historical documents. After the Nasu clan was unified again, Karasuyama Castle served as their main residence.
Today, the ruins of Karasuyama Castle are well-preserved, with moats and stone walls still intact. Even if you visit without prior historical knowledge, there are signs throughout the site explaining the castle’s history, making it enjoyable for history-focused sightseeing.
Additionally, there’s a walking trail that leads from Karasuyama Castle to Mount Bishamon. It’s a pleasant course through the woods where sunlight filters through the trees, and the loop can be completed in about an hour. It’s a great way to relax and take in the refreshing negative ions while exploring the area.

6. Morita Castle Yana: A Premium Outdoor Experience Near the Morita Castle Ruins

About a 10-minute drive from Ryūmon Falls is a must-visit spot in the Nasukarasuyama area: Morita Castle Yana. This riverside facility has been designed with safety in mind, offering free life jackets so even young children can safely enjoy playing in the river. It’s a popular spot for tourists looking for fun and safe outdoor activities in Nasukarasuyama.
Here, you can catch fish with your hands or by fishing and then grill them over a charcoal fire yourself! There’s also the option to have a professional cook them for you, which is a nice touch.
Even if you don't participate in the yana fishing experience, you can enjoy freshly prepared river fish like ayu (sweetfish) and catfish, cooked by skilled chefs on-site. The menu is extensive, making it a great spot for gourmet tourism as well. One of the highlights is the eel served with a secret sauce that’s been passed down since the Edo period. In summer, you can also enjoy traditional-style shaved ice.
Other activities include barbecues, campfires, stone-oven pizza making, and chopping firewood! It’s a tourist spot in Nasukarasuyama where you can enjoy nature to the fullest.

7. Inazumi Castle Ruins: Deeply Connected to the Grandfather of Nasu no Yoichi

Inazumi Castle was originally built on the western side of the Shimozakai district in Nasukarasuyama City. Today, visitors can still tour its remains at the Inazumi Castle Ruins. The Inazumi Shrine is located to the north of the castle, and along the approach to the shrine, the earthen embankments of the castle can still be seen. If you visit Nasukarasuyama, be sure to check them out during your sightseeing trip.

8. Inazumi Shrine: The Guardian Deity of the Nasu Clan

The last recommended sightseeing spot in Nasukarasuyama is Inazumi Shrine.
Inazumi Shrine was established within the grounds of Inazumi Castle. It was revered as the guardian deity of the Nasu clan and was also worshiped and protected by successive feudal lords beyond the Nasu family. Today, many cultural assets remain preserved at this shrine, making it a key historical site in Nasukarasuyama. Among its treasures are the votive tablet painting "Yang Guifei", which is designated as a cultural property of Tochigi Prefecture, as well as "Tomoe Gozen" and "Han Shin Passing Between the Legs", which are designated cultural assets of Nasukarasuyama City. These notable items attract visitors who are particularly interested in historical shrines.
Every August, the Shimozakai Sasara Lion Dance is held to pray for peace and a bountiful harvest. Children dressed as lions perform a vigorous dance to the sound of flutes and drums. In the middle of the performance, there’s also a scene where the lions play with flower hats, offering an elegant and graceful display. This is a sightseeing spot in Nasukarasuyama where visitors can feel the presence of history and tradition.

◎ Summary of Nasukarasuyama’s Tourist Attractions

Nasukarasuyama City is packed with various attractions, from historical cultural heritage sites to places where children can have fun. In addition to the spots introduced here, Nasukarasuyama is also home to the Karasuyama Yamahage Festival, one of the traditional festivals registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016 by an evaluation body of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The appeal of Nasukarasuyama as a tourist city continues to grow without stopping.
Also, Yakumo Shrine, where a divided spirit of Gozu Tennō is enshrined—the deity believed to have inspired the Yamahage Festival—is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. Moreover, in Nasukarasuyama, you can actively enjoy the seasons and sightseeing by cycling, with places like Prefectural Route 27, which features a long row of cherry trees that make it perfect for road bikes and cross bikes.
There’s even more! For example, Karasuyama Japanese Paper, a craft whose techniques have been preserved since the Nara period, and Shimazaki Sake Brewery, which produces the famous sake “Azuma Rikishi,” celebrated for its 300 years of tradition. Shimazaki Sake Brewery opens its brewery to visitors throughout the year. With prior reservation, you can also visit the tunnels that were dug during wartime for military purposes but now serve as an additional attraction for tourists. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy history and culture in Nasukarasuyama.
Come and visit Nasukarasuyama City to experience the rich history and culture of Japan!

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8 Must-See Tourist Spots in Nasukarasuyama, Known for Its Scenic Sites and Historic Landmarks