What kind of onsen resort hotel is The Key Highland Nasu?
This is located in a beautiful highland called Nasu Kogen in Gifu prefecture, not Nikko. Access to the property would be easy from Tokyo. It takes just 120min. The onsen resort would be perfect for weekend trips. If you are looking for a small family-friendly hotel, I would recommend it. There are 36 rooms only. There are a variety of activities. The onsen resort is not luxurious, but very cozy. Perhaps, if you are looking for modern resort rooms with private hot springs, you should stay here. There are some rooms with private ones. Then if you are a couple or a solo traveler, you should stay on weekdays. When we visited here on the weekend, it seems that most of the guests were groups or families with children. On the other hand, when we visited on weekdays, it seemed that there were many couples and solo travelers. The ambiance is cozy-looking, relaxed, and family-oriented.
Is the location easy to access?
It would be easy from TOKYO station by bullet train. Free shuttle service is available from Nasu-Shiobara Station at 14:30 or 16:30. It takes 40min by car. You need to book it by 3 days in advance. A driver holding a board with the property’s name should be waiting at the West Exit ticket gate of the station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the station. Maybe it costs around JPY6,000 so don’t miss the shuttle bus as much as possible.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you are going to stay here, I would recommend rooms with private hot springs. The rooms tend to be stylish, user-friendly, and functional. Facilities tend to be the latest as the property opened in 2018. Most of the rooms have nice balconies. You can enjoy white noise from the forest while chilling out on the balcony. The onsen resort is located in Nikko national park.
How about the lounge?
We fully enjoyed drinking while relaxing here most of the time. Complimentary drinks, such as beer, wine, shochu, cocktail, vodka, sour, fresh juice, coffee, tea, rich soft-serve ice cream, snacks, etc. are available at the lounge. I noticed that some solo travelers were doing computer work here. Also, you can enjoy grilled marshmallows at the fireplace in the lounge from 16:00 to 17:00. Appetizers are served at the lounge from 17:30 to 18:00 before dinner.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, yukatas, bathrobes, samue outfits, a coffee machine with capsules, Japanese sweets, and green tea set, etc. There are skincare products near the reception which you can pick up. Room service is not available. There is no convenience store nearby. There are vending machines for drinks, snacks, and ice cream, etc. The free Wi-Fi reception is excellent.
How about In-house Facilities?
There is a nice swimming pool. You need to bring your swimming wear, swim cups and swim goggles, etc. There is no availability to rent them. Then, there are indoor and outdoor communal hot springs with saunas. They are open from 6:00 to 10:00, 15:00 to 24:00. *If you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to use the communal bathing areas. Also, bicycles are available for free. Yoga workshops are available. Observation of the stars is available at 19:30 and 20:30. There is a nice natural walking path on-site. Don’t forget to take a walk. Also, there are three table tennis tables, massage chairs, and Karaoke rooms. You can use all of them for free which are not occupied whenever you like.
How about meals?
The western food buffet for dinner and breakfast is wonderful. The buffet wouldn’t be extensive, but all ingredients, such as beef, vegetables, and dairy products, etc. were so fresh, tasty, and exquisite. We stayed here for 2 nights, but we never got bored with the food. Don’t forget to try Nasu beef and bring your empty stomach! Breakfast starts at 7:30. Dinner starts at 18:00. All meals are served in the dining area. There is no private room for meals. Then, as far as I know, there is no restaurant around the property. You may want to book a room with meals.
My impressions
All staff tends to be friendly, warm, and proactive. They tend to be not sophisticated, though. This is Gifu prefecture so I guess it’s OK. Overall, if you really want to get much of an immersive highland resort experience as you expect, it’s well worth a visit. Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about The Key Highland Nasu from the below space. *All information is as of the date that I posted on my blog. Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on Agoda
Info about The Key Highland Nasu
| Style | Small Resort Hotel |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/10:00 |
| Estimated Price | 40,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact | +81-287-77-7000 from overseas 0287-77-7000 from domestic |
| Internet Connection | Free wifi in the hotel |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | The Key Highland Nasu’s MAP |
| Access | Free shuttle bus from Nasu-Shiobara Station |
| Address and TEL | 3243-342 Takakuhei, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Tel +81-287-77-7000 |
| Official Homepage | The Key Highland Nasu’s HP |