Nasu Imperial Villa

The Nasu Imperial Villa grounds in Tochigi Prefecture are partially open to the public through organized guided walks run by the Imperial Household Agency. The forest here is old-growth beech and oak, dense enough to block out road noise, and the guided routes pass through sections of the estate that include a waterfall observation deck and stream crossings on stone bridges. A cafe at the villa's public entrance serves simple refreshments before and after the walk. Reservations are required and fill quickly, particularly during autumn foliage season. Nasu's wider highland area has many walking trails and onsen hotels accessible without advance booking.