Nasu Shikanoyu Onsen and Sessho-Seki

Rumor has it that Shikanoyu dates back to the 7th century when a hunter wounded a shika deer and followed it through mountains, eventually finding it resting at this hot spring, having been healed by its waters.

The smell of sulfur hangs heavy in the air, and a short walk further up the mountain bring you to Sessho-seki, or the “killing stone.” The legend there is of the nine-tailed fox, from about 3,500 years ago. Basically, the fox caused a great deal of trouble in China and India after turning into a beautiful women; the fox then came to Japan to become close to the emperor and destroy the country. But the identity of the fox was discovered, and an army sent to slay the criminal. Once killed, the fox because a poisonous stone, which was destroyed later, being split in three pieces (only one piece remains here).Read more