Grand Mercure Nasu Highlands Resort & Spa (Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture; General Manager: Richard Tingun), a resort hotel with sweeping views of the Nasu mountain range, is proposing a series of autumn stays for families from September through November 2026. During Silver Week in September, the hotel reopens its garden pool and a water-gun play area, and by night offers "Stargazing" and a "Night Lounge Music" session of live performances in a relaxed setting — all making use of the Nasu highlands' natural surroundings. From October through November, guests can also enjoy a bonfire event paired with seasonal autumn flavors and live music. Water play by day, and stargazing, music, and firelight by night — it's a stay built around the Nasu highlands in autumn.
1. A Five-Day "Garden Pool," Under the Autumn Sky
For five days during Silver Week, from Saturday, September 19 to Wednesday, September 23, 2026, the hotel is reopening its garden pool. In the fresh air of the Nasu highlands, families can play in the water together, and a shallow kids' area 35 to 40 cm deep makes the pool a good fit for families with small children. Hotel guests can also use the pool free of charge before check-in and after check-out.
Garden Pool Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | September 19 (Sat) – September 23 (Wed), 2026 |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM / 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (a 10-minute break every 50 minutes) |
| Size | Approx. 500 m² |
| Depth | Kids' area: 35–40 cm; main area: 110 cm |
| Price | Included in accommodation rate |
Note: The pool may close in poor weather or depending on air and water temperature. Children who are not yet toilet-trained must wear swim diapers. Hours and capacity may be limited if the pool gets crowded.
2. Family Water Play: Water Guns and a Spinning Wooden Object
Beside the hotel's activity area "NASOBO," guests can take part in a water-gun activity aimed at wooden objects shaped like a UFO and various animals. It's an easygoing activity for children and adults alike, and pairs well with the garden pool as another way to enjoy the Nasu highlands in early autumn.
Water-Gun Play Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Through September 23 (Wed), 2026 |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Venue | Beside the hotel's activity area "NASOBO" |
| Price | Included in accommodation rate |
Note: Bringing water guns into the pool is not allowed, for safety reasons. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while playing.
3. "Night Lounge Music," an Evening of Live Sound in the Lounge
In the evenings, the hotel lounge hosts live music for guests to enjoy after dinner. Depending on the date, performances come from professional musicians or from hotel staff, giving guests a relaxed evening with an alcoholic or soft drink in hand.
"Night Lounge Music" Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Every Friday and Saturday from September 4 (Fri) to September 26 (Sat), plus September 20 (Sun) – September 23 (Wed), 2026 |
| Live performances | September 5, 12, 19–23, and 26 |
| Piano by hotel staff | September 4, 11, 18, and 25 |
| Hours | 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Venue | Hotel lounge |
| Price | Included in accommodation rate |
4. "Stargazing" Under the Nasu Highlands' Clear Night Sky
Surrounded by the clear air of the Nasu highlands, guests can look up at a sky full of stars during the hotel's "Stargazing" sessions. With commentary along the way, it's a chance to take a slower look at stars that are easy to overlook in everyday life — a quiet autumn evening spent close to Nasu's nature.
"Stargazing" Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | September 18 (Fri) – 22 (Tue); October 9 (Fri) – 11 (Sun); November 20 (Fri) – 22 (Sun), 2026 |
| Hours | 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Venue | The hotel's large bus parking area |
| Price | Included in accommodation rate |
Note: The session may be cancelled or changed in case of rain. No reservation is required, but it's limited to hotel guests. Content and venue may also change for other reasons.
5. "Autumn Special Week Bonfire Event," With Live Music
From October through November, the hotel holds its "Autumn Special Week Bonfire Event" in an outdoor area. Guests can gather around a gently flickering bonfire in the crisp air, for a warm, quiet moment surrounded by nature. Heart-shaped marshmallows, small roasted sweet potatoes, and drinks are served on-site, letting guests of all ages enjoy a taste of autumn. Live music is part of the evening as well, pairing live performances with the bonfire for a distinctive Nasu highlands night in autumn.
"Autumn Special Week Bonfire Event" Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | October 1 (Thu) – November 30 (Mon), 2026, every Friday and Saturday, plus October 11 (Sun) |
| Hours | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Venue | "Komorebi no Mori NASU," on the hotel grounds |
| Price | Included in accommodation rate |
Note: The event may be cancelled depending on weather or temperature.
For full details on Silver Week and each event, see the hotel's event calendar: https://grand-mercure-nasuhighlands-resortandspa.jp/eventcalendar/
A Family Resort in the Nasu Highlands
Home to a wide range of sightseeing spots amid rich natural surroundings, the Nasu highlands are a popular destination for family trips, and Grand Mercure Nasu Highlands Resort & Spa is built as a family resort where guests of every age can enjoy a stay in their own way. The hotel holds "Welcome Baby Inn" certification from the Miki House Child-Rearing Research Institute and offers certified guest rooms, alongside animal-themed "Safari Kids Rooms," giving families a choice suited to their children's ages and travel style. Play spaces are just as varied, from the wood-toned "KINOHA - Family Lounge & Library" to the indoor kids' space "NASOBIBA" and the outdoor activity area "NASOBO." Alcohol at dinner and lounge access are included on an all-inclusive basis, and guests can also unwind in a hot spring bath that carries the breeze of the highlands, surrounded by clear air and sweeping views.
Hotel Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Grand Mercure Nasu Highlands Resort & Spa |
| Address | 4449-2 Takakuhei, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi 325-0302 |
| Phone | 03-5539-2597 (Reservation Center) |
| Website | https://grand-mercure-nasuhighlands-resortandspa.jp/ |
| Access | Approx. 15 min by car from Nasu IC on the Tohoku Expressway; approx. 30 min by taxi from JR Nasu-Shiobara Station |
