Introduction: The Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox
A few hundred meters beyond the inns of Nasu Yumoto lies the haunting landscape of Sessho-seki (殺生石). [1] This barren field of stones, located in the Saitawara Gorge, is the legendary final resting place of the Nine-Tailed Fox (Tamamo-no-Mae), a mythological creature whose spirit supposedly turned into a toxic rock that killed anyone who touched it. [1]
For the international traveler, Sessho-seki is a masterclass in Japanese spiritual storytelling and volcanic reality. [15, 16] It is a designated National Scenic Spot where the silence is punctuated only by the smell of volcanic gases—a real-world evidence of the toxic “miasma” that inspired the fox legend. [17, 1] Every May, the rocks are set ablaze during the Goshinka-sai Fire Festival, a spectacular ritual that connects ancient fear with modern celebration. [18]
Key Information Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 〒325-0301 栃木県那須郡那須町湯本182 / 182 Yumoto, Nasu Town, Tochigi, Japan [2, 16] |
| Google Maps | View on Google Maps |
| Admission | Free. [8, 19] |
| Mapcode for GPS | 203 330 314*15 (Sessho-seki Parking) [8] |
| Major Event | Goshinka-sai Fire Festival (May 25, 2025). [18, 16] |
| Nearby Landmark | Nasu Heisei-no-mori Forest. |
The Miasma of Science: Volcanic Geochemistry
The “killing” power of Sessho-seki is not purely mythological. [1] The area is a natural vent for high concentrations of Hydrogen Sulfide ($H_2S$) and Sulfur Dioxide ($SO_2$). Because these gases are heavier than air, they settle near the ground between the rocks. [17] Historically, small animals like birds and foxes would succumb to the lack of oxygen, reinforcing the legend of the “Killing Stone.” [1] Today, the area is safe for human visitors as long as they stay on the elevated wooden boardwalks where air circulation is constant.
Cultural Highlight: The Goshinka-sai Festival (2025)
If your visit falls on May 25, 2025, you will witness one of the most dramatic festivals in the Kanto region. [18]
- The Procession: Over 100 participants in white robes and “kitsune” (fox) masks carry flaming torches from the shrine to the Sessho-seki field. [18]
- The Great Torch: A massive “Goshinka” (sacred fire) is lit upon the stones, illuminating the mountain in a fiery orange glow. [18, 15]
- Performance: The “Kyubi Daiko” (Nine-Tail Drum) troupe performs a powerful percussion set that mimics the eruption of the volcano. [18]
Seasonal Activity: Winter in Heisei-no-mori
Just 10 minutes by car from the stones is Nasu Heisei-no-mori Forest. [21] In January and February 2026, it offers premier “Moonlight Night Hike” snowshoeing tours, allowing visitors to walk through the snowy forest under the full moon to see the icy peaks of Mt. Chausu.
Local Gastronomy & “Kyubi” Branding
NASU BURGER: A new sustainable project launching in late 2025-2026. Try the “Fox-themed” kitsune-inari or burgers that utilize local highland produce.
Practical Travel Tips for 2025-2026
- Connectivity: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available at the *Nasu Tourist Center* nearby. [22]
- Access: The “Kyubi-go” bus stops directly at Sessho-seki. [23, 24]
- Footwear: Wooden boardwalks can be **icy and slippery** in winter; traction cleats are recommended for Jan-Feb 2026. [25, 21]
Safety & Manners
Keep to the Path: Do not cross the rope barriers into the rocky fields. Gas concentrations are higher in the depressions between the stones. [1, 16] Respect the Foxes: The “Jizo” statues near the stones (the **Sen-tai Jizo**) are sacred monuments—do not place coins or trash on them.
