This volcanic rock field is tied to the legend of Tamamo-no-Mae, a fox spirit said to have been killed here and to have cursed the stone so that anyone who touched it would die. The site sits in an area of genuine volcanic activity, with sulfurous vents in the ground near the rocks. In 2022 the main stone associated with the legend split apart, which local lore took as the spirit's release.
Sesshoseki, or the Killing Stone, is a volcanic field near Nasu Yumoto Onsen in Nasu-machi, Tochigi, where sulphurous gas continually vents from cracks in the rock and ground, historically killing birds and insects that came near it. The site is tied to the Japanese legend of the nine-tailed fox spirit Tamamo-no-Mae, said to have transformed into the stone after being slain, cursing it to poison anything nearby. A wooden walkway crosses the barren, yellow-tinged volcanic field past the central stone formation, small shrines, and rows of stacked jizo-like stone figures set among the fumarole vents. The area's largest boulder, long associated with the legend, split apart in 2022, an event that drew national attention as some viewed it as symbolically fulfilling the old curse story. A walk through the site takes 30 to 45 minutes, including reading the informational signage explaining both the volcanic geology and the folklore. Because the field sits along the road leading up to the Chausudake Ropeway, it pairs naturally with a Mount Nasu excursion. Early morning visits often catch sulphurous mist rising visibly off the ground, adding to the site's stark, otherworldly atmosphere.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Typical visit | 30–45 minutes |
| Best time | Early morning for sulphurous mist rising off the volcanic field; the site sits along the road to Chausudake, so pair with the ropeway |
| Getting there | From JR Kuroiso Station: Kanto Bus toward Nasu Yumoto Onsen (50 min, ¥1,150 / ~$7.23), then 10-min walk toward the Nasu Ropeway road |
| Address | Yumoto, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi 325-0301 |
Location
Yumoto, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi 325-0301
37.0989, 139.9967 View on map
Highlights
- Active volcanic field with visible sulphur venting from ground fissures
- Legend of the nine-tailed fox spirit Tamamo-no-Mae linked to the stone
- Site of the famous 2022 splitting of the legendary Killing Stone boulder
- Wooden walkway past rows of small stone jizo figures
Tips for visiting
- Stay on the wooden walkway, as the surrounding ground releases volcanic gas
- Visit early morning for the most visible sulphurous mist over the field
- Combine the stop with the Chausudake Ropeway further up the same road
- Read the on-site signage for background on both the geology and the fox-spirit legend
When to visit
Early morning offers the most visible sulphurous mist rising off the volcanic field; the site is best paired with a same-day visit to the nearby Chausudake Ropeway.
Accessibility
The walkway is a fixed wooden path with some uneven boards and a gentle incline, which may be difficult for wheelchair users; there are no paved alternatives across the volcanic field.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Sesshoseki take?
Walking the wooden walkway through the volcanic field and reading the signage takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Is Sesshoseki worth it for kids?
Yes, the sulphur smell, mist, and dramatic legend of the fox spirit tend to capture children's attention, though supervision is needed near the venting ground.
Is photography allowed at Sesshoseki?
Photography is allowed throughout the site from the wooden walkway.