Why not choose Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture as your winter travel destination for couples and married partners?
While Nasu is often known as a summer retreat, winter brings snowfall and offers a completely different experience. It’s also less crowded, making it an ideal spot for a Christmas date.
Here, we introduce a 2-day model itinerary perfect for couples, filled with classic date activities.
Will It Snow? How Cold Is It? An Overview of Nasu’s Winter Weather and Recommended Clothing
Winter in Nasu is quite cold.
Located in a highland area, Nasu requires more thorough winter clothing compared to what you might usually wear.
Here, we introduce Nasu’s winter weather, as well as suggestions for clothing and items to bring.
Winter Weather in Nasu
Here is a table summarizing the winter temperatures in Nasu.
| Month | Average Temperature (°C｜°F) | Highest Temperature (°C｜°F) | Lowest Temperature (°C｜°F) |
| December | 1.1 | 33.98 | 5.1 | 41.18 | -2.6 | 27.32 |
| January | -1.7 | 28.94 | 1.9 | 35.42 | -5.3 | 22.46 |
| February | -1.3 | 29.66 | 2.7 | 36.86 | -5.3 | 22.46 |
In winter, temperatures in Nasu can drop below freezing, and the air is crisp, giving a sharp, cold feeling.
Strong north winds can also make it feel even colder.
From December to March, snow falls, with 5 to 10 centimeters accumulating in urban areas, and over 15 centimeters in mountainous regions.
The closer you get to the mountains, the colder it gets, so be sure to wear proper winter clothing, especially when heading to higher elevations.
Winter Clothing and Essentials for Nasu
If you’re visiting Nasu in winter, it’s useful to bring the following items:
- Down coat
- Gloves
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Hat
- Hand warmers
- Rain gear
Since temperatures are lower than in the plains, make sure to dress warmly with items like down coats, gloves, and scarves.
If you’re driving, be sure to prepare snow tires or tire chains.
From late November onwards, the roads are prone to freezing, and without proper measures, this can lead to slips or serious accidents.
For those not accustomed to driving in snowy conditions, consider using public transportation or taking shuttle buses provided by tourist facilities.
Recommended 2-Day Itinerary for a Winter Date in Nasu
We’ve created a 2-day itinerary for a winter date in Nasu, featuring classic date spots.
If you’re planning to visit Nasu in winter, this itinerary is definitely worth considering.
Day 1
Morning: Arrive in Nasu
Late Morning: Stained Glass Museum
Noon: Lunch
Afternoon: Nasu Animal Kingdom
Evening: Dinner
Night: Arrive at the cottage
Day 2
Morning: Minamigaoka Farm
Noon: Visit a trendy cafe
Afternoon: Nasu Garden Outlet
Evening: Return the rental car
Day 1: Deepening Your Bond at Classic Date Spots
9:30 AM– Arrive in Nasu
We’ll be heading to Nasu, arriving at 9:30 AM.
If you’re using the Shinkansen, take the Tohoku Shinkansen “Nasuno” and get off at Nasu-Shiobara Station.
For those who can drive, renting a car locally will be convenient.
For information on how to rent a car, please refer to this article.
If you’re driving, exit at Nasu IC on the Tohoku Expressway and follow Nasu Kaido (Tochigi Prefectural Route 17).
10:00 AM- Head to the Stained Glass Museum
Start your romantic day at the Nasu Stained Glass Museum.
This museum, set in a Western-style building that exudes the atmosphere of medieval England, showcases valuable antique stained glass.
It’s a popular proposal spot, attracting many couples.
The soft light filtering through the stained glass creates a very romantic ambiance, making it a perfect place for a date.
From late November, a large Christmas tree is displayed, making it ideal for a Christmas date as well.
If you join the experience workshop, you can create a one-of-a-kind souvenir to remember the day.
| Facility Name | Nasu Stained Glass Museum |
| Address | 1790 Takakuhei, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details | https://sgm-nasu.com/# |
12:00 PM- Enjoy Lunch with Local Nasu Ingredients
For lunch on Day 1, head to a restaurant where you can enjoy locally sourced ingredients from Nasu.
Here, we’ll introduce some options for enjoying a meal made with Nasu’s local produce.
Gioia Mia Nasu Main Store
Gioia Mia Nasu Main Store is a popular restaurant featured on various TV shows and media outlets.
If you’re in Nasu, this is definitely a place you’ll want to visit.
The restaurant has a notable history, as it was once visited by the Imperial Family during their stay in Nasu.
While the pizza is the most popular dish, the appetizers, pasta, and other items are also highly praised for their deliciousness.
The bakery attached to the restaurant sells creative breads made with Tochigi ingredients, making them a great souvenir option.
Gioia Mia Nasu Main Store, it is introduced in detail here, although it is in Japanese.
Nasu Kogen Bar
Nasu Kogen Bar offers a wide variety of dishes made with local ingredients.
The menu features Nasu Kogen wagyu, Yashio pork, Nasu Oyama eggs, and pizzas made with Tochigi-grown wheat, highlighting many regional specialties unique to Nasu.
You can also enjoy local ingredients like Nasu miso and Shirabijin leeks, which are not commonly found elsewhere.
The menu also includes items inspired by popular Nasu tourist spots, such as the “Nine-Tailed Fox Set Meal” and “Chausudake Curry.”
Most of the menu items are available for takeout, so you can enjoy them back at your cottage.
With its casual atmosphere, it’s a popular spot for everyone, from couples to families.
Nasu Kogen Bar, it is introduced in detail here, although it is in Japanese.
2:00 PM- Interactive Experience at Nasu Animal Kingdom
In the afternoon, enjoy an interactive experience at Nasu Animal Kingdom, one of Nasu’s most popular attractions.
Although the operating areas are reduced during the winter season, there’s still plenty of fun to be had.
The zoo is also famous for its Manul cats, which have gained popularity through social media.
You can also see the “Capybara Bath,” a unique winter-only sight where the capybaras relax in a hot bath.
Nasu Animal Kingdom, it is introduced in detail here, although it is in Japanese.
Nasu Animal Kingdom is located at a higher elevation within Nasu Town, so be sure to take extra precautions for cold weather.
Also, since the roads can often be icy or snow-covered, it’s important to prepare equipment such as tire chains or studless tires before heading there.
| Facility Name | Nasu Animal Kingdom |
| Address | 1042-1 Oshima, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details | https://nasu-oukoku.com/ |
5:00 PM: Special Dinner at a Stylish Restaurant
After enjoying interactions with the animals at Nasu Animal Kingdom, you’ll quickly find that it’s time for dinner.
There are few restaurants in Nasu that stay open late, so it’s recommended to have an early dinner.
Additionally, some restaurants may be closed or have shorter hours during the winter season, so it’s a good idea to check the hours and schedule of your desired restaurant in advance.
In this section, we’ll introduce stylish restaurants perfect for a special dinner for couples.
Wagyu Steak Sakura Nasu Kogen Branch
Wagyu Steak Sakura Nasu Kogen Branch offers high-quality Wagyu beef in a refined setting.
As a restaurant that serves course meals, it’s perfect for special dinners on occasions like Christmas or anniversaries.
The atmosphere is neither too casual nor too formal, making it ideal for enjoying your meal without feeling tense.
Since it’s a popular spot, it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance to avoid potential crowds.
Wagyu Steak Sakura Nasu Kogen Branch, it is introduced in detail here, although it is in Japanese.
Pizzeria Pico
Pizzeria Pico is a stylish Italian restaurant located near Kuroiso Station.
The interior has a relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular spot for couples.
Reviews praise the restaurant with comments like “Everything is delicious!” You’ll be satisfied with anything you order, whether it’s pizza, pasta, main dishes, or appetizers.
Since it’s a popular restaurant, it’s recommended to make a reservation early.
Pizzeria Pico, it is introduced in detail here, although it is in Japanese.
7:00 PM-Stay at the Cottage
After dinner, head to your accommodation at PlaceToBe NasuMachi.
Located very close to Nasu Safari Park, it’s a peaceful cottage where you can enjoy the sounds of the river and animals.
With a whole cottage to yourselves, you and your partner can enjoy a relaxing and private time without worrying about others.
It is conveniently located in the heart of Nasu, offering easy access to various tourist attractions, making it an ideal spot for sightseeing.
The cottage is fully equipped with appliances such as a microwave and washing machine, as well as heating facilities like floor heating and a fan heater.
PlaceToBe NasuMachi, it is introduced in detail here, although it is in Japanese.
Day 2: Exploring Nasu’s Must-See Tourist Spots
On the second day, you’ll explore some of Nasu’s most popular tourist destinations.
Even popular attractions that are usually crowded can be enjoyed comfortably in winter, when there are fewer tourists.
9:30 AM – Relax at Minamigaoka Farm
Minamigaoka Farm in Nasu is a free-entry farm with free parking, making it a great place to visit.
Dairy farming is actually quite prominent in Nasu. Tochigi Prefecture ranks second in Japan for raw milk production, just behind Hokkaido, making it the second-largest dairy producer in the country.
At the foot of the Nasu mountain range, there are several farms, including Minamigaoka Farm.
While many farms in the area focus exclusively on dairy farming, Minamigaoka Farm is popular for opening its doors to the public, making it a top tourist destination.
You can interact with animals such as cows, sheep, and goats, and enjoy fresh milk-based soft-serve ice cream. It’s packed with the unique charm of a farm.
If you visit in winter, you can see cows and horses enjoying the snowy landscape.
| Facility Name | Minamigaoka Farm |
| Address | 579 Yumoto, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details | https://www.minamigaoka.co.jp/# |
12:00 PM- Head to a popular stylish cafe
Nasu, known for its vacation homes, is home to many stylish cafes with great atmospheres.
For lunch on the second day, let’s enjoy a meal at one of the charming cafes perfect for couples.
NASU SHOZO CAFE
When it comes to the most popular cafe in Nasu, this is the one!
NASU SHOZO CAFE, which originated in Nasu and has expanded to Tokyo, is a beloved cafe.
In the Nasu area, there are two locations: “1988 CAFE SHOZO” in Kuroiso and “NASU SHOZO CAFE” along Nasu Kaido. Both are extremely popular spots that are often fully booked.
The signature scones are a must-try—whether you enjoy them with coffee inside the cafe or take them home as a souvenir.
Although the cafe is usually very crowded with long wait times, you can enjoy a more relaxed experience during the winter when there are fewer tourists.
NASU SHOZO CAFE, it is introduced in detail here, although it is in Japanese.
Café & Garden Shirasagitei
Café & Garden Shirasagitei offers a luxurious Nasu-style lunch experience.
Operated by “Cheese Garden,” the makers of Nasu’s famous “Goyotei Cheesecake,” this café specializes in dishes and desserts made with cheese.
You can’t miss their signature items, such as the “Fresh Cheesecake” and the “Three Types of Cheesecake“!
The café is located within the grounds of the Cheese Garden Nasu flagship store, so you can also stop by the shop before or after your meal to pick up some souvenirs.
Café & Garden Shirasagitei, it is introduced in detail here, although it is in Japanese.
2:00 PM – Shopping at Nasu Garden Outlet
In the afternoon, enjoy shopping at one of Nasu’s popular tourist spots, Nasu Garden Outlet!
It’s a popular destination for shopping while enjoying the natural beauty of Nasu.
The outlet is filled with stores offering popular fashion brands, sportswear, home electronics, camping gear, and more.
If you’re lucky, you might even snag the items you’ve been wanting at a great price!
| Facility Name | Nasu Garden Outlet |
| Address | 184-7 Shionozaki, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details | https://www.nasu-gardenoutlet.com/en/ |
5:00 PM – Rental Car Return
After enjoying shopping at Nasu Garden Outlet, it’s time to head home. For those who rented a car, return the rental and start your journey back.
Enjoy Winter in Nasu with PlaceToBe NasuMachi
This time, we’ve introduced a couple-friendly model course for enjoying winter in Nasu. During the off-season winter, popular tourist spots are less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Winter in Nasu offers a unique charm, with snow and opportunities for experiences that differ from other seasons. If you’re planning to visit Nasu during winter, be sure to use this article as a guide.
Also, at PlaceToBe NasuMachi, we’re offering a special early bird discount! If you book two months or more in advance, you can save 5% or more on your stay.
For those who already know their travel dates, don’t forget to take advantage of this early booking discount!
For more details about the campaign, please refer to this article in Japanese.
