In winter, Nasu offers a comfortable travel experience with fewer crowds, allowing you to enjoy popular attractions and trendy cafes without long waits.
This 2-day itinerary highlights must-visit spots perfect for a girls’ trip. If you’re planning a visit to Nasu, let this guide inspire your journey!
How Cold is Nasu in Winter? What Should You Wear?
Winter in Nasu can be quite chilly, so it’s important to dress warmly and pack appropriately for your trip.
If you’re driving, be sure your car is equipped with snow tires or carry chains to ensure safe travels.
Winter Weather in Nasu
Here’s a quick summary of Nasu’s winter temperatures.
| 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 |
The weather can drop below freezing, and with the crisp, clear air and strong northern winds, it often feels even colder.
From December to March, snowfall in the town area ranges from 5 to 10 cm, while mountainous areas can see over 15 cm of accumulation.
Temperatures are significantly lower in higher-altitude areas, so be sure to dress warmly and prepare for the cold if you plan to visit these spots.
What to Wear and Bring for Winter in Nasu
When visiting Nasu in winter, consider packing the following essentials:
- Down coat
- Gloves
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Hat
- Hand warmers
- Rain gear
Be sure to layer up with a down coat and accessories like gloves and scarves to stay warm in the chilly weather.
If you’re driving, equip your car with snow tires or carry tire chains. After late November, roads can freeze easily. If you’re not confident driving on snowy roads, consider using public transportation or shuttle buses provided by tourist facilities.
A Relaxing Winter Trip: Explore Popular Attractions and Trendy Spots Without the Crowds
While Nasu is bustling with visitors from spring to autumn, winter offers a surprisingly pleasant travel experience!
During this season, you can enjoy normally crowded attractions and highly popular cafes without the long lines, making for a stress-free trip.
This 2-day itinerary is designed to showcase the best of Nasu:
- Day 1: Visit Nasu’s top attractions.
- Day 2: Experience spots that will make you feel like you’ve traveled abroad.
Discover why winter is an underrated gem for exploring Nasu!
Day 1 Itinerary
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Nasu Stained Glass Museum, where you can admire beautiful stained glass art in a serene setting.
Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal at one of Nasu’s popular cafes, perfect for a relaxing midday break.
Afternoon: Head to the Nasu Teddy Bear Museum, a charming spot filled with delightful teddy bear displays.
Evening: Wrap up your day with dinner along the Nasu Highway, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants to choose from.
Day 2 Itinerary
- Morning: Begin your day at the Asian Old Bazaar, a vibrant destination offering unique shops and a taste of Asian culture.
- Lunch: Savor an authentic meal at one of the restaurants within the Asian Old Bazaar, perfect for continuing your cultural exploration.
- Afternoon: Visit the Forest of Finland, where you can experience a Scandinavian atmosphere and discover Nordic-inspired shops and treats.
- Evening: Conclude your trip and head home feeling refreshed and inspired by Nasu’s winter charm.
Let’s Take a Closer Look at the Detailed Itinerary!
Day 1: A Day Visiting Nasu’s Popular Attractions
On Day 1, you’ll focus on exploring Nasu’s top attractions.
With a mix of cozy cafes and art museums, you can enjoy your day without worrying about the cold. Whether you’re admiring stained glass art or relaxing with a warm drink, this day is all about comfort and enjoyment!
10:00 AM Visit the Nasu Stained Glass Museum
The Nasu Stained Glass Museum showcases antique stained glass pieces from the 1800s, offering a rare chance to see exquisite works that are hard to find elsewhere.
In addition to the beautiful stained glass, the museum also features performances on antique music boxes and pipe organs, filling the space with soothing melodies.
The building, designed to resemble a medieval English manor house, becomes even more enchanting in winter, as the snow piles up, making you feel as though you’ve stepped into Europe.
For a memorable experience, consider joining the Stained Glass Craft Workshop, where you can create your own stained glass souvenirs to take home!
| Facility Name | Nasu Stained Glass Museum |
| Address | 1790 Takakuhei, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details | https://sgm-nasu.com/# |
12:30 PM Lunch at a Popular Café in Nasu
Nasu is home to many trendy cafes that offer carefully crafted cakes and meals. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of these stylish spots, typical of the charming resort area.
Here are three cafes highly recommended for women:
Café & Garden Shirasagi-tei
Operated by Cheese Garden, the same company behind the famous Nasu souvenir, the Goyotei Cheesecake, Café & Garden Shirasagi-tei offers a delightful experience.
Here, you can enjoy a variety of dishes made with different types of cheese, unique to Cheese Garden’s expertise.
The café is located within a beautiful garden, creating a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy your meal. Additionally, the Cheese Garden main store is on the premises, so it’s a great place to pick up some souvenirs as well!
Details about Café & Garden Shirasagi-tei are available here, though it’s in Japanese.
NASU SHOZO CAFE
A popular café that represents Nasu, NASU SHOZO CAFE also has locations in Tokyo, but the two Nasu branches are particularly famous, often drawing long lines.
However, during the winter season when there are fewer tourists, you can enjoy the café without the wait.
Their strong coffee pairs perfectly with their highly popular scones.
With a focus on cakes and scones, this café is a must-visit for dessert lovers.
They also sell scones to take home, making it a great option for souvenirs or a treat for yourself.
Details about NASU SHOZO CAFE are available here, though it’s in Japanese.
Coppice Garden Café
Located within the beautiful Coppice Garden, which also features a garden shop, Coppice Garden Café offers a relaxing environment to enjoy delicious cakes.
The café does not serve lunch but specializes in sweet treats such as fruit cakes and pancakes, making it a perfect spot for those with a sweet tooth.
In addition to the café, the garden sells flower seedlings and gardening supplies, so it’s a great idea to pick up some items while you’re there.
To enter the garden, there is an entrance fee of 500 to 800 yen (depending on the season), but there is also a free area where you can enjoy the beauty of the garden without charge.
Details about Coppice Garden Café are available here, though it’s in Japanese.
3:00 PM Get Cozy with Stuffed Animals at the Nasu Teddy Bear Museum
In the afternoon, why not visit the charming Nasu Teddy Bear Museum and be surrounded by adorable teddy bears?
Here, you can view rare antique teddy bears, including the famous Teddy Edward, the bear that has traveled the most around the world, as well as valuable bears made over 100 years ago.
A highlight of the museum is the “My Neighbor Totoro” Plush Toy Exhibition, showcasing characters from the beloved Studio Ghibli film, which is a must-see for fans.
The museum also offers a teddy bear-making experience, where you can create your very own stuffed animal.
Since the workshops are very popular, reservations tend to fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to book in advance if you want to participate in the crafting experience!
| Facility Name | Nasu Teddy Bear Museum |
| Address | 1185-4 Takakuhei, Nasu Town, Nasu District, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details | https://www.teddynet.co.jp/nasu/ |
Details about Nasu Teddy Bear Museum are available here, though it’s in Japanese.
5:00 PM Dinner on Nasu Highway
In Nasu, restaurants close early, so it’s a good idea to have dinner earlier in the evening.
Nasukaito Street offers a great selection of cozy and delicious places where you can enjoy a variety of dishes while taking in the natural beauty of Nasu. Here are a few restaurant options to consider:
Dining Café Volgi
Located within the lush forests of Nikko National Park, Dining Café Volgi offers a serene and natural setting for a perfect meal.
The restaurant is run by a chef who trained at a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant in Italy, so you can expect top-notch Italian cuisine.
With a peaceful and refined atmosphere, this spot is ideal for a girls’ trip. Please note that children under school age are not allowed, which helps maintain a calm dining environment.
The dinner course starts at 3,500 yen, offering great value for high-quality, authentic Italian dishes. It’s a must-visit for food lovers seeking a memorable dining experience in the heart of nature!
Details about Dining Café Volgi are available here, though it’s in Japanese.
Pizzeria Pico
Located near Kuroiso Station, Pizzeria Pico is a popular Italian restaurant that offers a stylish and trendy atmosphere, making it a favorite among women.
The menu features delicious pizza, pasta, salads, and appetizers, with each dish receiving high praise for its quality and taste. You’re guaranteed to be satisfied no matter what you order.
This restaurant is perfect for those looking to enjoy the chic ambiance of a resort area while savoring authentic Italian cuisine. It’s a great choice for a relaxed, yet refined dining experience in Nasu!
Details about Pizzeria Pico are available here, though it’s in Japanese.
7:00 PM Stay at PlaceToBe NasuMachi Cottage
After dinner, head to your cozy cottage for the night.
PlaceToBe NasuMachi is a conveniently located cottage near Nasu Safari Park. It offers the perfect getaway in a serene and private setting.
Unlike hotels, you can rent an entire cottage, ensuring you have all the space you need to relax without worrying about others. With fully-equipped amenities tailored for women, it’s a popular choice for group getaways or girls’ trips.
The cottage is equipped with premium facilities like Dyson and NanoCare hairdryers, making it even more comfortable and enjoyable.
Details about PlaceToBe NasuMachi are available here, though it’s in Japanese.
Day 2: A Day to Experience the World While Staying in Nasu
On your second day, immerse yourself in a global atmosphere right here in Nasu.
Enjoy authentic ethnic cuisine and have fun discovering unique souvenirs and rare items at charming shops.
10:00 AM Explore the Exotic Atmosphere at Asian Old Bazaar
Asian Old Bazaar is a vibrant shopping and dining complex themed around Southeast Asia.
Here, you’ll find shops inspired by Bali, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, and India, offering an impressive selection of rare and unique items you won’t typically find in Japan.
Each shop features products personally sourced by staff who travel to these countries, making the experience authentic and memorable.
For dining, the restaurants serve authentic Balinese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine, transporting your taste buds to distant lands.
Enjoy the cultural ambiance and take your time to find unique souvenirs while soaking in the exotic vibes of Asia!
The premises are adorned with various motifs throughout, making it enjoyable to walk around and take photos.
In winter, the snowfall creates a unique atmosphere, as if Southeast Asia were covered in snow, offering a fascinating and surreal experience.
Details about Asian Old Bazaar are available here, though it’s in Japanese.
| Facility Name | Asian Old Bazaar |
| Address | 206-20 Yumoto Tsumujigahira, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details | https://asianoldbazaar.com/ |
12:00 PM Lunch at the Asian Old Bazaar
The restaurants within the Asian Old Bazaar offer authentic ethnic cuisine.
Among the two restaurants, Ubud Restaurant serves Balinese dishes, while Mekong Restaurant specializes in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.
When you think of Balinese cuisine, what comes to mind?
In Japan, the most well-known Balinese dishes are likely Nasi Goreng and Mie Goreng.
At Ubud Restaurant, you can enjoy authentic versions of these popular dishes, full of rich flavors and spices.
Details about Ubud Restaurant are available here, though it’s in Japanese.
At Mekong Restaurant, you can enjoy authentic Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.
When it comes to Thai food, dishes like Gapao Rice and Green Curry are particularly famous.
Vietnamese cuisine is also renowned for dishes such as Pho, Fresh Spring Rolls, and Bánh Mì.
Indulge in the rich flavors of genuine Thai and Vietnamese dishes at Mekong Restaurant!
Details about Mekong Restaurant are available here, though it’s in Japanese.
3:00 PM Explore Nordic Charm at Finland no Mori
After soaking in the exotic vibes at Asian Old Bazaar, head over to Finland no Mori for a Scandinavian-themed experience.
As the name suggests, Finland no Mori is a complex of shops and restaurants inspired by Finland. The snow-covered winter landscape of Nasu perfectly complements its Nordic charm.
The facility boasts four restaurants, three shops, a bakery, and several hands-on experiences like yoga classes, craft workshops, a fishing pond, and a Mölkky field.
Mölkky, a Finnish lawn game, is gaining popularity in Japan for its simplicity and inclusivity—it’s a fun activity for all ages and genders. It costs ¥1,500 per hour, so if you have the time, give it a try!
With so much to do, Finland no Mori ensures you’ll have a day filled with new discoveries.
| Facility Name | Finland no Mori |
| Address | 2730-7 Takakuotsu, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details | https://www.finlandnomori.net/ |
5:00 PM Return Home
The 1-night, 2-day trip has come to an end all too quickly. In winter, the roads may freeze, so if you’re driving back, be sure to drive carefully.
If you’re returning by shinkansen, take the Tohoku Shinkansen “Nasuno,” and you’ll reach Tokyo Station in just about an hour.
For a Winter Trip to Nasu, Stay at PlaceToBe NasuMachi
This time, we introduced a recommended 1-night, 2-day itinerary for a winter girls’ trip!
You can follow the suggested itinerary exactly, or feel free to add other spots to suit your preferences.
Popular tourist destinations in Nasu, which are usually crowded, are much less busy in winter, so you can relax and enjoy your time without worrying about the crowds.
For accommodation, be sure to stay at PlaceToBe NasuMachi, which offers great access to all the attractions.
