How about visiting Nasu for a family trip during the winter holidays or New Year’s?
In winter, Nasu receives snowfall, allowing you to enjoy winter sports such as sledding and skiing.
We’ll introduce you to a winter trip in Nasu that’s perfect for your child’s debut in snow activities.
Is Nasu cold in winter? Does it snow? An Overview of Nasu’s Weather and Recommended Attire
Located in a highland area, Nasu can get quite chilly in winter, with snowfall not being uncommon.
Many visitors come from Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto area, but it’s important to note that you will need more effective winter gear in Nasu compared to the city.
We’ll introduce you to the winter weather in Nasu and recommend suitable clothing.
What’s the Weather Like in Nasu in Winter? Does It Snow?
In winter, Nasu experiences temperatures that average below freezing.
| Month | Average Temperature （℃/°F） | Maximum Temperature （℃/°F） | Minimum Temperature （℃/°F） |
| December | 1.1／34.0 | 5.1／41.2 | -2.6／27.3 |
| January | -1.7／28.9 | 1.9／35.4 | -5.3／22.5 |
| February | -1.3／29.7 | 2.7／36.9 | -5.3／22.5 |
Strong northern winds can sometimes make it feel colder than the actual temperature.
From December to March, snowfall is common, with accumulation reaching 5 to 10 centimeters in urban areas and over 15 centimeters in mountainous regions.
Clothing and Essentials for Winter in Nasu
If you’re planning to visit Nasu in winter, it’s reassuring to have the following items:
- Down coat
- Gloves
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Hat
- Hand warmers
- Rain gear
Be sure to dress warmly with outerwear like down coats, and use accessories such as scarves and gloves to help regulate your body temperature.
For children, earmuffs and boots provide extra comfort and warmth.
Prepare rain gear, such as an umbrella or raincoat, in case of snow.
If you plan to enjoy hiking or mountain climbing, make sure to have proper hiking gear. For winter sports like snowboarding or skiing, don’t forget to bring sunglasses and a knit hat.
Beware of Icy Roads in Winter Nasu! Check Your Vehicle’s Equipment
When visiting Nasu by car in winter, be sure to equip your vehicle with winter tires or chains.
Even if it’s not snowing, the roads may still be icy.
Therefore, those planning to visit Nasu from November onward should be prepared with winter equipment.
While snow plows operate on major roads, side streets may remain covered in snow where snow plows cannot reach.
If you are not confident in your driving skills, consider using public transportation or take advantage of shuttle services offered by facilities.
1-Night, 2-Day Itinerary for Families Enjoying Winter in Nasu
We have created a 1-night, 2-day itinerary to enjoy winter in Nasu.
Use it as a reference for your family trip!
Day 1
Morning: Arrive in Nasu
Late Morning: Visit Nasu Safari Park
Lunch: Lunch at a facility on-site
Afternoon: Head to Nasu Trick Art Museum
Evening: Dinner along Nasu Kaido
Night: Arrive at the cottage
Day 2
Morning to Afternoon: Hunter Mountain Kids Park
Evening: Return to Tokyo
Day 1: Enjoying Nasu’s Popular Tourist Attractions
On the first day, you will fully enjoy Nasu’s popular spots.
We’ll introduce you to recommended places that can be enjoyed even in winter!
9:30 AM: Arrive in Nasu
You can reach Nasu by Shinkansen (bullet train) or by car.
If you’re taking the Shinkansen, use the Tohoku Shinkansen “Nasuno” and get off at Nasushiobara Station.
Since traveling around Nasu is primarily done by car, it’s recommended to rent a car at the station.
In winter, don’t forget to equip your vehicle with winter tires or chains.
For information on what is needed when renting a car, please refer to our previous article.
If you are not confident in driving, you may need to use the bus, but be aware that the frequency is limited.
Some facilities offer shuttle buses from the station to their location.
10:00 AM: Head to Nasu Safari Park
First, visit Nasu Safari Park, one of the popular attractions in Nasu!
In Nasu, it’s common for attractions to reduce their operational areas during the winter when there are fewer tourists. However, Nasu Safari Park remains open without limiting the areas to explore, allowing for a full experience, although some events may not be held.
In fact, the winter season often sees reduced crowds, leading to many reviews saying, “It was great to enjoy without feeling rushed with kids!” and “Riding the Lion Bus was a fantastic experience!“
There are three ways to enter the park: “Private Car Admission,” “Lion Bus/Wild Ride,” and “Safari Rental Car.” You can choose the option that you prefer for your visit.
The especially popular “Lion Bus/Wild Ride” allows you to see animals up close through the wire mesh and even experience feeding them, making it a highly recommended option for families with children.
During adverse weather conditions such as snowfall or blizzards, animal exhibits may be reduced. Be sure to check the weather and the official website for any announcements before your visit.
| Facility Name | Nasu Safari Park |
| Address | 3523 Takakuotsu, Nasu Town, Nasu District, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details | https://www.nasusafari.com/# |
12:00 PM: Lunch at the Facility
Enjoy lunch at the restaurant inside Nasu Safari Park.
The famous “Safari Cheese Curry” is a favorite among children.
Of course, you can also explore nearby cafes and restaurants!
2:00 PM: Head to Trick Art Pia Nasu
In the afternoon, visit the Trick Art Pia Nasu , another famous attraction in Nasu, alongside the safari park.
Unlike regular art museums, this museum specializes in displaying trick art.
This museum features spots where you can take photos using optical illusions, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a painting—perfect for creating family travel memories!
There are many trick art installations where you can take eye-catching photos just by standing next to them.
The staff at Nasu Pulse also visited with their families and had a wonderful time!
Regarding Nasu Trick Art Pia, it is introduced in detail here, although it is in Japanese.
| Facility Name | Trick Art Pia Nasu |
| Address | 5760 Takakukou, Nasu Town, Nasu District, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details | https://www.trick-art.jp/ |
5:00 PM: Dinner on Nasu Kaido
Before you know it, it’s evening after enjoying your time at the Trick Art Pia Nasu.
In winter, stores in Nasu close earlier, so it’s recommended to have dinner early!
Nasu Kaido, the main street in Nasu, offers a variety of dining options, from Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine to chain restaurants and local eateries.
However, be cautious when choosing restaurants in Nasu, as some establishments do not allow children, and others have a quiet atmosphere that may not be suitable for families.
If you’re looking for restaurants that are kid-friendly, check out this article (in Japanese).
7:00 PM: Arrive at the Cottage
After dinner, head to your cottage.
For family trips, staying in a cottage (vacation rental) is recommended, as you won’t have to worry about noise from footsteps or crying!
In a hotel, meal times and bath schedules are fixed, and you might worry about disturbing guests in nearby rooms. However, in a cottage, you can stay at your own pace.
Nasu is a resort area, so there are many stylish and affordable cottages available.
This time, we’ll be staying at PlaceToBe NasuMachi, a nature-rich cottage located just a short distance from Nasu Safari Park.
There are two facilities, “ToriCommons” and “Kaon,” so choose the one that best fits your number of guests and intended use.
Both come equipped with a microwave, washing machine, cooking utensils, and more, making them great options for long stays.
Details about PlaceToBe NasuMachi are available here, though it’s in Japanese.
Day 2: Enjoy Snow Activities
The second day is dedicated to enjoying winter’s unique snow activities!
Your children are sure to be thrilled!
9:30 AM: Snow Activities at Hunter Mountain Kids Park
Adjacent to Nasu Town, in Nasushiobara City, is Hunter Mountain Shiobara, the only ski resort in the area.
(Note: “Mount Jeans Nasu” and “Nasu Onsen Family Ski Resort” were located in Nasu Town but closed in March 2024 and March 2022, respectively.)
Hunter Mountain Shiobara features a Kids Park, making it perfect for children who are trying snow activities for the first time and for little ones!
In addition to sledding, there are also tubing rides on inflatable toys and bouncy play equipment, allowing children of various ages to enjoy themselves.
For children who are ready to graduate from sledding and want to step up, they can have their skiing debut at the adjacent “Hantama Square“!
Here, children can practice using plastic skis and learn how to ride the lift.
The area is enclosed by a net, so there’s no risk of children accidentally straying out of bounds or colliding with skiers from other areas.
The Kids Area, Hantama Square, is exclusively for children in elementary school and younger, along with their parents.
Ski wear, ski boots, helmets, and protectors are available for rent, making it convenient for families to visit without having to bring a lot of equipment.
The facility also has a restaurant and a free break room, allowing families to take a break while enjoying snow activities.
| Facility Name | Hunter Mountain Shiobara |
| Address | Maekuro, Yumoto Shiobara, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details | https://www.hunter.co.jp/winter/ |
5:00 PM: Return to Tokyo
After enjoying snow activities at Hunter Mountain Shiobara, it’s already time to head home.
If you have rented a car, return it and begin your journey home.
It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Hunter Mountain Shiobara back to Tokyo.
Additionally, there is a free shuttle bus that runs between Nasushiobara Station and Hunter Mountain Shiobara, so if you’re not driving, consider using that service.
Summary
This time, we introduced a recommended 1-night, 2-day model course for families with children visiting Nasu in winter!
Nasu, which is a popular summer vacation spot, is also enjoyable in winter.
With opportunities to experience snow and nature, it will undoubtedly be a valuable experience for the kids.
Please use this article as a reference and enjoy your trip to Nasu!
Don’t forget to check out the seasonal limited-time campaigns!
When staying in Nasu, be sure to choose PlaceToBe NasuMachi!
You can make a reservation from our Airbnb pages ToriCommons and Kaon.
We also offer seasonal limited-time promotions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to take advantage of them!
