Winter in Nasu: The Perfect Hidden Gem for Student Trips and Group Getaways!
While Nasu’s popular spots are bustling in the summer, winter offers the chance to explore without the crowds.
The area is also home to one of the largest ski resorts near the Tokyo metropolitan area, making it ideal for ski or snowboarding trips.
This time, we’re introducing a 1-night, 2-day itinerary perfect for students.
Is Nasu Cold in Winter? A Guide to Weather and Recommended Clothing
Wondering, “How cold does Nasu get in winter?” or “What should I wear?” This guide will answer your questions about the weather and clothing essentials.
Winter Weather in Nasu
During winter, Nasu can get quite cold, with average temperatures often dropping below freezing.
| 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 average winter temperature in Nasu ranges from -1°C to around 1°C. Additionally, the crisp, clear air often makes it feel colder than it actually is.
From December to March, the town area typically sees 5 to 10 cm of snow, while mountainous regions can accumulate over 15 cm.
Roads can become icy, so if you’re visiting Nasu by car in winter, be sure to equip snow tires or bring chains.
Recommended Clothing for Winter in Nasu
When visiting Nasu in winter, having the following items will ensure you stay warm and comfortable:
- Down coat
- Gloves
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Hat
- Hand warmers
- Rain gear
Layer up with thick clothing such as sweaters or hoodies, and wear a down jacket or coat to keep the cold at bay.
Don’t forget essential accessories like gloves, scarves, and knit hats.
If you’re planning to snowboard or ski, while rentals for boards and outerwear are available, items like gloves and goggles are not typically offered. It’s best to bring your own.
2 Days of Skiing, Snowboarding, and Enjoying All That Nasu Has to Offer
Introducing a 1-night, 2-day itinerary in Nasu tailored for students.
This course is designed around spots perfect for enjoying with friends from your club or seminar group.
Day 1
Morning: Arrive in Nasu
Late Morning: Hunter Mountain Shiobara
Evening: Dinner along the Nasu Highway
Night: Head to the cottage
Day 2
Morning: Nasu Safari Park
Noon: Lunch along the Nasu Highway
Afternoon: Nasu Trick Art Museum
Evening: Return home
Day 1: A Full Day of Skiing and Snowboarding
Day 1 is all about Skiing and Snowboarding.
If you’re visiting Nasu in the winter, make the most of it by heading to one of the largest ski resorts near the Tokyo metropolitan area.
9:00 AM: Arrive in Nasu
Arriving in Nasu at 9:00 AM.
If you’re taking the Shinkansen, ride the Tohoku Shinkansen “Nasuno” and get off at Nasu-Shiobara Station.
If you’re able to drive, renting a car locally is a convenient option.
For information on how to rent a car, please refer to this article.
10:00 AM: Head to Hunter Mountain Shiobara, One of the Largest Ski Resorts Near the Tokyo Area
When it comes to winter trips with your club or seminar group, skiing and snowboarding are a must.
In the neighboring Nasu-Shiobara City, you’ll find Hunter Mountain Shiobara, one of the largest ski resorts near the Tokyo metropolitan area.
(Note: Nasu used to have “Mount Jeans Nasu” and “Nasu Onsen Family Ski Resort,” but both have already closed.)
Hunter Mountain Nasu has a total of 12 courses, offering skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.
Most of the equipment you’ll need, including ski wear, ski sets, and snowboards, is available for rent, making it a great spot for beginners or anyone who wants to enjoy the slopes without bringing their own gear.
The resort also has plenty of facilities, including restaurants, cafes, shops, and free rest areas.
It’s a place where you can enjoy a full day of activities, and create great memories for your student trip or group getaway.
| Facility Name | Hunter Mountain Shiobara |
| Address | Maeguro, Yumoto-Shiobara, Nasu-Shiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details | https://www.hunter.co.jp/winter/ |
5:30 PM: Dinner along Nasu Kaido
After about an hour’s drive from Nasushiobara City, you’ll arrive in Nasu Town.
Nasu’s main street, Nasu Kaido, is lined with a variety of restaurants.
From chain restaurants to independent eateries, and a wide range of cuisines including Japanese, Western, and Chinese, you’ll have plenty of options for dinner. Choose a spot that suits your tastes.
Many of Nasu’s dining establishments are small, so if you’re visiting with a large group, it’s a good idea to make a reservation or call ahead to confirm availability.
Nasu Kogen Bar
Nasu Kogen Bar offers a variety of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Most of the menu items are available for takeout, so you can enjoy your meal back at the cottage.
With its casual atmosphere, it’s a popular spot for a range of customers, from couples to families.
Nasu Kogen Bar, it is introduced in detail here, although it is in Japanese.
8 Gyoza (Eight Gyoza)
The dishes at 8 Gyoza are all generously sized, so it’s recommended to share them.
A rare find in Nasu Town, this restaurant stays open late, until 9:00 PM on weekdays and Sundays, and until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a convenient choice for a late-night meal.
8 Gyoza (Eight Gyoza), it is introduced in detail here, although it is in Japanese.
7:00 PM: Head to the Cottage / PlaceToBe NasuMachi
After dinner, head to the cottage where you’ll be staying tonight.
PlaceToBe NasuMachi is located just next to Nasu Safari Park, offering a peaceful cottage where you can hear the sounds of animals nearby.
The property has two buildings: “ToriCommons” can accommodate up to 7 people, and “Kaon” can accommodate up to 5 people, with a total capacity of up to 12 people across both buildings.
It’s a popular choice for club or seminar retreats, thanks to its convenient location and excellent facilities.
Details about PlaceToBe NasuMachi are available here, though it’s in Japanese.
Day 2: A Day of Enjoying Nasu’s Popular Tourist Attractions
On Day 2, it’s time to explore the popular tourist spots in Nasu.
We’ll introduce some classic attractions that are perfect for creating unforgettable memories.
9:30 AM: Head to Nasu Safari Park
First, visit the highly popular Nasu Safari Park.
It’s just a 2-minute walk from the PlaceToBe NasuMachi cottages, so you can relax at the cottage until just before the park opens.
Although Nasu Safari Park is a busy tourist destination in the spring and autumn, visiting in the winter means fewer visitors, allowing you to enjoy the park at your own pace.
You can observe animals through the fences, and the highly popular Lion Bus and Wild Safari experiences are available without having to wait.
During the winter season, the opening hours vary by day: on weekends, holidays, and New Year’s, the park opens at 9:30 AM, while on weekdays, it opens at 10:00 AM.
Also, from December to mid-March, the park is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, so be sure to check the schedule before planning your visit.
Details about Nasu Safari Park are available here, though it’s in Japanese.
| Facility Name | Nasu Safari Park |
| Address | 3523 Takaku-Otsu, Nasu Town, Nasu District, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details | https://www.nasusafari.com/# |
12:00 PM: Lunch on Nasu Kaido
If you’d like to continue enjoying the safari park, you can have lunch at the park’s restaurant. However, if you want to fully experience Nasu, we recommend heading out to Nasu Kaido for lunch!
Nasu, known for being one of Japan’s top villa areas, is home to many stylish cafes.
We’ll introduce some of the cafes we’ve featured in the past on Nasu Town DIARY, perfect for a lunch stop.
NASU SHOZO CAFE
NASU SHOZO CAFE is Nasu’s Most Popular Café.
The cafe is famous for its signature scones, which are perfect to enjoy with coffee in the cozy café, or you can take them home as a souvenir.
It’s usually very crowded, and you may have to wait, but during the winter, when there are fewer tourists, you can enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Since the café has irregular holidays, be sure to check their Instagram for updates on their schedule.
Details about NASU SHOZO CAFE are available here, though it’s in Japanese.
Burger & Gelateria Penny’s Garden
Located directly across from the popular bakery Penny Lane in Nasu, Burger & Gelateria Penny’s Garden is a newly opened spot offering juicy burgers and rich gelato.
Not only can you enjoy these delicious treats, but you can also eat in with bread purchased from Penny Lane in the provided space, or even relax in the dog run area.
This charming spot has something for everyone!
Details about Burger & Gelateria Penny’s Garden are available here, though it’s in Japanese.
2:00 PM : Create Lasting Memories at Nasu Trick Art Pia
After lunch, how about capturing a memorable photo at Nasu Trick Art Pia?
Nasu Trick Art Pia is a museum dedicated to trick art.
It features fascinating artworks that use optical illusions, as well as fun, fairy tale-like scenes where you can immerse yourself and interact with the artwork.
It’s a perfect place to take some unforgettable pictures!
The museum is filled with art at every corner, and some exhibits allow you to step inside and take quirky photos.
For example, you can snap a photo that looks like you’ve entered a toilet, which adds a fun twist to your visit.
The facility is divided into three unique sections:
- The “Trick Art Hall,” which feels like you’ve stepped into a world of fairy tales.
- The “Trick Art Labyrinth?” where you can enjoy not only trick art but also puzzles.
- The “Michelangelo Hall,” where you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of medieval Italy.
You can take your time exploring one of the halls, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try visiting all three for an even more exciting experience.
Details about Nasu Trick Art Pia are available here, though it’s in Japanese.
| Facility Name | Nasu Trick Art Pia |
| Address | 5760 Takaku Kō, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details | https://www.trick-art.jp/ |
5:00 PM : Return Home
After enjoying the Nasu Trick Art Pia, the evening will come around quickly.
It takes about 2.5 hours to drive back to Tokyo.
Be cautious of icy roads and snow as you head home, and drive safely!
Group & Student Trips at PTBNasuMachi
This time, we introduced a 1-night, 2-day itinerary ideal for groups and student trips.
In Nasu, there are many fun spots for friends to enjoy, such as the Nasu Safari Park and Nasu Trick Art Pia.
At Hunter Mountain Shiobara, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, making it perfect for circle trips and seminar camps!
PlaceToBe NasuMachi is offering a 5% discount on accommodation fees for bookings made at least two months in advance as part of its Winter Early Booking campaign!
If you want to enjoy winter in Nasu, be sure to stay at PlaceToBe NasuMachi.
