When I lived in Kamikawamachi, Tochigi, I used to go to Nasu once a month.
There was a pension in Nasu, and eating soft serve ice cream from Minamigaoka Farm was my fuel for living in a high-stress society during the weekdays.
I want to visit Nasu again during the New Year’s holidays.
Before I knew it, I was heading towards Kyukamura Nasu.
It took about three hours to get to Nasu from Kaisei Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, using the Ken-O Expressway. Although it was the end of the year, the highway was empty because I left Kaisei early in the morning. Kyukamura Nasu is located at the top of a mountain, so snow tires are essential. In Kanagawa Prefecture, only those who enjoy winter sports would have snow tires. However, Kyukamura Nasu offers a city bus from Nasushiobara Station at a special rate for guests. Since I arrived early, I wanted to have lunch around Nasushiobara Station. Although I often visited Nasu, I rarely had lunch there.
When I searched for nearby eateries, Asahiya Shokudo came up. It is a quintessential Tochigi eatery. Such eateries do not exist in Kanagawa. Several other eateries also came up, showing the depth of Tochigi’s dining scene. Indeed, when it comes to local eateries, Tochigi is the place.

The soup used in the ramen is likely soy sauce-based.
Local rice with a plate of stir-fried food.
A simple yet profound dish of green pepper steak with added eggplant. The moderate spiciness, umami, and oil make the rice go down smoothly. This is the lunch style of a local Chinese restaurant and eatery that Tochigi should be proud of.
In a spacious eatery in the suburbs, with steam rising from the dishes. It would be perfect if NHK was playing on the TV.
From the seats, you can see the national highway and the mountains of Nasu. Winter in Tochigi is harshly cold, but the air is clear.
Even without snow tires, there is no snow around Nasushiobara Station.
With the snow-covered mountains in the background, winter might be the best time to feel the charm of Nasu.

I use a Sony RX100 (first generation) camera.