RISONARE Nasu, an agritourism resort (*1) in the highlands, will hold "Milk Christmas" (ミルククリスマス), an event celebrating winter in Nasu, home to Honshu's largest raw milk production (*2), from December 1 to 25, 2026. This is the first time the event is held. During the period, a roughly 4 m "Milk Bottle Tree" made from milk bottles from local farms will stand in the resort's "POKO POKO" plaza. In the warm glow of the lights, guests can enjoy a soup that combines milk with vegetables in season in winter. The event also offers a "milk-flavored pon-gashi (puffed rice snack)" as a Christmas present and an original snow globe craft made in a milk bottle, a dreamy Christmas that lets guests feel the bounty of Nasu in winter.
*1: "Agritourism" is a coined term combining the Italian words "agricoltura" (agriculture) and "turismo" (tourism), referring to a travel style that enjoys agricultural experiences, nature experiences, and cultural exchanges unique to the region.
*2: According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' "Agricultural Output by Municipality (Estimates)," Nasushiobara City ranks first in Honshu (second in Japan) in raw milk output value. (Nasushiobara City)
Highlights of Milk Christmas
1. The "Milk Bottle Tree" Shines With Milk Bottles
In the "POKO POKO" plaza, the venue for the event, a roughly 4 m main tree called the "Milk Bottle Tree" stands, made from milk bottles from the local Nasu Senbonmatsu Farm. Around the main tree, "Mini Bottle Trees" built by combining milk bottles are placed, and the light spreading through the bottles creates the atmosphere of the venue. The glow can be enjoyed from every angle, 360 degrees, in a dreamy setting.
- Location: POKO POKO plaza
- Hours: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
2. A "Milk and Vegetable Soup" That Gains Richness in Winter
At POKO POKO, a rich and creamy soup made with vegetables in season in winter, such as turnips and pumpkin, is served. In winter, the milk fat content of raw milk rises, giving the milk an even deeper richness, and warming it brings out its sweetness. It is a dish unique to Nasu in winter, to be enjoyed while looking out over the scenery colored by the illuminations.
- Location: POKO POKO
- Hours: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Price: Free
3. A Special "Milk-Flavored Pon-Gashi" Given as a Christmas Present
In the plaza where the Milk Bottle Tree shines, a special "milk-flavored pon-gashi" is given as a present. Rice from Tochigi Prefecture is made into crispy pon-gashi and generously coated with milk powder that concentrates the richness and deep flavor of milk. The toasty aroma of the rice and the rich flavor of the milk go well together, giving a taste that both children and adults can enjoy. Surrounded by the glow of the tree, guests can savor the bounty of the farm.
- Location: POKO POKO plaza
- Hours: 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Price: Free
4. Making an Original Snow Globe in a Milk Bottle
At the "Green House" (グリーンハウス) activity facility, guests can make an original snow globe using a milk bottle. Powder that looks like pure white snow is spread inside the bottle, then decorated with a fir tree and pine cones to evoke a Christmas tree, along with nuts and seeds in red and white tones. Finally, the mouth of the bottle is tied with a ribbon, completing a snow globe that captures the clear winter of Nasu. The finished snow globe can be taken back to the guest room, so guests can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere in their private space during their stay.
- Location: "Green House" activity facility
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Price: ¥3,000 per set (tax included)
- Reservation: Required
Milk Christmas Details
Period: December 1 – 25, 2026
Venues: POKO POKO, POKO POKO plaza, Green House
Eligibility: Hotel guests
Notes: Depending on weather conditions such as rain or snow, the serving locations and program details may change.
About RISONARE Nasu
Japan's first (*3) "agritourism resort," where guests can experience farming life in the rich nature of Nasu. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the resort proposes a new style of travel that lets guests enjoy the changing seasons and the local farm and nature experiences.
*3: Company research on "agritourism resorts" in Japan, April 2019
- Address: 2301 Takakuotsu Michishita, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi 325-0303
- Phone: 050-3134-8093 (RISONARE Reservation Center)
- Rooms: 43 rooms; check-in 3:00 PM, check-out 12:00 PM
- Rates: From ¥24,000 per night (per person, two guests sharing a room, tax included, breakfast included)
- Access:
- By car: Approximately 20 minutes from Nasu I.C. on the Tohoku Expressway
- By train: Approximately 35 minutes by shuttle bus from Nasushiobara Station on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen
- Official Website: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/risonarenasu/
- Official Instagram: @risonarenasu
