Nozawa at a glance
Our Ratings
Terrain
Overview
One of the most popular ski resorts with Japanese and International visitors for a good reason. Whilst skiing came to Nozawa Onsen over 100 years ago, the ancient village long predates this and as such has retained a really traditional feel. Lit by lanterns at night, the village has a mazy feel to it with picturesque cobbled streets, lined with small restaurants, shops, Ryokans and bars.
The mountain has a great mix of endless quiet piste runs, suitable for all ability levels and great tree skiing and off piste terrain.
Located in the Nagano region on the main Japanese island of Honshu, Nozawa can be combined with time in Hakuba and / or Myoko resorts with good transport links between the three resorts during peak season.
Highlights
- A whopping 10 to 12m of snow per season.
- With over 1,000m and over 50km of piste runs, Nozawa is one of the largest of Japan’s ski areas with runs for all abilities
- Abundant Tree Skiing and designated Off Piste Zones as well as some backcountry terrain
- Ski Lessons available in English.
- The annual Dosojin Fire Festival on 15th January has to be seen to be believed
- Day trips to seek the Japanese Macaque Snow Monkeys bathing in a stunning mountain setting at the famous Jigokudani Onsen
- Traditional Ryokan accommodation with Japanese style Tatami rooms and Western beds
- An abundance of locally owned and run Japanese restaurants
- A handful of fun bars including some opening late into the night
- No less than 30 Onsen (hot springs), including 13 free public So-Yu Onsen, scattered around the village
Nozawa Maps
Our maps are a great place to start in planning your trip.
Nozawa Fire Festival
The 300 year old Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Matsuri is sacred festival tradition, held on 15th January every year to pray for health, good fortune and abundance for the coming harvest.
The festival has been designated as an intangible cultural property of Japan.
Nozawa Accommodation
Nozawa has a fantastic mix of hotels and traditional Japanese Ryokans to cater for travellers of all budgets.
Nozawa Concierge
Whilst skiing came to Nozawa Onsen over 100 years ago, the ancient village long predates this and as such has retained a really traditional feel.
Lit by lanterns at night, the village has a mazy feel to it with picturesque cobbled streets, lined with small restaurants, shops, Ryokans and bars.
Getting to Nozawa Onsen
With well-established and smoothly operated transport routes, Nozawa Onsen is accessible to travellers from overseas and within Japan.
Nozawa Restaurants
Nozawa Onsen offers an inspired range of dining options from authentic Japanese cuisine to fusion, ethnic and European cuisine.
Nozawa Bars
Nozawa 'Soto Yu' Onsen
Sample the thirteen atmospheric indoor public bathhouses called Soto Yu; easily recognizable due to their wooden structures, which resemble architectural designs from the Edo period (1603-1868),
Dotted around the village, the baths are located within walking distance, so you can onsen-hop in your yukata (light cotton kimono) and explore the many narrow lanes with their tiny canals.
Nozawa Hotel & Day Use Onsen
Several Nozawa hotels feature their own public indoor & outdoor onsen baths with fantastic views and are open to the public for an entry fee.
Time in one of Nozawa's fantastic onsen will help you relax and unwind after a full day of activities on the mountains.
Nozawa Child Care
Yumin is a safe and secure daycare centre with fully qualified nursery staff always in attendance.
Located on the 2nd floor of the Hikage Information Center.
Nozawa Winter Activities
Come and experience the thrill of flying over the ski slopes on one of the longest zip lines in japan or explore the beauty of Nozawa’s winter wonderland on a snowshoe tour.