Nozawa Onsen Japan
Nozawa Onsen Ski, Tours & Hotels
Nozawa Onsen Village
Nozawa Onsen is a charming village located in the north of Nagano Prefecture – just under a two hour ride from Tokyo on the shinkansen bullet train, then a local shuttle to Nozawa. Renowned for its traditional onsen hot springs, stunning ski slopes, famous fire festival and rich cultural heritage, Nozawa Onsen offers a unique experience for travelers.
Take a stroll through the streets of Nozawa Onsen and admire the traditional architecture, narrow alleys, and quaint shops. Stop by the local craft stores to find unique souvenirs and handmade goods.
Visitors can indulge in the local culinary delights of Nozawa Onsen such as the famous Oyaki buns. Try Nozawana, a pickled leafy green vegetable, or sample Shinshu Soba, Nagano’s famous buckwheat noodles. Don’t forget to warm up with a bowl of hot nabe (hot pot) during the winter months.
Nozawa Onsen is not just about skiing and hot springs. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or traditional Japanese spa treatment at one of the wellness centres in the village.
In the summer months, Nozawa Onsen offers excellent hiking and cycling opportunities. Explore the scenic trails around the area, which lead to beautiful waterfalls, lush forests, and breathtaking mountain views.
Remember to check the local weather and plan your activities accordingly. Nozawa Onsen is a year-round destination with something to offer in every season. Enjoy your visit to this rustic Japanese village!
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Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort
Nozawa Onsen Accommodation
There is nothing like combining light Japanese powder snow with a rich cultural experience and a deep soaking onsen (hot spring). The Nozawa Onsen village caters to this perfectly with a wide range of accommodation in Nozawa Onsen including ryokan & traditional inns, budget accommodation options, minshuku, pension, ski lodges, hotels, inns or self-contained apartment lodgings.
See our great range of options here or check the location of just some of your Nozawa Onsen accommodation options on the map below.
Nozawa Onsen Accommodation Map
Getting to Nozawa Onsen
Aside from public transport there are several private and group direct transfer options for Nozawa Onsen. There are also inter-resort transfer options available to Madarao, Myoko Kogen, Hakuba, Nagano and Shiga Kogen.
Nozawa Onsen Car Rental
Your nearest rental points are Nagano and Iiyama Station. Go here to check availability and prices online.
Bathing in Nozawa Onsen
Throughout the village there are about thirty different type of hot springs and fourteen public hot spring baths. Whilst these baths are usually free of charge, there is a box outside each one for visitors to provide a donation for upkeep. You will also need to take your own towel and soap. Take care as some of the waters can be VERY hot, so make sure to test before plunging in. The baths are open from 6am to 11pm every day. These are managed by the local Yunkama (hot spring association) which is a residents’ autonomous organisation dating from the Edo period.
Many hotels have their own in-house hotsprings. These are complimentary for guests, but some allow outside visitors for a set fee (ask at reception).
For more information on the hotsprings of Nozawa Onsen head to our comprehensive Nozawa Onsen bathing guide by clicking on the button below. If you don’t know the rules of visiting onsen in Japan then a guide to visiting onsen can be found on the same page.
Nozawa Onsen Gallery
History of Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen is a historic hot spring village with a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. The hot springs in the Nozawa Onsen area were discovered around the 8th century during the Nara Period (710-794). It is believed that the village was originally settled by the Emishi people, an indigenous group in northeastern Japan.
Nozawa Onsen began to develop as a hot spring resort during the Edo Period (1603-1868). The village attracted travelers who came to enjoy the healing properties of its hot springs. The local community established communal bathhouses known as “soto-yu” to accommodate the visitors.
In the late 19th century, with the introduction of modern transportation, Nozawa Onsen became more accessible to tourists. The village gradually modernised its facilities, including the construction of inns and hotels to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
Nozawa Onsen’s transformation into a popular ski resort began in the 1920s when skiing was introduced to the area. It gained further popularity after hosting the Alpine events of the 1998 Winter Olympics, which took place in other Nagano resorts.
Today, Nozawa Onsen is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. It is renowned for its traditional atmosphere, historic hot springs, and the unique cultural experience of the Dosojin Fire Festival. The village has successfully preserved its traditional charm while embracing modern amenities to cater to the needs of its visitors.
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Got questions about Nozawa Onsen?
Make a Nozawa Onsen booking appointment or contact us with your questions by clicking on the button above. Give us your best time and we’ll phone or email you back then.
If you’re in town drop by for a chat!
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