​​9 Best Things to Do in Nozawa Onsen, Nagano Prefecture (2023 Edition)

Winter Magic in Japan: Discovering Nozawa Onsen

Surrounded by majestic mountains and boasting a rich history, Nozawa Onsen is very different from major Japanese ski resorts such as Niseko and Hakuba since the village has a thriving local community, preserving its traditions and culture.

However, what truly sets Nozawa Onsen apart from many other ski resorts is its unique bathing culture and many public bathhouses.

For winter enthusiasts, the best time to visit is from December to March when the village transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, offering perfect conditions for skiing, snowboarding, and - of course - a well-deserved post-snow hot spring soak.

How to Get to Nozawa Onsen (Tokyo to Nozawa Onsen)

From Tokyo, the fastest and most comfortable way to get to Nozawa Onsen is to hop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen and get off at Iiyama Station. From Iiyama Station, the Nozawa Onsen Liner operates a bus bound for Nozawa Onsen. In total, expect the journey from Tokyo to take around 2 hours.
**Online reservations for the bus are not possible. Tickets are available from a vending machine next to the bus stop, so we recommend heading straight there once you arrive at Iiyama Station.

Alternatively, Keio-operated highway buses (Japanese only) from Shinjuku and Ikebukuro in Tokyo connect to buses departing Nagano Station bound for Nozawa Onsen, taking around 6 hours in total.
*Please note that 2023-2024 information for Keio highway buses has not come out yet. The linked website shows 2022 information as a rough reference.

There’s also the Nagano Snow Shuttle which connects Haneda Airport with Nozawa Onsen in around 6 hours, including a lunch stop on the way.

Where to Stay in Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Dream Central

Nozawa Dream Central is a charming lodge nestled in the heart of Nozawa Onsen. Just a stone's throw away from the main shopping street and the vibrant village center, guests can effortlessly explore the town's cultural and culinary offerings.

Nozawa Dream Central offers Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring and futon beds. Some of the rooms have a private toilet, while all bathing facilities are shared.

Besides its convenient location, guests frequently praise Nozawa Dream Central for its friendly staff who are always ready to assist with any requests or provide local insights.

Address Nozawa

Address Nozawa enjoys an excellent location, situated in close proximity to Nozawa Onsen's main tourist attractions such as the famed Oyu Bathhouse, as well as Yu Road, a moving walkway that takes you up to the slopes at Hikage.

The accommodation offers a variety of rooms, from Japanese-style tatami rooms to ones with Western beds. Guests love how spacious they are, with some able to fit up to 6 people.

All rooms have their own kitchenette, making it possible to try your hand at cooking with some of Nozawa Onsen’s local ingredients during your stay. There’s also an onsite onsen that gets its water straight from the source.

9 Recommended Things to Do in Nozawa Onsen

1. Skiing, Snowboarding, and Other Winter Outdoor Fun at the Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort

Nozawa Onsen receives an average annual snowfall of more than 10 meters, making it ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and all sorts of other winter activities. Enjoy this snowy paradise at Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort which typically opens its slopes from early December to late April. 

The best time to visit is between January and February as that’s when the area gets the most snowfall. March is also a decent choice since it has many beautiful sunny days and surprisingly far fewer visitors!

The resort offers more than 50 kilometers of skiable trails and pistes, divided between 46 courses and served by 20 lifts. There’s something here for everyone, with around 40% of the slopes suitable for beginners and the rest evenly split between intermediate and advanced terrain.

If you didn't pack your winter gear, don’t fret: they offer rental equipment services. It’s a good idea to reserve the equipment in advance, especially if you are visiting during weekends or public holidays, or if you need sizes that are considered larger-than-average in Japan.

2. Experience a Heated Tradition: Dosojin Fire Festival in Nozawa Onsen

If you're planning a winter visit to Nozawa Onsen, don't miss the fiery spectacle of the Dosojin Fire Festival. Held annually on January 15th, this ancient Japanese tradition centers around the construction and fiery destruction of a massive wooden shrine, which is part of offering prayers to the Dosojin - local deities said to protect against disasters.

To build the wooden shrine, 100 men work tirelessly to complete the structure two days before the main event. On the night of the festival, men aged 25 and 42, which are considered to be unlucky ages in Japan, are assigned the task of protecting the wooden shrine as it is set ablaze by the villagers, illuminating the snow-covered village in a dramatic, crackling glow.

After an intense battle against the flames, the shrine is finally burnt to the ground while locals and visitors come together to celebrate and witness the incredible spectacle.

3. Yuzawa Shrine’s Lantern Festival: A Bright and Colorful Yearly Event

Yuzawa Shrine’s Lantern Festival takes place every year on the 8th and 9th of September. Another event related to so-called “unlucky ages,” the entire festival is organized and carried out by men aged 40, 41, and 42.

The festivities are kicked off with a fireworks display on the evening of the first day, followed by a procession of people carrying large poles adorned with colorful lanterns from the public bathhouse Juodo no Yu to the festival’s namesake, Yuzawa Shrine.

Captivating lion dances and imperial court music can also be experienced during the festival. Don’t miss out on the ceremonial cutting of a sacred rope either, which is performed using a real sword!

4. Step Into Skiing History at the Japan Ski Museum

For a dose of history amidst all the outdoor adventures and snowy fun, visit the Japan Ski Museum. This museum delves into the evolution of skiing and winter sports in Japan, bringing the history of skiing to life.

You'll learn about the development of skiing techniques and gear. Another highlight of the museum is its exploration of both local and international skiing pioneers and their role in shaping the sport.

Vintage effects such as historical documents, medals won by former Olympians, and even a pair of skis that once belonged to Prince Takamatsu, are all on display here as well.

5. Try Nozawana: A Savory Local Delight

One local specialty that's sure to tantalize your taste buds is “nozawana,” a type of leafy Japanese mustard green which is usually eaten pickled.

The pickling process is meticulous and involves washing the leaves in onsen water. The result is a delightful balance of tanginess and umami, with a hint of saltiness. It's a versatile ingredient that is featured in a variety of delicious dishes, but is also enjoyed as an appetizer.

If you want to try nozawana for yourself during your visit to Nozawa Onsen, head to Billiken Shokudo, a long-standing local favorite which also has nozawana ramen on the menu. Another option is Daimon, which serves up nozawana as a side dish to another local specialty: hearty soba noodles.

6. Tsutsujiyama Park: Flowers with Gorgeous Mountain Backdrops

While Nozawa Onsen dazzles during winter, the magic doesn't end when the snow melts.

Just north of Nozawa Onsen is where you will find Tsutsujiyama Park. The best time to visit here is, without a doubt, the month of June when 5,000 azaleas bloom and cover the landscape in a blanket of fiery red.

Following a narrow, winding path uphill for 25 minutes will take you to a great lookout point, providing gorgeous views of the village below as well as the surrounding mountain ranges. On the way you will pass 100 statues of Kannon, also known as the Bodhisattva of compassion, to whom the locals pray for the safety of their loved ones.

7. Nozawa Onsen Sports Park: Practice Your Skiing Skills in Summer

Nozawa Onsen Sports Park provides a range of fun outdoor activities outside the winter season, such as exhilarating ziplining with stunning views of the Japanese Alps.

At the kids-friendly Naski Park, families can enjoy climbing walls, trampolines, and tubing rides. There’s also an indoor playroom for rainy or really hot days.

And for those who miss skiing even in summer, Nozawa Onsen Sports Park offers the opportunity for “summer skiing” on a 500-meter-long slope. The surface is covered in a material that gives a surprisingly snow-like feeling and can be used to practice your turns and tricks off-season.

8. Eat Onsen Eggs: A Hot Spring Specialty

Onsen eggs are a unique delicacy that you’ll often find in Japanese hot spring towns. The eggs are submerged into hot springs with a temperature of around 70℃ and left to cook for approximately 20-30 minutes. The finished egg has a firm custard-like yolk and a silky and soft egg white, and goes great with a splash of soy sauce over white rice.

In Nozawa Onsen, villagers prepare onsen eggs, vegetables, and nozawana at Ogama - a large hot spring with 5 different pools. Due to its scorching hot temperature, only the locals are allowed to approach the steaming basins, which look striking in winter when surrounded by piles of fluffy snow.

Souvenir shops around Ogama have onsen eggs for sale, but if you really want to try making your own, keep looking around - places like Mini Onsen Hiroba Yurari will show you how for a small fee!

9. Soto-Yu and Ashi-Yu: Experience the Bliss of Nozawa’s Hot Springs

You can’t visit Nozawa Onsen and not try out its soto-yu: 13 communal bath houses scattered around town. At 45-49℃, the water can feel quite hot for onsen beginners, but the steaming waters work wonders for sore muscles. There is no better way to wrap up the day after hours of skiing! The bath houses are all free to enter and use, although a small donation is always appreciated - there is a donation box located at the entrance of each bath house.

For those with less time on their hands, Nozawa Onsen’s ashiyu provide a great alternative. Ashiyu are essentially hot spring footbaths, and enjoying them is as easy as taking off your shoes and rolling up your trousers. It can be a great way to relax and relieve some fatigue after exploring the streets of the village.

The largest bath house in Nozawa Onsen is the Oyu Bathhouse, located in the center of town. There’s an ashiyu right in front of it, so even if you don’t have time for a full bath, you can enjoy the onsen experience.

Nozawa Onsen: A Winter Paradise

Nozawa Onsen is a treasure trove of winter delights, offering not only world-class skiing but also a rich tapestry of festivals, hot springs, and delectable local cuisine. This hidden gem promises an unforgettable winter adventure in Japan, so pack your warmest clothes and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of Nozawa Onsen. Whether you're an avid skier or a cultural explorer, this snowy wonderland has something for everyone, making it an unmissable destination for your winter trip to Japan.