Nozawa Onsen (野沢温泉) is a small village located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its natural hot springs and renowned ski resort. With a history dating back over 1,300 years, the village is known for its traditional Japanese architecture, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere.
During the winter months, Nozawa Onsen transforms into a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. The resort boasts 13 lifts providing access to 36 diverse slopes that cater to all levels of skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to seasoned experts. In mid-January, the village comes alive with the Dosojin Matsuri, a traditional fire festival where locals, dressed in traditional garb, carry torches through the streets.
Beyond the winter season, Nozawa Onsen remains a sought-after destination due to its abundant natural hot springs. The village has over 13 public hot spring baths, called “sotoyu,” which are said to possess healing properties thanks to their rich mineral content. Many of these baths are housed in traditional Japanese buildings, adding to the village’s charm and ambiance. Among these, Oyu, located in the heart of Nozawa Onsen, is a symbolic sotoyu with a rich history, and Asagama, another sotoyu where visitors can make onsen eggs, is one of the symbols of Nozawa Onsen.
Nozawa Onsen is also home to several historic temples and shrines, such as Chōshō-ji Temple, which dates back to the 8th century. Visitors can also hike to the summit of Mount Kenashi, the highest peak in the area, for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The village’s rich history and culture are further evident in its charming hot spring town, where traditional ryokan inns and shops line the streets, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Nozawa Onsen is also famous for its local specialty, Nozawana pickles, and delicious onsen manjū (steamed buns).
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, the village’s pride, is one of the largest in Japan with a vertical drop of 1,085 meters. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and other winter activities. It served as the venue for the alpine skiing and mogul competitions during the Nagano Olympics.
Getting there
By Train and Bus
From Tokyo:
- Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Iiyama Station (1 hour 45 minutes)
- Take the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus from Iiyama Station to Nozawa Onsen (20-25 minutes, 600 yen)
- Total journey time: About 2.5-3 hours
- Cost: Approximately 9,500 yen
By Direct Bus
From Shinjuku (Tokyo):
- Take the highway bus to Nozawa Onsen
- Journey time: About 5.5 hours
- Cost: 3,900-6,400 yen
Budget Option
From Shinjuku (Tokyo):
- Take Willer Express bus to Nagano Station (5 hours, from 2,300 yen)
- Take JR Iiyama line train to Iiyama Station (1 hour, 700 yen)
- Take Nozawa Onsen Liner bus to Nozawa Onsen (20 minutes, 600 yen)
- Total cost: 3,600-3,900 yen
By Car
- Driving time from Tokyo: About 4 hours