Nozawa Onsen - Discovering Japan

Travelling to Nozawa Onsen

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Nozawa Onsen, a pretty good destination in Japan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Nozawa Onsen and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Nozawa Onsen, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Japan, here's everything to know about Nozawa Onsen for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen is a popular ski resort town located in the northern Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is famous for its natural hot springs, known as onsens, which are scattered throughout the town. Nozawa Onsen is well-known for its traditional Japanese-style architecture and cultural heritage. In the winter it attracts ski-enthusiasts from all over the world with its 36 ski slopes. The town also hosts various cultural and religious events throughout the year, including the Fire Festival held in January, which is one of the biggest winter festivals in Japan.

What to visit in Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen is a beautiful ski resort town located in the Nagano Prefecture of Japan. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Nozawa Onsen: 1. Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort - This is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan and offers over 50 kilometers of ski slopes. With its natural hot springs and stunning views of the Japanese Alps, Nozawa Onsen is a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts from around the world.
2. Nozawa Onsen Snow Monkeys - Japan's famous snow monkeys can be found in the Jigokudani Monkey Park which is located close to Nozawa Onsen. These monkeys are known for their unique behavior of bathing in hot springs in the middle of winter.
3. Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival - This is an annual winter festival held on January 15th which includes a massive bonfire that symbolizes the purification of the town. Thousands of people come to witness this amazing festival.
4. O-yu Hot Spring - This is a natural hot spring located in the center of Nozawa Onsen. Visitors can experience traditional Japanese bathing culture and relax in the mineral-rich waters.
5. Ogama - This is a large hot spring that is used for cooking food such as eggs and vegetables. Visitors can watch as the locals cook their food in the bubbling water and then taste the delicious results.
6. Kenmei-ji Temple - This is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in Nozawa Onsen. It was built in the late 16th century and is known for its beautiful gardens and japan architecture.
Overall, Nozawa Onsen is a wonderful place to visit, not only for skiing but also for its unique culture and natural beauty.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Japan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Nozawa Onsen

The best time to visit Nozawa Onsen depends on what activities you are interested in. If you are planning to ski or snowboard, the winter season between December and April is perfect for you because Nozawa Onsen is a popular ski resort with excellent snow conditions and more than 50km of slopes. The town is also famous for its hot springs, so you may want to visit during the colder months to enjoy soaking in the healing waters after a day of skiing.
If you prefer warmer weather, the summer months between June and September are ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the natural landscapes of the area. Nozawa Onsen also hosts the Fire Festival in January, which is an exciting event where locals dress in traditional costumes and carry torches before burning a massive wooden shrine. Overall, Nozawa Onsen offers plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation, so any time of the year can be a great time to visit.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Nozawa Onsen

You can get to Nozawa Onsen by taking a train or a bus. Here are the steps to get there by each mode of transportation: By Train: 1. Take a shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo station to Iiyama station.
2. At Iiyama station, transfer to the local train (Iiyama Line) going to Toyono station.
3. At Toyono station, take a bus to Nozawa Onsen.
By Bus: 1. Take a bus from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Nagano Station.
2. At Nagano station, transfer to a local bus (Nagano Snow Shuttle) going to Nozawa Onsen.
The travel time for both options is around 3 hours. It is recommended to check the train and bus schedules beforehand to plan your trip accordingly.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Nozawa Onsen, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen is a charming village located in Nagano, Japan, known for its picturesque hot springs and delicious cuisine. Here are some of the typical foods you can try in Nozawa Onsen: 1. Nozawa Onsen Nabe: This is a traditional hot-pot dish made with locally sourced vegetables, mushrooms, and wild game, such as boar or venison. It is typically eaten communally, with everyone sharing from the same pot.
2. Oyaki: These are soft, steamed buns made with local ingredients such as soba flour, pumpkin, or red beans. They are a popular snack or light meal, and can be found at local markets and food stalls.
3. Shinshu Soba: Nagano is known for its high-quality soba noodles, and Nozawa Onsen is no exception. These thin, buckwheat noodles are usually served in a hot broth with sliced scallions and grated daikon radish.
4. Onsen Tamago: Nozawa Onsen is also famous for its hot springs, and one of the local delicacies is onsen tamago, or hot spring eggs. These eggs are boiled in the hot spring water, resulting in a creamy, custard-like texture that is perfect for dipping in soy sauce.
5. Kuri Kinton: This is a sweet dish made with mashed chestnuts and sugar, and is often served during the New Year festivities. It has a creamy, nutty flavor and a sticky texture.
6. Sake: Nagano is home to a number of small, artisanal sake breweries, and Nozawa Onsen is no exception. Take a tour of a local sake brewery to sample some of the delicious, locally made sake.
You can find general info about typical foods in Japan here.

Is Nozawa Onsen an expensive destination for tourists?

Nozawa Onsen, located in Nagano prefecture of Japan, can be considered a relatively expensive destination for tourists. The cost of accommodation, especially during peak ski season, can be quite high. Also, food and drinks in restaurants and bars tend to be pricey. However, it's important to note that the quality of accommodations, food, and experiences is generally very good. Additionally, there are ways to reduce costs, such as staying at budget-friendly guesthouses or self-catered apartments, and purchasing discount lift tickets in advance.

Where to find accomodation in Nozawa Onsen

The best areas to find accommodations to visit Nozawa Onsen in Japan are: 1. Near the slopes: Accommodations near the slopes provide an easy and convenient access to skiing and snowboarding. 2. Village center: Staying in the village center allows easy access to the hot springs, restaurants, cafes, and shops. 3. Near the gondola: Staying near the gondola provides easy access to the upper slopes, and allows for a short ski-in and ski-out experience. 4. Close to the station: Accommodations close to the station allow for easy access to the resort and to other areas nearby.
You can check hotel prices at Nozawa Onsen here:
Booking.com

Is Nozawa Onsen a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Nozawa Onsen is generally considered a safe place for tourists. Japan has a very low crime rate, and Nozawa Onsen is a small and peaceful town. However, as with any travel destination, it is always important to take the usual precautions such as being aware of your surroundings, keeping your belongings secure, and following any safety guidelines provided by local authorities. It is also recommended to have travel insurance that covers any unexpected incidents. Overall, Nozawa Onsen is a safe and enjoyable destination for tourists.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Japan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Nozawa Onsen.

What type of travelers will enjoy Nozawa Onsen the most?

Nozawa Onsen in Japan is a great destination for all types of travelers including couples, young people looking for fun and families. However, it is particularly suited for those who are interested in skiing and snowboarding as it offers some of the best winter sports facilities in the country. Families with children will also appreciate the Nozawa Onsen Kids Park where children can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. Additionally, the hot springs in the area are a great way to relax and unwind after a day of skiing. Overall, Nozawa Onsen offers something for everyone, making it a great choice for travelers of all ages and interests.

How to get around Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen is a small mountain village in Japan, so the best way to move around is by walking or skiing. There are also free shuttle buses that run between the main areas of the village and the ski lifts. In addition, there are also taxis and rental cars available for those who want to venture out of the village. However, driving in snowy and mountainous areas can be challenging, so it is recommended to have experience and be well-prepared for the conditions.

What to see around Nozawa Onsen

Sure, here are some suggestions for nice places to visit in a day trip from Nozawa Onsen: 1. Snow Monkey Park: Located in Nagano, about an hour's drive from Nozawa Onsen, this park is famous for its hot spring-loving Japanese Macaques.
2. Zenkoji Temple: This historic and beautiful temple is located in Nagano and is believed to have been founded in the 7th century.
3. Obuse Town: This charming little town is famous for its chestnuts, sake, and beautiful architecture. You can enjoy a stroll through the town, visit museums, and have a delicious meal.
4. Matsumoto Castle: A beautiful and well-preserved castle that dates back to the 16th century. It is located in Matsumoto, about an hour and a half drive from Nozawa Onsen.
5. Lake Suwa: This picturesque lake is located in Nagano, and it is a great place for fishing, boating, and hiking around the lake.
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