Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Nozawa Onsen is located just one hour’s drive from Nagano City in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture – a charming hot spring village located at the foot of Kenashi-yama Mountain which is home to around 4,000 people. The village is said to date back to 8th century but has been renowned for it’s hot springs and traditional inns since the Edo period. More recently Nozawa has also gained popularity as a ski area that features a great variety of terrain and amazing snow that’s hard to match. Head to nozawa-onsen.com for all the information you need on Nozawa Onsen!
Duration: More than 3 hours
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  • nainerak
    Adelaide, Australia13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Experiencing Nozawa
    Great location for a family. There is still many accom, eating and other places run by Japanese which offer exceptional quality and value for money. Foreign own/run businesses tend to be overly/unreasonably expensive!! - you can pay 5 to 8x the equiv Japanese option.
    Thank you for your review nainerak and glad you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to seeing you again!
    Written 8 February 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 2 February 2024
  • tippdog
    Rozelle, Australia26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nozawa Onsen Awesome
    Amazing trip to Nozawa Onsen, such a beautiful place, very relaxed, and friendly staff and people in general, great bars, cafes and restaurants. We stayed at Tanuki Lodge, fantastic service, the staff were great. We booked 2 ski lessons, and had the best instructor in Luke Saunders, Luke was patient, and extremely happy to help us, can't speak highly enough of Luke, great guy.
    Thanks for your review tippdog. So glad you had a good stay and look forward to welcoming you back sometime!
    Written 28 February 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 February 2024
  • Chungsen L
    Toronto, Canada6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ozawa Onsen, a century old winter sport facility.
    Quaint Japanese village winter sport resort that is celebrating a 100 years in 2024. Alpine facilities are modern. Cross Country ski trails are challenging. Also have ski bikes, snow shoe, back country skiing, and boarding.
    Thanks for your review. Hope to see you another time!
    Written 4 June 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 6 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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ちか
Shinjuku, Japan2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Solo
Take the Shinkansen to Iiyama Station and then a direct bus for about 20 minutes.
Even if you expect it to be busy on the way back, there are two buses available so you can sit down and get to Iiyama Station.
There is also Tsurya (a famous supermarket in Nagano) in front of the station, which is a good place to shop for souvenirs.
By the way, Iiyama Station still has a new atmosphere and is very clean.
Google
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
どうもありがとうございます。 また来てください!
Written 4 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Eric Thomas
2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Friends
Really wanted to see the Dosojin Fire Festival which had been promoted on every travel article for Nozawa. It was suggested to stay in neighboring towns and pay a visit for the festival. Was turned away at the entrance to the festival grounds, requiring a ticket that was supposedly only given to locals.

Spent untold thousands of dollars and hours to visit Japan and make it out to this mountain town just to be turned away. Great way to make people NOT want to come back and spend money here.
Written 15 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We truly apologize for your inconvenience. Due to Covid the festival has been restricted for the last three year to village residents and guests staying within the village. It is not based on nationality. This policy has been freely available during this time to the public and travel industry. It is unfortunate that your agent did not inform you of this when booking. Please do talk to them about this oversight. We hope you can accept this humble apology and we hope to see you another time to celebrate with us. Please contact Nozawa Kanko (Nozawa Tourist Board) or a local hotel for all the latest updates. Thank you.
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rabbitgoeseast
Brighton, UK97 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
Lovely town with all the amenities you need. Unlike some ski resorts you still feel like you are in Japan. The skiing has been lovely - enough runs to keep you interested for 4/5 days and really good for beginners.

The town has a good mix of traditional food and international cuisine. There are plenty of vegan/veggie options in town, but not really on the slopes. Japan is still a place that doesn’t really understand the veggie concept and uses small amounts of meat in most dishes. Still you can find options if you ask carefully.

Our hotel had an Onsen so we didn’t venture out, but the water is amazing hot and relaxing after a day on the slopes.

The locals that we met, as well as the international staff, were all very friendly. A really super place to enjoy a winter break. I can imagine it is also very beautiful for walking in the summer.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rick Nelson
25 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Solo
I have only been twice during winter. As a skiing destination combined with a cultural experience it is hard to beat. Onsens, snow monkey tours, snow shoeing tours and of course very good skiing and snow boarding are all on offer. If you are from Australia it doesn't get much better. No time zone shock, reliable deep and good snow and a civilised country. Take out the air fare component and it us a no brainer when it comes to value for money. Food, ski hire and lift tickets are way cheaper. As a senior (over 60) I skied for $42 dollars a day. Dinner and drinks usually no more than $23. You do the math!
Written 4 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

tippdog
Rozelle, Australia26 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Amazing trip to Nozawa Onsen, such a beautiful place, very relaxed, and friendly staff and people in general, great bars, cafes and restaurants. We stayed at Tanuki Lodge, fantastic service, the staff were great. We booked 2 ski lessons, and had the best instructor in Luke Saunders, Luke was patient, and extremely happy to help us, can't speak highly enough of Luke, great guy.
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review tippdog. So glad you had a good stay and look forward to welcoming you back sometime!
Written 28 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Chungsen L
Toronto, Canada6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
Quaint Japanese village winter sport resort that is celebrating a 100 years in 2024. Alpine facilities are modern. Cross Country ski trails are challenging. Also have ski bikes, snow shoe, back country skiing, and boarding.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. Hope to see you another time!
Written 4 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Anon a
Atlanta, GA6 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2014 • Solo
I've skied quite a few places in Japan, including worked in a ski school here for 5 years. So, here are my thoughts on Nozawa Onsen. I will try to be objective.

I was curious so I came here, But I was kind of disappointed i didn't go somewhere else in the end. Don't get me wrong, this place is good for some people, just not everybody.

First thing was, the skiing is not as good as I thought. I am a bit hesitant to disclose where I think is better, because I don't want too many people going there and ruining it like what happened to Niseko (and looks like will/did happen to this place). This leads to the second issue I have with this place. It is over-run with Aussie Tourists. You can't even get into a restaurant without making a reservation (rare in Japan -the concept of making a reservation doesn't normally really exist). Ironically, the biggest complaint by Aussie Tourists have here is that there are too many Aussies! I can see this place turning into another Niseko soon. What a shame if it does. It is a really lovely little town.

So the skiing. Well, it's great if you are a beginner. But if you are a serious advanced skier, or even intermediate/expert level, I think you might be disappointed. For one they have melt-freeze here if you know what I mean, and the "black" runs are simply 20-30 degree slopes that are ungroomed (not steep). Ok, except for the Kandahar lift -but strangely they keep that closed off to the public most of the time (only let the local race club ski it). That really annoyed me.

Powder-wise - It seems to really dump when it snows. But Its heavy. Waist high heavy snow is actually not as fun as you think. Better for snowboarders probably, but not skiers, even if you have those fat touristy powder skis (whats up with Aussies and fat powder skis!) . Also, lots of tourists ski in the trees here. Dense skinny trees. Umm. Yeah. Well if you need a powder fix that bad then go ahead. Travel insurance doesn't cover out of bounds (tree) skiing here, and the Japanese WILL make you pay if they have to rescue you from the trees. So to me it just looks foolish. There are other parts on the mountain where you can get freshies without risking potentially serious bodily (and financial) harm. You can always get first tracks on a Powder day without having to go through the trees or out-of-bounds. This isn't the Rockies people.

Nice place if you haven't been to Japan before though. Also the onsens are really good. If you're a family going on a ski holiday, this place is good. Or if you are a yobbo out to get pissed up every night, and practice getting better at turning in the day, also a good choice. But if you're a serious skier who's been around a bit, i think there are better places in Japan. I know where I'm going next year...Unfortunately it won't be here.
Written 5 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Apfelstrudelsnl
Laren, The Netherlands8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed in Nozawa Onsen in April 2005 for a week skiing with our children (5 and 7yrs). It was an absolutely stunning experience: Nozawa Onsen is full of outdoor baths (some for free) called onsen. This gives it a mystique appearance: a villages covered in snow with white smokey clouds rising up from the ground...

We stayed in the hotel St. Anton, a perfect little hotel in the centre of the village. It's a little like a B&B or hostel, it has this relaxed atmosphere but totally clean and wonderful food! The owner speaks some English and German (he stayed some time in St. Anton in Austria). When you come by train/shinkansen/bus , he will pick you up from the bus station in town.

The skiing fields are above Nozawa Onsen; it's only a few minutes walk when you arrive at the elevator (!) which brings you to the skiing area. Up there are a few restaurants, ski outlets and little hostel. Here you can buy your skipass, hire you skis/shoes and book lessons. Our children learned skiing there from a Japanese Ski instructor who spoke only a few words of English. But for our children it didn't seem a problem, they enjoyed the classes and learned a lot!

The ski area is not as big as ShigaKogen or Hakuba/Happo and not as steep as Europe but the snow is the best in the world!! It has a wonderful long downhill track, which leads you skiing down over a ridge, with stunning views over the valley below you! it has some nice small restaurants ON THE SLOPES! (look for a little Italian pasta hut!mouthwatering pastas!)

All together, it's a pretty, picturesque Japanese village with beautiful skiing in maybe your best snow ever!
Written 23 June 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

roamriderelax
Brisbane, Australia5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2011 • Friends
We had been to Japan a few times skiing and traveling but this time we were looking for something more traditional and Nozawa Onsen did not disappoint. We arrived in the afternoon and it was snowing pretty heavy which made everything look amazing. After a great welcome at our Lodge we were directed on a walk of the village. Walking along quaint cobble streets that wind down to the main street where we got some hot buns from the street vendors then checked out the amazing architecture of the old Onsens and Temples.

Ended up at Ogama which I believe is the source of the main Onsen and where they cook vegetables and eggs that you can eat. It is a very romantic spot and we were told there had been a few successful marriage proposals take place there. The restaurants at night were also a real highlight with a huge range of choices and all great value the guys at Lodge Nagano took us on a tour of their favourites which included trying raw horse and fried wasps and some tasty sake at Yoshimi Soba. Ended the night back at the Stay Bar on the main street with a cool vibe and some nice tunes. The Foot bar upstairs was also nice and they had ski movies on the big screen.

The skiing was some of the best we had experienced in Japan, we timed it pretty well with a good dump. There was a good mix of terrain for our group with some beginners and a few hard core guys that found lots to keep them smiling. We all really looked forward to a long soak in the natural hot springs at the end of the day, was a great buzz and there were a few free ones just near the Lodge.

We stayed at Lodge Nagano and give it a great wrap, awesome set up and close to the slopes and village. Run by good friendly folks that will do their utmost to ensure you have an awesome experience. They have a few places in town and some self contained houses which we might try next time as right on the slopes

Nozawa Onsen seems like one of those unique places that attracts a special crowd that are interested in the Culture and Tradition and ofcourse the skiing more than the partying. It has some nice little bars but not a party scene like some other resorts and we hope that it stays that way and look forward to getting back
Written 25 October 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

david and theodora
Noosa, Australia180 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2018 • Couples
i have literally skiied all over the world and this is my favourite - wide open pistes, beginner to advanced - a selection for all - value plus - the only time we saw anything like a crowd was a saturday and even then a minute wait for a lift maximum. restaurants affordable the free hot springs brilliant after a day on the slopes. our only whinge was the lessons are all private - no groups unless you put one together yourself so that was the only remotely pricey thing - equipment hire was good, lift passes chepaer than australia. Transport to the resort from Narita was interesting -= we elected to spend a night in tokyo due to the late afternoon jetstar arrival time - look at all the info available on getting into tokyo by train - tons on the web - caught the shinkansen from tokyo central to Liyama and then the onsen liner - we went home by the snow shuttle - a coach that takes you from the central bus area direct to narita - far less trouble, especially if you have a lot of bags and gear.
as to accomodation, we were in a ski in ski out (Koguma) - not many, but that meant a long walk to the main restaurant and entertaiment area ( but there were options close by), so work out your priority - a free shuttle bus runs during the day to and from accomodation pickups/main lift area.
we will go again.
Written 2 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for the kind review. Looking forward to having you back in Nozawa Onsen!
Written 15 January 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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