The Perfect Guide of Nozawa Onsen

by Editorial TeamAll, Chubu, Places, Skiing, WinterPosted on Comments are Disabled

Nozawa Onsen Village, located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, is the only village in Japan with “Onsen” (hot spring) in its name, and it has flourished as a hot spring resort since ancient times.

There are thirteen free public baths dotted throughout the quaint hot spring hamlet of Nozawa Onsen, which offers a typical Japanese setting for convenient hot spring hopping.

The hot, sulfur-scented water in the baths is ideal for relieving tense muscles.

The village is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders who come for Japan’s renowned “Japow,” or fluffy powder snow, as it changes with stunning snowy beauty in the winter.

Nozawa Onsen is a genuinely unique and comfortable place to visit because of its ancient buildings, neighborhood stores, and pleasant residents.

In winter, you can relax in the hot springs after enjoying winter sports, offering a variety of experiences depending on the season. In this blog, I would like to introduce a guide to Nozawa Onsen.

What is Nozawa Onsen

The village is home to 13 public baths known as “Soto-yu,” which are famous for being available to both locals and tourists either for free or through donations.

Additionally, Nozawa Onsen is a popular winter destination, drawing many visitors as a ski resort where you can enjoy both hot springs and winter sports, making it a renowned tourist spot.

Click here if you would like to know other ski resorts.

How to Access Nozawa Onsen

If you’re considering the budget, highway buses are personally a famous choice. Taking the Shinkansen costs about twice as much. Also, the travel time isn’t much different—only about a two-hour difference. When traveling to places like Kyoto or Ishikawa, taking the highway bus will take more than double the time of the Shinkansen. Therefore, if time is a factor and taking the Shinkansen would significantly shorten the trip, I recommend choosing the Shinkansen.

By Shinkansen (Bullet Train):

Duration: Approximately 3hours

Cost: Approximately ¥9,800 to ¥11,800.

The Way

  1. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours).
  2. From Nagano Station, transfer to the Nagano Dentetsu Line and take a train to Yudanaka Station (about 45 minutes).
  3. Finally, take a bus from Yudanaka Station to Nozawa Onsen (approximately 30 minutes).

By Bus:

Duration: Approximately 5 hours

Cost: Approximately ¥4,000 to ¥5,000.

The Way

  1. Direct buses from Shinjuku Station to Nozawa Onsen are available (approximately 5 to 6 hours). This option is convenient for those who prefer a direct route.

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is one of the largest in Japan, with a total course length of 10 kilometers and a skiable area of 297 hectares. The resort boasts 44 diverse courses, ensuring skiers and snowboarders never get bored.

Its gondola lifts accommodate up to 10 people, and the resort’s long runs, featuring fluffy powder snow, make for an exhilarating experience. After a day on the slopes, relaxing in the hot springs is a perfect way to unwind.

There are many ski resorts in Japan as well. Japan is famous for its fluffy snow, often referred to as “Japan Powder,” and the size and quality of the snow can vary by location. If you would like to learn more about them, please click here.

Lift Ticket: ¥7300/day(Adult)

Lift Ticket for the person who are going to stay at a hotel in Nozawa Onsen: ¥6750/day(Adult)

For those looking to save on lift tickets, staying at designated hotels is highly recommended.

“So-to Yu”

In Nozawa Onsen Village, there are 13 public baths, known as “Soto-yu,” that offer natural hot spring water flowing directly from the source. Each bathhouse is within walking distance, and visitors can enjoy these hot springs for free.

In Japan, there are specific bathing etiquettes that must be followed. Be sure to wash your body before entering the bath, lightly dry off before entering the changing room, and never put your towel in the bathwater.(The rule of Hot Spring in Japan)

Local residents take turns cleaning the bathhouses daily and cover the costs of electricity and water to keep the facilities clean. While the baths are free to use, it’s a good gesture to place a small donation in the offering box at the entrance of each bath.

Ogama

There is a natural hot spring source designated as a National Natural Monument, where water bubbles up from what resembles a large kettle. This area, known collectively as “Ogama,” consists of five pools: Ōgama, Marugama, Yudegama, Takenoshi-gama, and Shimogama.

Even today, local residents use these hot springs in their daily lives, such as soaking the village’s specialty, Akebi vines, or boiling Nozawana greens and eggs.

While we are not allowed to use these springs, the area offers a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life in Nozawa Onsen.

Food

In Nozawa Onsen Village, visitors can enjoy sampling local specialties while strolling through the area, including Nozawana pickles, onsen tamago (hot spring eggs), soba (buckwheat noodles) and onsen manju (steamed buns).

And if you would like to eat Onsen Tamago, you can purchase raw eggs from local shops, and there are designated spots where you can prepare them

Hotel in Nozawa Onsen

Ryokan Sakaya

This hotel has a traditional atmosphere and is rumored to have a great reputation among its staff. Since hotels in Nozawa Onsen tend to fill up quickly, it’s advisable to make your reservation as early as possible!

Referred

Recommended Restaurant in Nozawa Onsen

ATARAYA

This place is a highly recommended spot for charcoal-grilled dishes, where you can enjoy eel or chicken grilled over charcoal, basted with a special sauce, and served with rice.

Even locals say it’s a must-try, and it truly lives up to the hype. The sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness and savory depth, and the chicken is incredibly tender.

If you’re looking for a flavorful, satisfying meal, you should definitely give this spot a try!

Summary

This is the perfect place if you want to experience a nostalgic, traditional atmosphere while enjoying skiing and unwinding in hot springs. It’s not really a spot you can visit as a day trip, so I recommend booking a place to stay overnight and fully enjoying everything it has to offer!

The perfect guide of Karuizawa

by Editorial TeamAll, Chubu, Karuizawa, PlacesPosted on Comments are Disabled

Karuizawa is a charming resort town in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Japan, known for its stunning natural landscapes, comfortable climate, and huge shopping center called Mitsui Outlet.

Popular among both local and international visitors, Karuizawa offers a perfect escape from the bustling cities with its peaceful atmosphere, outdoor activities, luxurious shopping, and gourmet dining. Karuizawa is an ideal destination for year-round relaxation and adventure.

I am going to tell you about the way to get there from Shinjuku Station(Tokyo) and how you enjoy there.

If you would like to know the best transportation in Japan, Please visit this site.

How to get to Karuizawa

There are various options to get there. you would rather rent a car from Tokyo so that you can enjoy the whole area of Karuizawa.

However, there are the buses that you can go around Karuizawa.

Using Train

This is the fastest way to get to there. Many people consider using the Shinkansen when they want to visit Kyoto or Osaka from Tokyo. But you can access there to use Shinkansen as well.

The price of the ticket is around ¥6000 and this price is not expensive compared to the way to Kyoto and Osaka by Shinkanse and you can access there for an hour.

If you would like to know how to use Shinkansen by cheapest way, please visit this link.

Using highway bus

Traveling to there by highway bus is a convenient and affordable. Buses depart from major cities like Tokyo and Yokohama, providing a direct route to Karuizawa.

With comfortable seating, reliable schedules, and budget-friendly fares, the highway bus is an excellent option for those looking to escape the city and experience the natural beauty and attractions.

How to book the highway bus to Karuizawa??

  1. This is the link for the highway bus to Karuizawa
  2. Choosing the date that you would like to book
  3. Click Proceed to booking

Rent a car

Renting a car in Karuizawa is a fantastic way to explore the region at your own pace, offering flexibility and freedom to discover the town’s hidden gems.

With a car, you can easily visit popular attractions such as the stunning Shiraito Falls, the scenic Usui Pass, and the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, while also venturing into lesser-known areas for a more personalized experience.

However, this option is more expensive than the other options because you need to pay the fare to use the highway road besides the fee of renting a car
And you can access Japanese service spots on the highway road despite of expensive fare to use highway road.

If you would like to rent a car, explore here.

Top Tourist Attractions in Karuizawa

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

This outlet mall is impressively large and located right in front of Karuizawa Station. Blending seamlessly with nature, it’s a family-friendly spot where you can shop while enjoying time with pets and kids, making it popular with families.

It features a wide range of brands, from Ralph Lauren and H&M to high-end names like GUCCI and SAINT LAURENT. If you’d like to see the full list of brands, please check the official website linked here.

Shiraito Falls

A waterfall, with delicate streams of water flowing like “white threads,” surrounded by lush greenery.

Unlike many waterfalls that have a single powerful stream, Shiraito Falls is known for its unique appearance, where countless tiny streams emerge from the rock, creating a curtain of delicate water that is mesmerizing to watch.

Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza

Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza is a lovely shopping street in the middle of Karuizawa with old shops and new boutiques.

This popular area is known for its retro and modern mix where you can find local crafts, high end fashion and delicious treats all in one walk. Visitors love to try the famous Karuizawa jams, freshly baked pastries and handmade souvenirs, so it’s a great place to experience both traditional and modern Karuizawa. It’s especially lively on weekends and holidays.

Harunire Terrace

Hoshinoya Karuizawa is a luxurious resort in the serene forests, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort. Guests can enjoy a variety of experiences, including soothing hot springs, forest walks, and gourmet dining that emphasizes local ingredients.

Even though you are not supposed to stay at a hotel, you can enjoy their nature, some activities, and facilities.

If you would like to book around this area, please visit this link.

Referred from: https://www.blestoncourt.com/dining/harunireterrace/

Tonbono Yu

Tombonoyu is a day-use hot spring supervised by Hoshino Resorts, featuring natural hot spring water that flows directly from the source.

You can enjoy various seasonal baths, like the Japanese custom of adding yuzu citrus to the water in winter to warm up. If you’re concerned about tattoos, don’t worry—guests with tattoos can use special tattoo stickers provided by the hot spring to enjoy their soak. The admission fee for adults is just 1,350 yen, so be sure to relax and unwind from your travels at this wonderful hot spring!

Information

Operating Hours: 10:00-22:00

Website: https://www.hoshino-area.jp/tombo-no-yu/

Admission Fee: Adult-1350yen Child-800yen


Reserve Hotel in Karuizawa

The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota

At Saku-Daira, you can enjoy views of the Yatsugatake foothills in the distance. Each room includes a private open-air bath, making it a welcoming place for guests with tattoos to relax comfortably. There’s also French cuisine with a Japanese twist, offering a unique dining experience. If this interests you, be sure to check it out!

Karuizawa Prince Hotel West

Skiing in Winter

This hotel, located right next to a ski resort, is especially popular in winter for easy access to the slopes. In the summer, guests can also enjoy the surrounding nature, with activities like tennis and golf available, making it a great year-round destination.

Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort

This hotel offers a charming retro atmosphere reminiscent of Western-style accommodations, allowing guests to experience a unique blend of nostalgia and elegance. At the same time, it features outdoor hot springs where you can fully enjoy the Japanese onsen experience. It’s undoubtedly the perfect space for relaxation!

The Perfect Guide of Mount Fuji

by Editorial TeamMount Fuji, PlacesPosted on Comments are Disabled

Mount Fuji, or “Fujisan” as it’s known in Japan, is a symbol of the mountain in Japan.

Everyone who wants to visit Japan surely knows about Mount Fuji. It stands as a symbol of Japan, shining brightly even today. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013, it is also famous for being the tallest mountain in Japan. When you get close to Mount Fuji, you will undoubtedly be overwhelmed by its grandeur and beauty.

In this guide, I will tell you about the spots around there, the amazing spots to take a picture of Fuji, the way to access there, and what you should do when you visit.

Climbing Mount Fuji is certainly a challenge. However, it is also an experience that brings a great sense of accomplishment. If you’re planning to visit Mount Fuji just to see it, I highly recommend also going to Hakone. The view of Mount Fuji from Hakone is absolutely stunning, and you can enjoy relaxing in hot springs there. So, if you want to make the most of your limited time, Hakone is definitely worth considering!

What is Mount Fuji

It is the highest mountain in Japan and it was registered as a world heritage site in 2013. Before the registration, they were facing a lot of problems with garbage.

Due to their effort, it was registered as a world heritage site and people care about the garbage. Therefore I would like you to care about garbage when you visit there.

This is the official site of Mount Fuji.

How to access to Mount Fuji from Tokyo

There are many ways to travel from Tokyo to Mount Fuji. In this guide, I’ll introduce two main options: taking various trains, including the Shinkansen, and using the express bus.

Personally, I recommend taking the express bus. While it may take a bit longer, it’s relatively affordable, and the time difference is only about 1-2 hours compared to other options. So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way, the express bus is the best option for you.

By Train

JR Chuo Line and Fujikyu Railway

This is the most common way to go to Mount Fuji.

Step 1: Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Otsuki Station.

Step 2: Transfer to the Fujikyu Railway at Otsuki Station and take the train to Kawaguchiko Station.

Total Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 hours.

Cost: Around ¥2,500 – ¥3,000 one way.

Shinkansen

Step 1: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Fuji Station.

Step 2: From Shin-Fuji Station, take a bus to Kawaguchiko Station or other destinations around Mount Fuji.

Total Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 hours.

Cost: Around ¥5,000 one way

How to book cheap tickets of Shinkansen??

Either way you need to use the bus to go there and If you would like to experience Shinkansen, you would rather use the Shinkansen. If not, you had better use JR Chuo Line.

By Highway Bus

This is the most reasonable way to go there and you can access there only one transportation which makes you less stressed from transportation.

And there is a direct bus from Tokyo to there and there are some stations that you can access.

Here is the link to book the highway bus.

  1. Click the Arrival Point and click Yamanashi Prefecture.
  2. Click the bus which is going to head Kawaguchiko Craft Park.

Travel Time: About 2 hours.

Cost: Around ¥2,000 one way.

The famous spots around Mount Fuji

Oshino Hakkai(忍野八海)

Oshino Hakkai is a picturesque village located between Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka, famous for its crystal-clear ponds fed by the melted snow from Mount Fuji.

Oshino Hakkai has eight sacred ponds, each with pristine water that’s been filtered over decades through the lava layers of Mount Fuji.

The ponds are surrounded by lush greenery, traditional thatched-roof houses, and small shrines, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

I was really impressed by the beauty of those ponds and the view of Mount Fuji. If you have a chance, you must go here!

Photo by: https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/english/recover/oshino-hakkai.html

The access from Kawaguchiko Station is using “Kawaguchiko Sta.-Omiyabashi-Gotemba Premium Outlet towards To Gotemba Premium Outlets” and getting off “Omiyabashi”

Lake Kawaguchiko

Next, let me introduce Lake Kawaguchi. There are five famous lakes around Mount Fuji, but Lake Kawaguchi is my personal favorite. The photo below was taken near Lake Kawaguchi, and you can see just how beautifully it captures the scenery. With many restaurants and cafes nearby, Lake Kawaguchi is an excellent spot for sightseeing and enjoying the view.

It is the most accessible of the five lakes and is renowned for offering some of the best views of Japan’s iconic mountain, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Fuji Oishi Hanateracce

Fuji Oishi Hanaterrace is a charming complex of shops, cafes, and gardens located along Lake Kawaguchi’s northern shore.

The terrace is designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, offering visitors a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing environment to enjoy and those shops sell a variety of local crafts, souvenirs, and specialty foods.

Here is the official site of this spot

Arakurayama Sengen Park

If you visit the Fuji Five Lakes area during the spring cherry blossom season, one must-see sightseeing spot is “Arakurayama Sengen Park.” From the observation deck, you can capture an iconic Japanese scene all in one photo: cherry blossoms, a five-story pagoda, and Mount Fuji. You’ll also get a view of the town of Fujiyoshida, making this truly one of the most breathtaking spots in the Fuji Five Lakes area.

The Recommended Restaurant around Mt.Fuji

Let me introduce one of my all-time favorite foods: hōtō. Hōtō is a traditional dish from Yamanashi Prefecture, similar to udon but with thicker noodles. The main difference is that hōtō noodles are wider and thicker than typical udon. The soup base is usually made from miso, creating a flavor that’s familiar and comforting for everyone. The restaurant I often visit also offers tendon (tempura rice bowl), so even if hōtō isn’t your favorite, there’s something for you to enjoy. Definitely give it a try!

The perfect guide of Shibu Onsen

by Editorial TeamAll, Places, Season Guide, Shibu Onsen, WinterPosted on Comments are Disabled

Shibu Onsen is the famous hot spring town which is located in Gunma Prefecture and there is a skiing spot in the winter season near Shibu Onsen town.

Shibu Onsen joins Kusatsu, Minakami, and Shima Onsen as the most famous hot spring town of Gunma prefecture.

And there is one of famous hotels in this area that served as a model for Spirited Away.

This area is the best place for people who are interested in Japanese traditional town and would like to relax at Japanese hotel.

If you would like to know how to enjoy winter Japan, please explore here!

What is Shibu Onsen

Shibu Onsen is located in Nagano Prefecture and is one of the famous hot spring towns in Nagano and Gunma, along with places like Ikaho Onsen and Nozawa Onsen. Though it’s a bit smaller in scale, Shibu Onsen has a charming, peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds, making it perfect for a relaxing experience. There’s also a hotel that inspired the setting of Spirited Away, so for Studio Ghibli fans, it’s definitely a must-visit spot!

In winter, the nearby Maruike Ski Resort in Shiga Kogen opens as well. This makes Shibu Onsen a popular spot for enjoying both hot springs and skiing at the same time!

Shibu Onsen is an ancient hot spring with a history dating back about 1,300 years. It consists of nine public baths, each with its own special meaning and health benefits.

  • The “Hatsu no Yu” is said to be good for digestion
  • “Sasa no Yu” is believed to be effective for skin conditions like rashes, herpes, and recovery after illness.
  • “Wata no Yu” is known to help with skin issues like acne
  • “Take no Yu” is beneficial for gout.
  • “Matsu no Yu” is said to treat nerve pain, help with post-illness recovery, and even soothe eye conditions.
  • “Me-arai no Yu” is known for its eye-healing effects and is said to make you more beautiful.
  • “Nanaguri no Yu” is said to cure illnesses completely after seven baths
  • “Shinmei-taki no Yu” is believed to help with fertility.
  • “Oyu” is considered effective for curing all kinds of ailments.

In Japan, each hot spring is believed to have different healing effects on specific parts of the body. By learning about these unique benefits, your experience of visiting hot springs will definitely become even more enjoyable!

How to get to Shibu Onsen

There are mainly two ways to get to Shibu Onsen. Taking a bus is a cheaper option, but it requires transfers and takes a considerable amount of time. Personally, I recommend taking the train instead. Along the way, you can stop at Yudanaka, which is also a popular sightseeing spot, so be sure to visit that as well!

This is the graph of how much each the way and how long you are gonna take.

transportation to the Shibu onsen from Tokyo

If you would like to book the bus right away, please visit this site!(this site is originally Japanese.) Once you access the site, you choose the central and please select Nagano prefecture.

Hours and fee

Shibu Onsen has several public baths, and each bath costs 500 yen to enter. There is also a special ticket, the Yumeguri Tegata, which allows you to visit multiple baths. If you want to try many baths, this ticket is a good option. You can buy these tickets at the Information Center, so please check it out!

Go Skiing in Winter!!

Maruike Ski Resort, located in the central area of Shiga Kogen in Nagano, is perfect for families, with a well-equipped Kids Park and ski lessons available. At the base of the slopes, there’s a Kids Park where children can have fun making snowmen and snowballs. For more experienced skiers, there are steep, challenging mogul courses that are known for being “thrilling to ski,” making this resort popular among both beginners and advanced skiers alike.

The slopes at Maruike Ski Resort are not very large, so advanced skiers may find them a bit limited. However, Shiga Kogen itself is a very large ski area, so be sure to check that out as well! For more detailed information about the ski resort, click here.

Lift Price

Next, let’s go over lift ticket prices. There’s a lift pass that covers all the ski areas within Shiga Kogen, and as of November 7th, it costs 4,800 yen for adults. With access to 13 ski areas, I personally think this is a great deal. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy both hot springs and skiing!

Recommended Restaurants in Shibu Onsen

Hakko

This restaurant serves delicious dishes made with local ingredients that you can only enjoy in this area. It’s located in Yudanaka Onsen, right next to Shibu Onsen, so be sure to enjoy Yudanaka as well while you’re there!

Haneda Kanseido

This is a long-established shop that has been making manju for nearly 90 years. Manju is a traditional Japanese sweet filled with sweetened red bean paste made from soybeans. You can enjoy delicious manju that truly reflects its 90 years of tradition. Be sure to visit and try them!

The recommended hotel

Shibu Onsen, Historical Inn Kanaguya

This is the one that I mentioned that is a model for Spirited Away and you can feel a real Japanese hotel through this hotel if you stay here.

if you would like to book this hotel, I will recommend using Trip.com. Because you can save the mile and the more you can book the hotel or train, the higher your rank will go up. So if you interested in traveling many countries, I strongly recommend this site.

Sakaeya

This hotel is not served as a model for Spirited Away however this hotel is in the Shibu Onsen town and you also walk around this town easily.

Here is the link

Senjukuya

I chose this hotel as the recommended hotel because of their higher evaluation from the guest.

Japanese people are very sensitive to the reviews, therefore, the higher the evaluation is the higher possibility you can stay comfortable.

If you would like to book this hotel, please visit here