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.

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

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.

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

Enjoy Skiing in winter in Hakuba!

by Editorial TeamAll, Skiing, WinterPosted on Comments are Disabled

Hakuba Ski Resort is a popular destination not only for Japanese skiers but also for visitors from around the world.

Known internationally since it was one of the venues for the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba is a must-visit for ski and snowboard enthusiasts.

In this article, we’ll introduce some of the best spots in Hakuba Ski Resort, recommend accommodations, share affordable rental options, and provide information on how to get there.

For those interested in learning more about other ski resorts, click here!

Where is Hakuba Ski Resort?

This Resort is located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, and is part of the Japanese Alps.

Due to its mountainous location, the area receives heavy snowfall each year, making Hakuba famous for its light, fluffy powder snow.

This area has many ski resorts, like Happo-One, Goryu, and Tsugaike Kogen. These resorts are large, offering slopes for all levels, from beginners to experts.

There’s so much to do that one day isn’t enough, making it a great place to stay for several days.

Referred: https://www.hakubavalley.jp/winter/ski.html

Lift Tickets – Hakuba

In Hakuba, you can buy a lift pass that allows access to 10 different ski resorts. The prices are as follows. Additionally, there are lift passes available for individual resorts, which are a good option for those staying for a shorter time. (However, please note that the lift passes for individual resorts may have limited gondola access.)

Referred: https://www.hakubavalley.com/en/ticket_en/

How to Access Hakuba from Tokyo

There are two main ways to get to Hakuba from Tokyo: by bus or by train. As mentioned earlier in this article, the most budget-friendly option is traveling by bus. Buses depart from major terminals like Shinjuku and Tokyo Station. Be sure to check the schedule and book your tickets in advance.

By Train:

take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano Station. The ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.(How to book Shinkansen)

Once you arrive at Nagano Station, transfer to a local bus bound for Hakuba. The bus ride takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

By Bus:

Direct highway buses run from Tokyo to Hakuba. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours.

This trip plan you are going to use Limousine Bus and Alpico Kotsu Nagano.

Here is the website that you can book(external link).

Recommended Hotel

When recommending hotels, I suggest using Trip.com!

Simply search for “Hakuba Ski Resort,” and you’ll find a list of hotels and restaurants in English. You can book everything directly on the site, and you’ll even earn points for your bookings. Be sure to give it a try!

Referred

Affordable Rental Options in Hakuba

Hakuba has a variety of rental shops. Prices vary depending on the shop, and the quality of the equipment can also differ.

I’ve researched and summarized reviews and prices for some of the rental shops listed on Hakuba’s official website, so you can choose the best option for your needs.

All prices are based on the standard board rental plan for two days as of October 9, 2024. This allows for easy comparison across rental shops.

Rhythm13500, spicy 10400, head 8500, 7000, lion 10400, 8500, 7000

SPICY RENTAL

PRICE: 💲💲💲💲

GOOGLE REVIEW: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Rhythm

PRICE: 💲💲💲💲💲

GOOGLE REVIEW: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

HEAD

PRICE:💲💲💲

GOOGLE REVIEW: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

LION

PRICE: 💲💲💲💲

GOOGLE REVIEW: Uncertain

CENTRAL SNOW SPORTS

PRICE: 💲💲💲💲

GOOGLE REVIEW: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

WOODY

PRICE: 💲💲💲

GOOGLE REVIEW: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[5 Ski-Resorts] Enjoy skiing in winter in Japan!

by Editorial TeamSkiing, WinterPosted on Comments are Disabled

Skiing in Winter in Japan is a magical time, especially for skiing enthusiasts. With beautiful mountains and great snow, There are many places where you can enjoy snow with each difficulty and these days some places have staff who can speak English which makes it easy to enjoy skiing as much as you can!

Ski Resort

Niseko

Referred

Hokkaido

Spending: 💲💲💲💲💲(High)

Difficulty: ⛷⛷⛷(~Intermediate)

Size: ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ (Large)

Lift Tickets: ¥9000

Niseko is renowned worldwide for its incredible powder snow and vibrant après-ski scene. It has a variety of ski areas connected by lifts, catering to all skill levels.

Sapporo International

Referred

Hokkaido

Spending: 💲💲💲💲(A little High)

Difficulty: ⛷⛷⛷⛷⛷(~Advanced)

Size: ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ (Medium)

Lift Tickets: ¥5000

This is known for its well-maintained runs and family-friendly atmosphere. After skiing, visitors can explore Sapporo’s famous ramen shops and cultural attractions, making it a great destination for both skiing and sightseeing.

Hakuba

Nagano

Spending: 💲💲💲(Medium)

Difficulty: ⛷⛷⛷(~Intermediate)

Size: ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ (Large)

Lift Tickets: ¥5500

Hakuba Happo-One is one of the largest and most famous ski resorts in Japan, known for hosting events during the 1998 Winter Olympics.

Shiga Kogen

Referred

Nagano

Spending: 💲💲

Difficulty: ⛷⛷⛷⛷⛷(~Advanced)

Size: ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ (Large)

Lift Tickets: ¥8000

It features a vast network of interconnected slopes across 18 ski resorts, offering over 80 kilometers of skiing terrain.

Karuizawa

Referred

Nagano

Spending: 💲

Difficulty: ⛷(~Intermediate)

Size: ⛰ (Small)

Lift Tickets: ¥5700

Karuizawa is a charming resort located near Tokyo, making it easily accessible for day trips. The area is known for its beautiful scenery and shopping opportunities, as well as hot springs for relaxation after a day on the slopes.

Niseko

Referred

Official Website: https://nisekotourism.com/

Information

Niseko is a must-visit destination for winter sports lovers. With its amazing snow, great skiing, delicious food, and beautiful scenery, it offers an unforgettable experience.

How to Get to Niseko

Getting to Niseko is easy! Most visitors fly into New Chitose Airport, which is about 2.5 hours away by bus or train. Many hotels and ski resorts offer shuttle services from the airport, making your journey smooth and convenient.

Recommended Hotel

Hilton Niseko Village

Referred

Sapporo International Ski Resort

Referred

Official Website: https://www.sapporo-kokusai.jp/en/

Information

Sapporo International Ski Resort is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy winter sports in Japan. With its easy access, variety of ski runs, family-friendly activities, delicious dining, and stunning views, it offers a fantastic winter getaway.

How to Get to Niseko

1. From Sapporo City: By Bus

  • Several bus services operate between Sapporo city and Sapporo International Ski Resort.
  • Look for the Chuo Bus or Hokkaido Chuo Bus services, which run regular routes.
  • The bus ride takes about 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
  • Tickets can be purchased at bus terminals or on the bus.

2. From New Chitose Airport

  • By Bus:
    • Direct buses operate from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo International Ski Resort.
    • The journey takes approximately 2-2.5 hours.
    • Buses typically run several times a day, and tickets can be bought at the airport.
  • By Train and Bus:
    • Take the Rapid Airport Train from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station (about 35 minutes).
    • From Sapporo Station, transfer to a bus to the ski resort.

3. By Car

  • If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car at New Chitose Airport or in Sapporo.
  • Sapporo International Ski Resort is about 60 kilometers from Sapporo city and 90 kilometers from the airport.
  • The drive takes around 1-2 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
  • Be sure to check the weather and road conditions, as winter driving in Hokkaido can be challenging.

4. Local Shuttle Services

Many hotels in Sapporo and the surrounding areas offer shuttle services to Sapporo International Ski Resort. Check with your hotel to see if they provide this service.

Recommended Hotel

Yu Kiroro, Ski-in Ski-Out Luxury Residences

Referred

Hakuba Happo One

Official Website: https://www.happo-one.jp/en/

Information

Hakuba Happo-One is a fantastic destination for winter sports lovers. With its incredible snow conditions, diverse ski runs, stunning scenery, and vibrant atmosphere, it offers an unforgettable skiing experience.

Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, or enjoying the local food and culture, Hakuba Happo-One has something for everyone.

How to Get to Hakuba Happo One From Tokyo

Buses depart from major terminals like Shinjuku and Tokyo Station. Be sure to check the schedule and book your tickets in advance.

By Train:

take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano Station. The ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Once you arrive at Nagano Station, transfer to a local bus bound for Hakuba. The bus ride takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

By Bus:

Direct highway buses run from Tokyo to Hakuba. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Recommended Hotel

Hakuba Tokyu Hotel

Referred

Shiga Kogen

Referred

Official Website: https://shigakogen-ski.or.jp/english/

Information

Shiga Kogen is one of Japan’s largest ski resorts and a fantastic destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With its vast ski area, beautiful scenery, and excellent snow conditions, Shiga Kogen is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

How to Get to Shiga Kogen From Tokyo

  1. By Train:
  • Take the Narita Express or Haneda Airport Limousine Bus to Tokyo Station.
  • From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano Station. The ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • Upon arrival at Nagano Station, transfer to a Shiga Kogen-bound bus. The bus ride to Shiga Kogen takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

2. By Bus:

  • Direct highway buses operate from Tokyo to Shiga Kogen. The journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.
  • Buses usually depart from major terminals like Shinjuku and Tokyo Station. It’s recommended to check the schedule and book tickets in advance.

Recommended Hotel

Senjukaku

Referred

Prince Ski Resort Karuizawa

Referred

Official Website: https://shigakogen-ski.or.jp/english/

Information

Located in Nagano Prefecture, this ski resort is a fantastic destination for winter sports enthusiasts and families alike. Known for its beautiful scenery, well-groomed slopes, and convenient location, Prince Ski Resort offers a wonderful winter getaway. Let’s explore what makes this resort so special!

This resort is not only for skiing but also for those who want to enjoy shopping and the natural beauty of Karuizawa. It is recommended for day trips as you can enjoy skiing even if you only visit for a day.

How to Get to Karuizawa Ski Resort From Tokyo

  1. By Train:
  • Take the Narita Express or Haneda Airport Limousine Bus to Tokyo Station.
  • From Tokyo Station, board the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) to Karuizawa Station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
  • Upon arrival at Karuizawa Station, you can take a bus or taxi to the resort, which takes approximately 10 minutes.

Recommended Hotel

Karuizawa Prince Hotel West

Referred

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!

How to get to Shiba Onsen

Using a train is much faster than using a bus however the price of using a train is twice as much as using a bus.

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

This is only a public hot spring and they are open from 10 am to 5 pm and entrance fee is ¥500 which will be charged at the information center.

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

[Must-see]This is the guide discovering Tokyo in Winter Season!

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

In Tokyo, probably there are some snows once or twice so if you would like to enjoy the winter with snow, you had better go to the North side in Japan such as Hokkaido, Akita, or Niigata.

But in winter of Tokyo, there are many illumination in the city, which you can see easily.

So you can see many couples so easily especially winter season.

So I would like to recommend some spots so that you can enjoy our winter easily.

If you would like to explore the Japanese season, please visit here

Marunouchi Illumination

The illumination venue centers around the approximately 1.2 km long main street, Marunouchi Naka-Dori, extending from Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan in front of JR Yurakucho Station to Otemachi Naka-Dori within the Marunouchi area.

Over 340 street trees are adorned with about 1.2 million champagne gold LED lights, creating a dazzling and festive atmosphere.

This event will be taken place From at the end of November to December.

https://www.enjoytokyo.jp/event/379087/

Yomiuri Land

Yomiuriland is renowned for its stunning winter illumination event, known as “Jewellumination.”

This annual light show transforms the entire amusement park into a glittering wonderland, featuring millions of LED lights that create a magical atmosphere.

And They make the illumination based on the theme and that theme is different for each year.

If you would like to explore more, please visit the official site

https://www.yomiuriland.com/en/

Yokohama Aka Renga Soko Christmas Market

The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, known as Aka Renga Soko in Japanese, is a historic and cultural landmark located in the Minato Mirai area of Yokohama.

These two red-brick buildings, originally constructed in the early 20th century, have been beautifully preserved and repurposed as a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment complex.

And there is the Christmas Market around winter season and we can enjoy the meal and skate.

This market will be taken place from at the end of November to December

If you would like to explore more, please visit the official site.

https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/christmas/event.html

Tokyo Christmas Market

The “Tokyo Christmas Market” is an outdoor event that brings the authentic ambiance of a traditional German Christmas market to Tokyo.

Featuring a 14-meter-tall “Christmas Pyramid” imported from the German village of Seiffen, the market showcases a variety of stalls offering mulled wine, Christmas sweets, and European-style ornaments.

This festive event captures the true spirit of Christmas with its charming decorations and holiday atmosphere.

This year, it will be held at Meiji Jingu Gaien.

Latest News

Discover the Best things of each season in Tokyo

by Editorial TeamAll, Autumn, Places, Season Guide, Spring, Summer, WinterPosted on Comments are Disabled

こんにちは！(Hello! in Japanese). I’m Keita and I’m From Tokyo in Japan. Japan is a country of stunning seasonal contrasts, offering something unique and atmosphere for each season in Tokyo.

Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms in spring, basking in summer festivals, admiring autumn foliage, or enjoying winter’s snowy landscapes,

Japan has a season that’s perfect for your travel dreams.

Here’s a guide to help you experience the best things of each season in Tokyo and if you explore more for each season, there is the link for each season guide below this article.

And if you would like to know the news, please visit here

Spring (March to May): Cherry Blossom

Spring is synonymous with cherry blossoms in Japan. From late March to early April, the entire country turns pink as sakura trees bloom.

Join locals in hanami (flower viewing) picnics under the cherry blossoms, and don’t miss night-time illuminations that make the blossoms glow beautifully.

If you are interested to come in spring, I made the list that makes you easy to trip in Tokyo in spring.(Click this link)

Summer (June to August): Festivals and Fireworks

Summer in Japan is all about vibrant festivals and dazzling fireworks displays.

Each region celebrates with its unique traditions, from dancing in the streets to parading massive floats.

Be sure to wear a yukata (summer kimono) and enjoy festival foods like yakisoba and takoyaki.

And Fireworks is really famous among Japanese and when it comes to big festivals, they always set off fireworks.

If you are interested to come in summer, I made the list that makes you easy to trip in Tokyo in summer.(Click this link)

Autumn (September to November): Fall Foliage

Japan’s landscapes are painted with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows as the leaves change color.

Take a leisurely stroll through temples and gardens, or hike through mountains to fully appreciate the beauty of Koyo.

If you are interested to come in autumn, I made the list that makes you easy to trip in Tokyo in autumn.(Click this link)

Winter (December to February): Snowy Adventures and Illuminations

Winter in Japan is a wonderland of snow-covered landscapes and stunning illuminations.

There are a lot of places which you can enjoy winter sports and there are some Christmas festivals in Japan which is really famous among Japanese and those festivals are different from the other countries festivals.

If you are interested to come in winter, I made the list that makes you easy to trip in Tokyo in winter.(Click this link)