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
- Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours).
- From Nagano Station, transfer to the Nagano Dentetsu Line and take a train to Yudanaka Station (about 45 minutes).
- 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
- 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!
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!
