Nozawa Onsen

Fast Facts
  • Country: Japan
  • Region: Nagano/Niigata
  • Nearest City: Nagano - 1hr drive (47km)
  • Nearest Domestic Airport: Matsumoto Airport - 117kms
  • Nearest International Airport: Tokyo International Airport - 290kms

Resort Overview

Founded in 1930, Nozawa Onsen is a famous, historical onsen town, home to more than 30 public hot springs.

Recognised as the oldest snow resort in Japan, the charming village has retained its Japanese spirit and culture with its beautiful old streets, traditional festivals and authentic accommodation and dining options.

Nozawo Onsen is considered one of Japan’s top ski resorts in terms of size, history, and snowfall.

The ideal family resort, Nozawa Onsen is serviced by more than 50kms of trails, which are made up with a balanced mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs.

Resort Overview
  • Ski Season: Late November – Early May
  • Overall Height: 1650m
  • Snow fall (Avg Annual Snowfall): 12m
  • Nearest township: Liyama, 20km
  • Accommodation: Nozawa Onsen
  • Resort Services:

    Accommodation, Shuttle Bus, Restaurants / Cafes, Bars / Nightclub, Shopping, Convenience Store, Medical Centre, ATM (limited), Ski Hire, Post Office , Visitor Centre, Child Care

Image Gallery

Activities and Attractions

Skiers and snowboarders can choose from wide runs through to magical tree runs. Those who love fresh powder are spoilt for choice with many of the advanced powder runs remaining ungroomed. Group and individual ski and snowboard lessons are available for beginners or for those looking to fine tune their skills. Lessons are run daily for infants through to adults.

Further fun on the snow can be had with snowshoe tours, snow groomer tours and daily night skiing (December-March). The youngest members of the family will love the Hikage Ski Area Kids Park, where Nasuki, Nozawa’s very own larger than life character, makes an appearance every weekend.

Nazawa Onsen also hosts traditional festivals and events including light shows, kids’ days and the biggest event of all, the Dousojin Fire Festival, which takes place annually in on 15 January.

Resort Services

The quaint township of Nozawa Onsen sits below the ski resort and services the resort via three main base areas; Hikage, Nagasaka, and Karasawa.

A variety of centrally located accommodation options are available at Nozawa Onsen, ranging from luxury hotels and apartments through to pensions and Japanese Ryokans. Many of the hotels boast traditional Japanese restaurants and entertainment areas, while many more can be found by exploring the village.

Nozawa Onsen Japan is located in the northern part of the Nagano Prefecture on the Honshu Island. The resort is 46km northeast of the city of Nagano and 249km northwest of Tokyo and can be accessed via bullet train, self-drive or luxury transfer.

Activities & Attractions
  • Total Ski Area / Distance: 297ha
  • Total Ski Lifts: 21
  • Total Ski Runs/Trails: 36
  • Beginner Ski Area: 30%
  • Intermediate Ski Area: 30%
  • Advanced Ski Area: 40%
  • Ski / Snow Activities:

    Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-country skiing, Ski School / Lessons, Terrain Park, Snow Play Area, Snow Shoeing, Snow Tubing, Snow Cat Tours, Night Skiing, Backcountry Tours

  • Leisure Activities:

    Hot Springs, Day Tours, Cultural Activities, Swimming Pool, Japan Ski Museum.