Nozawa Onsen – One of a Kind
It’s no surprise that Nozawa Onsen is a favourite destination for powder hounds and corduroy cruisers alike. And it’s not hard to see why - as far as ski resorts go, Nozawa Onsen is the quintessential Japanese resort.
So, what can you expect from Nozawa? How about amazing snow, great terrain, a traditional village with excellent restaurants and bars, a fire festival and a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets. Oh, did we mention it now has a gin distillery too?
Nozawa is hugely popular and there is no doubt that you too will be converted after a trip to this truly unique resort.
From the moment you arrive in Nozawa Onsen and wander the snow-covered streets, you will see what the hype is about. The village, with its narrow lanes and traditional wooden buildings, feels like a page from a history book. But this magical setting is only the backdrop to what is to come.
Nozawa Onsen is one of those resorts that pretty much ticks all the boxes for visitors looking for a classic Japanese ski holiday experience. It starts with a stunning and historic onsen village revered throughout Japan for centuries for its onsen (hot springs).
Then there is the mountain, huge by Japanese standards. With slopes for days and 50km of runs, you won’t get bored here, regardless of your ability. There truly is something for everyone here.
Beginners can start on gentle slopes at the base, while the experts can tackle challenging runs like the Skyline and the heart-pounding Kandahar, an official International Ski Federation (FIS) competition course, and host to numerous international ski competitions.
Families are well catered to, with English-speaking ski schools and daycare options available. The beginner slopes are conveniently located near the base, so non-skiing parents can sip hot chocolate while watching their future Lindsey Vonns and Travis Rices in action.
Nozawa Onsen's range of accommodation options adds to its appeal. You'll find traditional inns (ryokan) all over town. For those seeking high end luxury, there are upscale lodges and hotels aplenty. Plus, the village is so compact that you're never far from the ski lifts or the onsen.
And if you want more space and privacy, there are also holiday homes and self-catering options available for hire. Self-catering options are somewhat rare in more traditional Japanese resorts but are often a must for families travelling with younger kids.
Nozawa village has a great selection of bars and restaurants which are easily accessible on foot although we strongly recommend booking ahead in busier periods.
One of the most unique and enjoyable aspects of a Japanese ski holiday is being able to rejuvenate in a hot onsen, there truly is no better way to recuperate after a day on the mountain. Nozawa boasts an incredible number of public onsen, each with its own unique charm, all heated naturally by local volcanic activity. Be warned though that these onsen are on the hotter side of the spectrum.
A resort as popular as Nozawa Onsen sees a lot of repeat visitors and books up very quickly, especially in the peak period from Christmas through to the end of February. Adding to the demand in mid-January is the amazing Dosojin Fire Festival, which is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If Nozawa sounds like your dream location, then you’ll need to get in early (we recommend you start thinking about booking 2024/2025 soon) or consider visiting in March/ April if you can’t wait that long. Of course, cancellations do happen so there’s always a chance of sneaking in during peak periods. We have some great contacts in Nozawa and we’re always happy to help with bookings.
If you are intrigued by the prospect of visiting this incredible destination, please get in touch and we’ll do our best to provide you with some great options through our network or at the very least make sure you are first cab off the rank for next season.
Wishing you peace, love and powder days. ❄️
