NOZAWA VILLAGE

Where Timeless Tradition Meets Legendary Powder

Nozawa Onsen Village is a charming ski destination in northern Nagano Prefecture, nestled within the Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park. Known for its stunning mountain scenery, traditional cobblestone streets, and relaxing natural hot springs (onsen), Nozawa offers the ultimate Japanese ski resort experience. Visitors can enjoy a unique blend of world-class skiing, authentic culture, and famous winter festivals, making it one of the most popular ski resorts in Japan.

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WORLD-CLASS RESORTS

One of Japan’s Premier Ski Destinations

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort stretches from the 1,650-metre Kenashi-yama peak down to the village, boasting an impressive 1,085 metres of vertical drop and 297 hectares of skiable terrain. Famous for its rich history, traditional onsen culture, and some of the best powder snow in Japan, Nozawa offers an incredible experience for both skiers and snowboarders. With abundant natural snowfall, 100% dry JAPOW, and slopes open into May, it’s the perfect destination for a long Japan ski season.

✔ 36 diverse slopes & a 3,500-meter-long run
✔ 21 lifts including 7 high-speed gondolas
✔ Ideal for all levels — from families to experts

Our Routes

Backcountry Routes Through Nozawa’s Hidden Powder

Nozawa Onsen

Begin at the resort and head northeast to the Secret Stash for multiple runs and short hikes through pristine powder. Then circle back to the resort after an unforgettable day in Nozawa’s backcountry.

Maguse

Start at the resort and head northeast to the Secret Stash before turning southwest toward Maguse. Enjoy a series of runs and hikes along the way before being picked up and returned to the resort.

Nabekura

Depart from the resort with a drive to our entry point near Ichiyama. Spend the day exploring hidden terrain with runs and hikes before we pick you up and bring you back to the resort.

Three unique routes designed to showcase the best terrain, with runs and hikes tailored to your group and the day’s conditions.

Onsen (Hot Springs)

Where ancient legends, natural hot springs, and timeless charm come together.

Nozawa Onsen sits at the base of Kenashi-yama and is renowned as both a historic ski resort and one of Japan’s top onsen villages. Famous for its natural hot springs and traditional Japanese charm, Nozawa combines world-class skiing and snowboarding with an authentic onsen experience. With steaming hot baths flowing from the earth and a vibrant village atmosphere, it’s the ultimate destination for those seeking powder skiing in Japan and cultural immersion in a true Nagano ski resort.

At the heart of the village lies the gensen — the source of the hot spring waters. Stories about its discovery have been passed down for generations. Some say it was found by a group of Yamabushi ascetics during their spiritual training deep in the mountains. Others tell of a hunter, tracking an injured bear, who stumbled upon the steaming springs. Whatever the truth, these legends suggest that the healing waters of Nozawa have been known and cherished for centuries.

Today, thanks to careful environmental stewardship and preservation efforts, Nozawa Onsen thrives as a popular health and relaxation retreat. In the charming onsen district, visitors can explore thirteen atmospheric public bathhouses, known as Soto-yu, sampling each one on a serene and rejuvenating onsen pilgrimage through the village.

Local Events

Where winter nights ignite with centuries-old tradition.

Nozawa Onsen is also renowned for its vibrant winter events, the most famous being the spectacular Dosojin Fire Festival, held every year on January 15th. Recognized as one of Japan’s three great fire festivals, it’s the village’s largest and most important annual celebration. When the sparks fly from the torches and the massive wooden shrine is set ablaze, the energy and tradition of Nozawa truly come alive — an unforgettable experience for all who witness it.

Access

Taxi Service from Airport

If you plan to come over Nozawa Onsen from Narita / Haneda / Centrair Airport, we do suggest you the special bus/taxi. The bus/taxi takes you to Kawaichiya directly from the Airport and the price is nice. This is a Door to Door service and 5.5 hours to Kawaichiya (in case from Narita). If you would like to take it, please refer to their web site.

Chuo taxi service

Train and Bus to Nozawa onsen

1. NARITA EXPRESS : Narita to Tokyo station
2. SHINKANSEN : Tokyo station to Iiyama station
3. NOZAWA ONSEN LINER Bus : Iiyama station to Nozawa onsen

Catching the Shinkansen Train and Bus is the most common transport to Nozawa Onsen. From Narita Airport, catch the Narita Express (NEX) train to Tokyo Station (1 hour). There are frequent departures from the airport railway terminal.

Upon arrival at Tokyo Station take the escalators up and follow the green signs for the Shinkansen. The platform number for departure is usually about 20-23. Check Hyperdia for schedules. The Shinkansen from Tokyo station to Iiyama station takes about 2 hours.

The most economical way to cover the fares for the NEX and the Shinkansen is to purchase a JR East Pass.

For train travel from Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto or other parts of Japan, seeHyperdia for routes, schedules and fares.

* Japan Rail Pass http://www.japan-rail-pass.com/
* Hyperdia http://www.hyperdia.com/en/

Taking the Nozawa onsen Liner bus at the Iiyama station to Nozawa onsen. The nearest bus stop to Kawaichiya ryokan is “Nozawa Onsen” which is last one, but the place of the last bus stop is different depending on the season. Taking 3 minutes walk to Kawaichiya ryokan anyway.