Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Nozawa Onsen is located just one hour’s drive from Nagano City in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture – a charming hot spring village located at the foot of Kenashi-yama Mountain which is home to around 4,000 people.
The village is said to date back to 8th century but has been renowned for it’s hot springs and traditional inns since the Edo period. More recently Nozawa has also gained popularity as a ski area that features a great variety of terrain and amazing snow that’s hard to match.
Head to nozawa-onsen.com for all the information you need on Nozawa Onsen!
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
303 reviews
Excellent
218
Very good
70
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
2
crawford_thomas
Sydney, Australia11 contributions
Jan 2023
Nozawa Onsen has a traditional Japanese feel and great snow. Lot's of options for food, including street food, and the fire festival is a lot of fun.
Written 23 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rick Nelson
19 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
I have only been twice during winter. As a skiing destination combined with a cultural experience it is hard to beat. Onsens, snow monkey tours, snow shoeing tours and of course very good skiing and snow boarding are all on offer. If you are from Australia it doesn't get much better. No time zone shock, reliable deep and good snow and a civilised country. Take out the air fare component and it us a no brainer when it comes to value for money. Food, ski hire and lift tickets are way cheaper. As a senior (over 60) I skied for $42 dollars a day. Dinner and drinks usually no more than $23. You do the math!
Written 4 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eric Thomas
2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Really wanted to see the Dosojin Fire Festival which had been promoted on every travel article for Nozawa. It was suggested to stay in neighboring towns and pay a visit for the festival. Was turned away at the entrance to the festival grounds, requiring a ticket that was supposedly only given to locals.
Spent untold thousands of dollars and hours to visit Japan and make it out to this mountain town just to be turned away. Great way to make people NOT want to come back and spend money here.
Spent untold thousands of dollars and hours to visit Japan and make it out to this mountain town just to be turned away. Great way to make people NOT want to come back and spend money here.
Written 15 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We truly apologize for your inconvenience.
Due to Covid the festival has been restricted for the last three year to village residents and guests staying within the village. It is not based on nationality.
This policy has been freely available during this time to the public and travel industry. It is unfortunate that your agent did not inform you of this when booking. Please do talk to them about this oversight.
We hope you can accept this humble apology and we hope to see you another time to celebrate with us. Please contact Nozawa Kanko (Nozawa Tourist Board) or a local hotel for all the latest updates. Thank you.
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Makoto N
2 contributions
Mar 2022
Went to Furusatono Yu, which is very nice one! as it is not as too hot as the local free public onsen although it costs around 5$
Written 29 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daniel
Yokohama, Japan220 contributions
Feb 2022
Nozawa hosts 13 free, public onsens that are clean, safe and a godsend on a cold morning or night. Only visited two on this trip - including the above site - but briefly had bath to myself and that was splendid.
Written 15 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lucille D
69 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We spent one week at Nozawa Onsen in January with our young children.
It was absolutely wonderful and not crowded with tourists, remaining true to traditional Japanese heritage.
The township is bigger than expected, the centre of town shops and restaurants are all located in walking distance. The streets look so quaint, especially at night with snow.
Everyone we encountered was very friendly, especially when we and the kids spoke the Japanese we learnt.
There are many many restaurants to choose from, we went to all Japanese and one Italian. All great.
The skiing was also perfect for families and the ski school area with fun activities was great.
Will definitely return again.
It was absolutely wonderful and not crowded with tourists, remaining true to traditional Japanese heritage.
The township is bigger than expected, the centre of town shops and restaurants are all located in walking distance. The streets look so quaint, especially at night with snow.
Everyone we encountered was very friendly, especially when we and the kids spoke the Japanese we learnt.
There are many many restaurants to choose from, we went to all Japanese and one Italian. All great.
The skiing was also perfect for families and the ski school area with fun activities was great.
Will definitely return again.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TR4prez
Greater London, UK321 contributions
Feb 2020
So glad we picked Nozawa for our first ski trip in Japan. It has character and great restaurants and public Onsen.
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Travel_addict13_10
Australia652 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
The village has expanded to cope with the tourist influx but has still retained its character and many delightful, tiny, family run restaurants with tasty traditional food. You can also find trendy bars and coffee shops. Some very good street food. The onsens are a draw card and we chose a hotel with its own onsens (Jon Nobi). Try the following restaurants: Tsukushimbo for Izakaya, Akebitei for Okonomiyaki, Sooya for hot pot or Wakagiri for variety. Our access to the ski fields from our hotel was a walk up a steep but short hill ( most people carried ski boots and used a locker at the top) and onto the Yu Road, covered moving walkway to the ski area. Access to the village is easy via train from Tokyo to Iiamya station, just past Nagano and then a 25 minute bus ride. On the way back, however, the queue for the bus must have started an hour before the departure time. We arrived half an hour prior and didn’t get on the first bus and just made the second. A third turned up. Be careful of transfer times and if that’s a problem, arrive very early at the bus station. Overall the village was delightful with lots of places to discover and we certainly didn’t discover everything in the week. The slopes are good but, with all ski resorts, dependent on weather and snow falls. Certainly we found it a great village for the week unlike some Japanese ski resorts that are just hotels. This was a village to start with and skiing is a long tradition here. Western tastes are being catered for but still very Japanese.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
capykyu
Hong Kong, China339 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Nozawa Onsen may not be as famous as such places as Hakone or those in the amount Fuji neighbourhood, but it has a lot to offer to onsen lovers. You won’t find any modern fancy buildings or hotels there. In fact, it is one of those few places in Japan where you won’t even find one Lawson or Family Mart within walking distance. The overall experience is truly authentic. There are so many free-of-charge small wooden onsen huts in the area for visitors to enjoy. It is believed that most visitors would find the water way too hot though, and you are discouraged to add cold water to it. One-day-in-advance reservations are definitely recommended for the restaurants — most of them wouldn’t serve you even if there are empty tables if you don’t have one. Skiing in the morning, and relaxing in onsen in the afternoon is a fantastic way of enjoying this gem.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rabbitgoeseast
Brighton, UK83 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Lovely town with all the amenities you need. Unlike some ski resorts you still feel like you are in Japan. The skiing has been lovely - enough runs to keep you interested for 4/5 days and really good for beginners.
The town has a good mix of traditional food and international cuisine. There are plenty of vegan/veggie options in town, but not really on the slopes. Japan is still a place that doesn’t really understand the veggie concept and uses small amounts of meat in most dishes. Still you can find options if you ask carefully.
Our hotel had an Onsen so we didn’t venture out, but the water is amazing hot and relaxing after a day on the slopes.
The locals that we met, as well as the international staff, were all very friendly. A really super place to enjoy a winter break. I can imagine it is also very beautiful for walking in the summer.
The town has a good mix of traditional food and international cuisine. There are plenty of vegan/veggie options in town, but not really on the slopes. Japan is still a place that doesn’t really understand the veggie concept and uses small amounts of meat in most dishes. Still you can find options if you ask carefully.
Our hotel had an Onsen so we didn’t venture out, but the water is amazing hot and relaxing after a day on the slopes.
The locals that we met, as well as the international staff, were all very friendly. A really super place to enjoy a winter break. I can imagine it is also very beautiful for walking in the summer.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul C
South Pole38 contributions
I'm looking at going mid to late January 2020 for a week. I'm a beginner.
Will it be easy to find lessons once there? I surf and people that have done similar to me have suggested a lesson on day 1.
I have tentatively already got accommodation sorted so it's just the lesson I'm looking for.
Any recommendations or advice?
Thanks
Anne V
Albany Creek, Australia85 contributions
Personally I would book the lesson in Australia before going with English speaking instructor so your assured of your place and availability
sometimes during the busy season there isn’t enough spare spots and I definitely wouldn’t have a go without the proper instruction beforehand .
We always booked in Australia so we had peace of mind
Best Wishes for your trip
Hi, i would like to take my 6 and 4 year old kids to Nozawa to play in their Snow park only ( no skiing or snowboarding ) any ideas where we should stay near Hikage snowpark in Nozawa? thank you so much
Edman A
3 contributions
Hello! Are the onsens free even if you are NOT staying in any of the hotels in the village?
We are planning to visit Nozawa Onsen from Shinjuku (9am) for a day on December 9, 2018 (Sunday) and hopping the shinkansen back to Tokyo at 8pm.
Thank you very much.
TheWorldDigested
Japan319 contributions
All the public baths are free except one.
Are people with tattoos allowed in these Onsen? I know some places require you to cover them or you're not allowed in them at all.
dejongbeevors
Wollongong, Australia14 contributions
My friends visited the baths last few years. Both have tattoos and I haven’t heard they had to cover them. They went to the tourist baths where you can wear swimmers, but also the public ones, where you go in without.
Amanda T
Perth, Australia2 contributions
Is 11 nights too long to spend in Nozawa?, should we split our time between another place? Or will we be happy here with kids 10,9 and 8 for 11 nights?
david and theodora
Noosa, Australia190 contributions
depends on your priorities - there is not a lot to do other than ski onsens and dining - with kids snow monkeys one day but it is very relaxing unlike other ski resorts
maybe split with one of the others like niseko or hakuba if you need action
Amanda T
Perth, Australia2 contributions
Hi,
We are visiting Nozawa Onsen for a snow trip in mid January, I was just wondering what the lines were like for the gondolas? Is it too busy?
Larissa R
Perth, Australia69 contributions
Hi, The town and resort are getting busier each season, however the lines at gondolas and most lifts are still quite good. The busiest chair is up higher on the mountain at Yamabiko. Have a great trip.
Mrs_Pham
Seattle, WA
What is it like here in August? Are the hot spring baths open? Are they family friendly? Thank you in advance.
Sweetmangomania
Brisbane, Australia71 contributions
I don’t know about August but the hot springs are a natural phenomenon so they exist regardless of the season. Yes family friendly within the sexes. The ladies Onsen often has little girls being bathed by their mothers. I guess the little boys go to the separate male Onsen with their fathers
josephine_goh
Singapore, Singapore26 contributions
Hi Chris
I am planning to do a one day trip to Nozawa Onsen, do you think this is possible?
What is there to do in Nozawa minus skiing?
Thanks & best regards
Josephine GOH
Colin R
Sydney, Australia8 contributions
A day trip is possible, however it depends on where you are coming in from. It's a 90 minute Shinkansen trip from Tokyo, and they aren't cheap if you don't have a Japan Rail pass. If time permits, stay overnight, as you will get a feel for the area.
It's easy to get there ... I took the Nozawa Liner (bus) from Iiyama Shinkansen station, and it's about a 20 minute trip.
Things to do include Onsens and foot baths, looking at the many Shrines, walking around the main town (it's easy, and you can't get too lost), Oyu Dori (the main street) where you can buy Oyaki (steamed buns), Nappa Café (Café 78), Nagaska Gondola to Mt Kenashi, walking on the snow at the Hikage ski area (use the moving Yu Road, or the free chairlift from the Shin-Yu area), watching the snow from a café at the Nagasaka ski area. Depending on when you are going, there is also the fire festival.
Check out the nozawa-onsen and nozawaholidays websites
James
Cairns, Australia
Hi. Looking at a trip in December landing in Nozawa around 23/12/17. A few of questions:
Is there much snow at this time?
Is there a site or contact for ski lift / accomodation packages? (or is it better to just go through a travel agent)
Are any of the onsens tattoo friendly/accepting?
TIA. James
Yvette P
Sydney, Australia7 contributions
Hi James, sorry for late reply. snow in december it depends on the season they are having we went march 2017 and the snow was incredible january they were having blizzards so you bever know.
Email nozawa holidays it's aussie run they do lift passes/accomodations and lessons or day trips we went thru them really good and organise everything. There are free onsens everywhere i have tattoos and the women didnt seem bothered by them so give a go and see.
Hope this helps
Yvette
Jorge F
Mexico City, Mexico111 contributions
Hi Sharon,
Your experience sounds like it was amazing!
Would you know around which dates the ski season closes? I'm planning on being there perhaps in late february or early march! Do you think the snow will still be good?
Thank you!
Samcook18
Sydney, Australia52 contributions
Hi...we went late March...still great snow...its great right up to end of peak season (31/3) Come 1 April...cherry blossom's are in the Japanese psyche...so things wind down regardless of the fabulous snow. Snow was falling for us late March and lots of snow monkeys still to visit. You will love it. Say high to Dave and Gardner at the Craft Room. They will look after you. Enjoy.
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Claim your listingNozawa Onsen - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Nozawa Onsen
- Nozawa Onsen is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- Hotels near Nozawa Onsen:
- (0.02 km) Tokiwaya Ryokan
- (0.02 km) Tanuki Luxury Apartments
- (0.03 km) Onsen Ryokan Jonnobi
- (0.03 km) Chitosekan
- (0.03 km) Ryokan Sakaya
- Restaurants near Nozawa Onsen:
- (0.00 km) Tsukushimbo
- (0.01 km) Libushi Pub
- (0.01 km) Toyo Ramen
- (0.01 km) Tanuki
- (0.02 km) Tanuki Teppanyaki
- Attractions near Nozawa Onsen:
- (0.00 km) Oyu
- (0.01 km) Tanuki Bar
- (0.01 km) Nozawa Onsen Early Morning Market (Asaichi)
- (0.02 km) Nozawa Onsen Tours
- (0.06 km) Kawahara Yu