A Guide to Nozawa Onsen, Japan's Ultimate Ski Destination

Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Nozawa Onsen is more than just a ski destination. Famous for its incredible powder snow, extensive network of ski runs, and historic onsen (hot springs), this village offers a mix of culture, relaxation, and excellent snow. In this guide to Nozawa Onsen, we’ll take you through what to do, what to see, and where to stay, so that you don’t miss a beat on your next Japan ski adventure.

In recent years, Nozawa has become one of the biggest names on Japan's ski scene, alongside resorts like Niseko (Hokkaido) and the nearby Hakuba (Nagano). What makes Nozawa such a unique choice, however, is its more traditional Japanese village feel. As well as having all the contemporary establishments you'd expect from a world-class ski resort, there's still plenty of opportunity for guests to take in the old-world charm of the town, from small family-run businesses to the traditional onsen springs.

Nozawa Onsen boasts an impressive network of ski runs suitable for beginners and pros alike. The snow, often referred to as “Japow” (Japanese powder), is loved for its quality and consistency. Famed ski runs like the “Skyline” and “Yamabiko” cater to both novice and expert skiers, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. And if you’re traveling light, the village is dotted with numerous ski hire shops, stocked with gear and equipment.

Sprinkled around the village are thirteen public hot springs, each with its own unique character and mineral quality. Locals and tourists alike partake in the age-old tradition of “onsen-hopping”, moving from one bath to the next. A soak in one of the town's springs is a wonderful way to relax and soothe your tired muscles after a long day on the slopes.

If you happen to be in Nozawa Onsen during January, you’re in for a cultural treat! The Dosojin Fire Festival, one of Japan’s top three fire festivals, lights up the town in a spectacular fashion. Held every January 15th , this event sees villagers erect a massive wooden shrine, only to set it ablaze in a ritual held to pray for good fortune and ward off evil spirits. As the flames dance, so do the villagers – young men chant and rally, making it truly a sight to behold.

Tokiwaya Ryokan is an accommodation with a legacy that spans over 370 years. This historic inn boasts a traditional Japanese design, complete with tatami mat flooring and futon bedding. One of the ryokan's standout features is its private onsen baths. These baths use water sourced directly from the village's famed natural springs.

Lodge Denbey is a rustic lodge with prime access. Its design feels nostalgic, reminiscent of traditional mountain cabins. Its prime location, a stone’s throw away from the ski lifts, means guests can seamlessly transition from a day of winter sports to a night of snug relaxation. But one of Lodge Denbey's best features is its panoramic views; the windows frame the majestic mountains, so you can marvel at the beauty of this winter wonderland.

Positioned in the heart of Nozawa Onsen village, Asahiya Ryokan melds the charm of old-world Japan with the luxuries of the modern day. The hotel offers both tidy, modern, western-style rooms with nods to Japanese design aesthetics and more classic ryokan-inn type rooms, complete with tatami mat flooring and futon bedding.

If you're too tired from skiing all day to make dinner plans, this cozy hotel offers on-site dining specializing in classic Japanese cuisine. When you're ready to really relax and unwind, be sure to explore the hotel's hot spring facilities, too, with mineral-rich onsen baths ready to ease you into a night of true rest and relaxation.

Ryokan Sakaya is a cozy ryokan inn that melds modernity and classic Japanese hospitality, and its onsen facilities are just what you'll be looking for after a day on the slopes. There are indoor baths and outdoor facilities so you can stay warm while enjoying the crisp alpine air.

For dinner, you can enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner where seasonal ingredients from the region are artfully curated for a dish that's healthy, satisfying, and offers a great taste of Nozawa.

For something a little more upmarket, you can't look past Nozawa Grand Hotel. The hotel effortlessly blends contemporary design elements with traditional motifs. The hotel has both Western and Japanese-style rooms to suit all travelers. Western-style rooms offer the plush comforts that global travelers are familiar with; the traditional Japanese suits are a gentle nod to local tradition, featuring tatami mats, shoji screens, and futon bedding.

Like all great accommodation options in Nozawa Onsen, the hotel's standout feature is its Japanese hot spring facilities. Overlooking the pristine vistas of the snow-capped mountains, the Onsen provides a therapeutic respite to both the body and the soul.