Backpacker-Style Nozawa Onsen Winter v Summer #nozawawintervsummer Winter in Nozawa Onsen is a different beast to the Green Season. During winter, Nozawa hosts skiers and boarders in search of some of the world’s finest powder snow. The kicker is what makes the village unique. Unlike many ski resort towns which pretty much only exist for winter sports, Nozawa has long been a destination worth visiting across all seasons. The Onsen in “Nozawa Onsen” Japanese people have been visiting for literally centuries. The healing and relaxing hot spring waters of the onsens is what they’ve come in search of. Today, the village’s 13 public onsens remain free to use to visitors and locals alike. This is quite unique among other onsen […]
Latest News from Nozawa Onsen
First Snow Nozawa 2018
First Snow Nozawa 2018 We were just talking today about this time last year and it being exactly One month from today on November 17th 2017 that we had a great fall of snow and the top of Nozawa Onsen was converted into a Winter Wonderland. The snow then continued and we opened Nozawa Onsen Resort on the 25th of November 2017. That is a pretty early opening, over the last decade or so December 1st has been pretty often but there have been later starts too, from memory one year was December 17th. Generally we say by mid December you should be skiing decent snow and usually it is earlier. This year the signs so far are pointing to […]
Try a Powder Board in the land of Powder
Try a Powder Board in the land of Powder Japan winter tourism has grown rapidly over the last decade with the ever increase in powder hungry tourists. First of all, welcome to Japan. Epic Powder awaits you in the land of the rising sun. Most people come to Japan with hopes of riding the deep stuff and a question we get asked a lot is ‘what is the difference between a powder board and a normal board?’ Well the good new is, you don’t actually need a powder board to ride powder. A snowboard rides powder snow a lot differently than what a pair of skis do. This is largely due to the construction of a snowboard and the surface […]
Available Accommodation Nozawa Onsen Japan
Available Accommodation Nozawa Onsen Japan Getting a bed or futon in Nozawa over the peak periods can be a tricky game. Nozawa has become more popular in past years and the peak times fill fast. If you want the accommodation you prefer for peak times you need to book early. “What are the peak times?” you may ask. Basically, any time from Christmas, December 25th to mid-February, the end of Chinese New Year. Particularly, New Years and January school holidays are becoming super popular. So you may be thinking “have I left my run too late this year?” Fear not. We have a list filled with plenty of lodges, pensions, apartments and houses in Nozawa that still have good availability. […]
What is a Powder Ski?
From Carver Ski to Powder Ski – How to choose the Right One? Many of you have probably been using the same ski for years or renting the same style of ski every time. Have you ever wondered why there is so many types of Skis dotted around the Ski shop? What are the differences between the standard, premium and demo skis besides the increase in price? Many people who have tried to buy skis or even rent ask the question what is the difference between the options? The information you receive can be confusing and overwhelming. Once you get a grasp of the idea between each ski category, the manufacturer’s stay pretty consistent year to year. […]
Autumn Hiking Nagano Japan
Autumn Hiking Nagano Japan Japan and its mountains are now firmly on the radar for the Winter months and amazing powder skiing, Nozawa Onsen included. But the mountains are there all year round believe it or not and can be just as beautiful and breathe taking all year round especially in Autumn with the “Koyo” or leaves changing colour. We just got back from a spectacular hike at nearby Norikura Highlands and climbed the highest peak in the region Mt Kengamine sitting at a respectable 3026 meters above Sea Level. Trip Report – Autumn Hiking Nagano Japan Norikuradake is on the border of Nagano and Gifu prefectures, it is the 19th highest peak in Japan and a popular hiking destination […]
Nozawa Onsen | Benefits of Ski Hire?
Nozawa Onsen is one of Japan’s most beautiful Ski villages with one of the main reasons being the abundant of natural free onsens located around the village. A peaceful village surrounded by lush nature with a relaxed vibe but most importantly Nozawa Onsen Ski area is actually quite large by Japanese standards offering about 300 hectares of terrain with a 1085 meter vertical drop. Not as well known and built up as the likes of Niseko in Hokkaido but with one of the highest annual snowfalls in the world chances are you’ll have a few powder days during your trip. On average it receives over ten meters of snow each season. A true powder paradise. Aside from Powder hounds […]
Onsens and Tattoos; Yes or no?
Onsens and tattoos; yes or no? Onsens (or thermal springs) are a cornerstone of Japanese culture. However, you’re carrying a little ink and you want to know whether onsens and tattoos are a good mix. Well, the answer is both yes and no. It largely depends on where you’re visiting in Japan. The Japanese Perspective Japanese and western views on tattoos differ considerably. In the west, tattoos are linked to art and expressions of individuality. In Japan, associations to criminal activities are more likely. This is a stigma borne from Japan’s criminal underworld. The main bearers of ink being gang members. Particularly the Yakuza. This generally doesn’t cause a problem in daily life. However, in a situation where clothing isn’t […]
Must Visit Japan Destinations Other Than Tokyo and Kyoto – Introducing Japan’s Emerald Triangle
A difficult question for the pre-holiday researcher. What are the must visit Japan destinations other than Tokyo and Kyoto? I have the answer for you. And it isn’t what you were expecting. Land of enormous mega cities, breath-taking volcanic landscapes, fascinating culture and… only two main tourist hubs. If you find yourself scouring the internet looking for must visit Japan destinations other than Tokyo and Kyoto, look no more. Introducing Nozawa Onsen, the third point of Japan’s Emerald Triangle. A village steeped in tradition and surrounded by nature. A perfect addition to your Japan itinerary. The Travelers Dilemma – Must Visit Japan Destinations Other Than Tokyo and Kyoto Most tourists to Japan arrive with their focus squarely set on […]
Ski Fireplace Drink Relax Nozawa
Ski Fireplace Drink Relax Nozawa Getting ready for Winter in Nozawa My Dad always said ” A person that cuts their own wood heats themselves twice.. ” First part of the warming up in process. We look forward to welcoming you to Nozawa this season and sitting around the fire over a few quiet drinks and tall stories of days on the mountain. Chopping wood for the fireplaces at some of these lodges https://www.nozawaholidays.com/properties/ #nozawaonsen, #winteriscoming, #lodgenagano, #villanozawa, #kaiyanozawa, #onfire, #nozawaholidays Ski Fireplace Drink Relax Nozawa Quite a few of our Ski Lodges in Nozawa have fireplaces here are a few; Villa Nozawa Lodge Nagano Kaiya Nozawa Kirakusou Maruji Furusato Can check them out here Ski Lodges Nozawa […]