Nozawa is a working Village with a Ski resort. Many ski resorts are just that they were built for the skiing. Nozawa is different and was established for Centuries before the skiing was introduced 100 Years ago. It has long been a popular Mountain retreat and Onsen town for people from Tokyo and surrounds. Sometimes called the “Kyoto” of snow towns it has a unique traditional charm that many Ski Resorts lack. With beautiful temples, relaxing hot springs, amazing hiking and biking, a wide range of delicious restaurants and friendly welcoming locals there is a lot to enjoy besides just the skiing. This is even more important now when the snow has not yet arrived yet in Nozawa there […]
Snow Monkeys Tour Nozawa Japan
The Snow Monkeys are Back… Snowing very lightly in Nozawa this morning and the clouds are covering the top but looks like had a little bit of a dusting overnight. Temperatures have been pretty cold, cold enough for the famous Snow Monkeys to take to the Onsen in nearby Jigokudani. After the big typhoon in October many of the monkeys disappeared from the area and there were concerns about their return. But they are back in force now and enjoying the hot spring baths and familiar surrounds. There are daily tours to the Snow Monkeys from Nozawa Onsen and a great day out anytime of the season and particularly now while waiting for the snow to arrive. Here is a […]
Basic things you need to know when visiting Japan
Japan is a popular tourist destination because of its cultural heritage, amazing food and kind people. A record breaking 30 million people visit Japan in 2018. While Japan has more and more tourists every year, there are still some differences that might surprise you. Let us help you get ready for your trip with a couple of basic tips so you’re not unprepared. Do I need a visa for Japan? There are visa exemptions for short term stays for 68 countries so people from those countries do not need visas if they come for tourism, business, to visit friends etc. The 68 Countries and Regions for Visa Exemptions https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html Most travellers from the above countries can stay […]
More Snow for Nozawa Onsen
Another dusting of snow for the top of Nozawa last night Checking the web Cams this morning and looking nice and white up the very top at Yamabiko! Beautiful to see, can check out the web cams here; https://nozawa-onsen.com/nozawa-webcams/ Last time we got a dump a few days ago a few of the local boys took to the slopes and had a bit of fun. Wonder if anyone will head up today? There is a saying in Nozawa that on the 3rd time it snows it stays. The forecast is showing another cold front and some snow arriving tomorrow night with cold temps, so could this be a keeper? Will be interesting to see what we get. The longer range […]
Nozawa Onsen Transforming to Winter
Nozawa Onsen Transforming to Winter Two great shots taken almost exactly 7 years apart of the village of Nozawa Onsen in November. It is always an amazing feeling when you drive around that bend and see the village with the majestic slopes rising up behind it. Even after doing it for 30 years it never grows old for me. It is a feeling of excitement, a wonder of nature and home. Made even better with a fresh coating of snow on top! Nozawa Onsen Transforming to Winter The top photo from November 2012 looks like we probably got 30cm up top overnight. We opened the resort a few days later on the 1st of December 2012 with a 60cm base […]
Nozawa Snow Update 21 November 19
Here is your Nozawa Snow Update: The results of yesterday’s snow are above, fingers crossed for more to come soon! Forecasts have freezing temperatures for the next couple days. While it won’t be enough to open the resort on the 23rd, we are all getting excited for the season to start soon. December 15 marks the day of the opening festival. It includes a complimentary bowl of nabe ( Japanese hot pot) and a hot cup of sake! Nozawa Ski Resort has great events that go on through out the season. They have Christmas festivities and New Years fireworks as well as the Lantern Festival in March. Nozawa Onsen has a lot to offer any time of the year […]
Snow Report Nozawa Onsen 16th November 2019
A few of the staff that have arrived early for the season are taking to the mountains in search of fresh snow. This shot from top of nearby Mt Hiuchi looking over Mt Myoko both at over 2450m above sea level. There was a dusting on top at Nozawa yesterday again too and the forecast looks like we may get 10cm up there tomorrow! Up in the north of Japan they have a major cold front pushing through from Siberia and bringing some heavy snow falls with it all week. Places like Asahidake and Kurodake are expecting well over 1 meter in the next 7 days probably closer to 2 meters so a great start up there with temps getting […]
Yuzawa Shrine
Yuzawa-Jinja is a beautiful cedar Shinto Shrine which stands as the guardian of Nozawa Onsen. Its located off the main street past O-yu onsen up the hill surrounded by cedar trees. The style of the building and the sculpture work are made by Echigo master craftsman Kaichi Iwasaki and his family. You can pray and make an offering at the main hall by ringing the bell to get the Kami’s attention and throwing in some change into the offering box. Afterwards bow twice and clap your hands twice, then bow once more and make your prayer. Japanese people go to shrines to pray for good fortune and health. Many students even go to shrines to ask the Kami for […]
First Tracks Nozawa Onsen Japan
First Tracks of this winter have been made in Nozawa Once again local skier Shogo Kawano was first to slide on the white gold this winter You will need to be up pretty early to beat him to first tracks each season In what was marginal conditions yesterday morning he took to the upper mountain slopes very early, danced, slid and celebrated. Shogo san arigatou for the entertainment, let it snow… Video by Shogo Kawano
Snovember Nozawa Onsen Japan
Snovember has started in Nozawa! The first snow falls for Japan have been recorded around the country and yesterday was our turn with the first lovely blanket of white gracing Mt Kenashi. Just a dusting but always looks pretty and an encouraging sign that Winter is on its way!Has been getting cold in town the last few days and the Fire is on. Good news is the mid range forecast is now showing a cold front and some decent snowfalls forecast for late next week. Will it be enough to open the resort on the 23rd of November? It can change a lot between now and then but always nice to see those snow figures on the charts. Winter is […]