Start of Season on 30th of November! Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort will Open this weekend the 30th of November 2024. Another early opening for this Ski Season in Nozawa! The groomers have been busy up top preparing the 50cm base which has accumulated from the last few falls. Adding to this with the snow making machines as temps sit below freezing point at night up top. At this stage it is just D Course up at Yamabiko which will open on Saturday but they will open more slopes as the snow permits. The forecast is for another 20cm on Friday night which should make for a spectacular first day on Saturday Morning. Remember lift passes are discounted until the […]
Latest News from Nozawa Onsen
Ski resort in full swing
Ski resort in full swing Ski resort in full swing The magic of winter is slowly unfolding here in Nozawa Onsen! With each snowfall, the mountain is transforming into a snow lover’s paradise, and the cooler temperatures over the coming weeks will help solidify the growing base. Currently, there’s about 50cm of snow at the top of Nagasaka Gondola Station, and our snow machines are running at full capacity to prepare the slopes. The resort is aiming to open on November 30th, weather permitting, and with the long-term forecast looking promising—showing snowfall almost every day for the next two weeks—the chances are high! Check out live webcam footage from across the resort here: https://nozawa-onsen.com/nozawa-webcams/. Stay tuned […]
Winter Festivals & Events in Nozawa
Winter Festivals & Events in Nozawa Winter Festivals & Events in Nozawa Nozawa Onsen’s winter season is packed with exciting festivals that celebrate community, tradition, and nature. These festivals, rooted in gratitude for good harvests, health, and safety, unite the village and its visitors. Here’s a glimpse of the vibrant events happening this winter! December: While Christmas isn’t traditionally celebrated, the village remains lively with open restaurants, bars, and shops. Skiing on New Year’s Day is a popular tradition, followed by fireworks on Nagasaka Slope! January: Don’t miss the Dosojin Matsuri on January 15th, a dramatic fire festival honoring the village’s guardian deity with bonfires, sake, and chanting to ensure a prosperous year. February: Celebrate Valentine’s […]
First Turns for the Season in Nozawa
First Turns for the Season in Nozawa First Turns for the Season in Nozawa Once again, as far as we know local gun skier Shogo Kawano has taken line honours this year. Bit hard to tell from the cams but reckon we got close to the “Magic Foot” or 30cm in this little November dump. Another 30cm expected from Friday night! See they have the snow guns going too up at Yamabiko so would say the Ski Resort are quietly hoping to open on the planned date of Saturday November the 30th. Would be a nice early start if it all comes through but a lot can happen in 10 days in the mountains so will have to wait […]
November Snow Update
November Snow Update November Snow Update It’s been a sunny weekend here in Nozawa Onsen, much to everyone’s surprise after the cloudy forecast. The blue skies made for a gorgeous backdrop to wrap up the hiking season and take in the last of the autumn vibes. But winter is knocking, and it’s bringing the goods! Starting Sunday night, we’re expecting nearly 30cm of fresh snow up at Yamabiko, with flakes likely to keep falling through Monday. The chill is set to drop temps below zero, so we might even see some light snowfall gracing the village streets – fingers crossed! The town is buzzing with final touches as everyone prepares for the winter influx. From cozying […]
Powder Snow and Japanese Tradition
Powder Snow and Japanese Tradition The Perfect Blend of Powder Snow and Japanese Tradition Awaits ❄️ Dreaming of a ski holiday with breathtaking landscapes and authentic Japanese culture? Nozawa Onsen is the place to be! Famous for its natural hot springs, this traditional Japanese village offers 13 free public onsens where you can unwind after a day on the slopes. Surrounded by serene, centuries-old baths with healing minerals, soaking here is a true escape into relaxation. Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort boasts incredible powder snow, with over 1,000 meters of vertical drop and 36 trails that cater to every skier level. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly slopes or thrilling runs, the diverse terrain promises an unforgettable experience for […]
Ebisu-ko: Honoring Prosperity
Ebisu-ko: Honoring Prosperity Ebisu-ko: Honoring Prosperity This weekend, Nozawa Onsen Village celebrated “Ebisu-ko”, honoring Ebisu-sama, one of Japan’s seven gods of good fortune. Recognisable by his fishing rod and large fish, Ebisu-sama is revered as a guardian of prosperity — a symbol of bountiful fish for fishermen, abundant harvests for farmers, and success for merchants. The festival filled the village with a lively local market and ended with fireworks display that lit up the clear night sky. Blessed with sunny days and crisp, starry evenings, the village gathered together to share hopes for good fortune and a prosperous season ahead.
Snowfall Magic on Mount Kenashi
Snowfall Magic on Mount Kenashi Snowfall Magic on Mount Kenashi ❄️✨ This morning, Nozawa Onsen awoke to a truly magical sight—Mount Kenashi wrapped in a fresh blanket of snow! Although most of it will likely melt with the warmer, sunnier days ahead, there’s something about that first snow that fills the village with excitement. Seeing the mountain begin to turn white again, even if only for a short time, is a thrilling reminder that winter is on its way. It’s hard not to feel a rush of joy watching the big, fluffy flakes fall at the mountain’s peak, each one adding to the promise of powder days ahead. For now, we’ll enjoy this first taste of […]
Embracing Autumn’s Beauty and Traditions
Embracing Autumn’s Beauty and Traditions Embracing Autumn’s Beauty and Traditions As autumn wraps its golden hues around Nozawa Onsen, a cherished season of gratitude and preparation comes to life in Japan’s heartland. In Japanese culture, autumn is a time to honor nature’s cycle, as it begins to rest in brilliant displays of red and gold. The village is alive with visitors from across Japan, here to savor the seasonal charm on the long weekend. For us at Nozawa Onsen, this is a vital time, as our incredible team at Nozawa Holidays works tirelessly to ready everything for the winter ahead. Keep an eye out for Japanese kamoshika roaming the mountain slopes and migrating birds gracing the […]
Guide to Getting Around Nozawa
Guide to Getting Around Nozawa Guide to Getting Around Nozawa Winter season is fast approaching, and we know you’re just as excited as we are! One of the best things about Nozawa Onsen is how easy it is to explore our charming village entirely on foot. Nearly everything you need is within a short walk, from cozy cafes and local shops to the slopes and the town center. For those who may need it, there’s also a handy snow shuttle available, but with Nozawa’s compact layout, it’s easy to enjoy the convenience and character of the village at your own pace! If you’re staying closer to the town center, you’ll also find the “Yu Road,” a covered moving walkway […]