Guardians of Nozawa Onsen Village Guardians of Nozawa Onsen Village If you have visited the village of Nozawa Onsen, you may have stumbled upon wooden statues of a man and woman, known as dosojin. These guardian spirits, deeply rooted in Shinto belief, are everywhere, from homes to businesses, protecting the village and its visitors. Represented as a couple, the dosojin symbolize a happy marriage and healthy children, stemming from a local folk tale about two unattractive but kind-hearted individuals who found love and happiness together. Each statue, crafted uniquely by locals, adds a touch of charm and character to this picturesque mountain retreat. Explore Nozawa Onsen, breathe in the fresh mountain air, relax in […]
Latest News from Nozawa Onsen
Nagasaka Gondola Returns for Summer
Nagasaka Gondola Returns for Summer Nagasaka Gondola Returns for Summer Experience the captivating summer season in Nozawa, where lush green landscapes and serene hot springs await. We’re excited to announce that the Nagasaka Gondola will be running again from July 6th, until October 27th, 2023. Please note that it will not operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between August 27th and September 26th. If you’re looking for a stay in Nozawa our wide range of accommodations are open for bookings, offering the perfect retreat to enjoy this idyllic village. For booking inquiries please contact us at team@nozawaholidays.com Enjoy the beauty of summer in Nozawa Onsen!
Taro Okamoto
Taro Okamoto Taro Okamoto You may have noticed the “湯” symbol around Nozawa Onsen, whether on the welcome sign to the village, the onsen towels from the information center, or on lamp posts. This kanji means “hot water” or “hot springs” and is pronounced “yu.” The symbol was designed by the world-renowned avant-garde artist Taro Okamoto. One of his most famous works is a large mural in Shibuya Station. After being commissioned to design a statue of Austrian skier Hannes Schneider—the pioneer of ski technique in Japan—Okamoto fell in love with Nozawa Onsen and was made an honorary resident. You can find his “湯” design as the logo for the Nozawa Onsen Tourist Information […]
Taiko Drums at Takenoko Festival
Taiko Drums at Takenoko Festival Taiko Drums at Takenoko Festival 🎶✨ Yesterday, the vibrant Takenoko Festival in Nozawa came to a close and Saturday night’s amazing Taiko drum performance left everyone in awe! Did you know that traditional Taiko drumming in Japan dates back over 2,000 years and was originally used in ceremonies and during battles to motivate troops. Today, Taiko drummers are renowned for their powerful rhythms and synchronized movements, a true testament to their rigorous training and dedication. Though the Takenoko Festival has ended, the summer in Nozawa Onsen is just heating up with many more exciting events on the horizon. Stay tuned for more cultural celebrations and unforgettable moments! 🌟🥁 #NozawaOnsen #TaikoDrums#TakenokoFestival #JapaneseCulture#SummerFestivals
Summer Solstice Celebrations in Nozawa
Summer Solstice Celebrations in Nozawa Summer Solstice Celebrations in Nozawa 🌞✨ Summer in Japan’s mountainous Nagano Prefecture, especially in the charming town of Nozawa Onsen, is quite a magical experience! Yesterday marked the summer solstice, longest day of the year, bringing endless opportunities to explore the lush landscapes and vibrant culture of this beautiful region. Tomorrow is the last day of the Takenoko Festival, a must-see event! Join us to savor delicious local food and drink, and immerse yourself in traditional Japanese performances. Don’t miss out on this perfect blend of nature and culture—come celebrate summer with us in Nozawa Onsen! 🎋🍺 🌄 #SummerSolstice #NaganoSummer #TakenokoFestival#ExploreJapan
Wintery Memories from Nozawa Onsen
Wintery Memories from Nozawa Onsen Wintery Memories from Nozawa Onsen Throwback to those magical snowy days in Nozawa! ❄️ As we bask in today’s 29°C sunny weather, let’s cool down by reminiscing about winter wonderland moments. Swipe through to relive the joy of carving down the radiant Yamabiko slope, the thrill of catching fresh powder, and the delight of enjoying our favourite Buna ice cream with friends on top of Mt. Kenashi. Finally, soak in the breathtaking sunset over the Hikage area with Mount Myoko painting the perfect backdrop. Winter may be gone, but the memories keep us cool all summer long! 🌞❄️ #CoolDown #WinterMemories#SnowyDays #Japow
Summer Activities with Mountain Views
Summer Activities with Mountain Views Summer Activities with Mountain Views ⛳️⛰️ Discover a local favorite at Nozawa Onsen! Nestled in the picturesque fields of Karasawa Slope, mallet golf course offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. Surrounded by the mountains, this scenic course not only provides a fun and engaging activity but also boasts breathtaking views overlooking Nozawa Onsen town. Whether you’re a seasoned player or trying mallet golf for the first time, the stunning natural backdrop and refreshing mountain air make every game here a memorable adventure. Come and enjoy the perfect blend of sport and nature at Nozawa Onsen! 🏌🏻☀️ #NozawaOnsen #MalletGolf #KarasawaSlope#NatureAndSport #JapanTravel
Clouds Rolling Over Nozawa
Clouds Rolling Over Nozawa Clouds Rolling Over Nozawa As the rainy season begins earlier this month, Nozawa is soaking in the serene beauty of our village from a bird’s-eye view. Despite the season, we’ve enjoyed more sunshine than rain, painting our days with unexpected warmth and light. As we glide into the start of the coming week, the skies promise a bit more cloud cover and the refreshing touch of moderate rainfall—a welcome respite after last week’s heat. In Japanese mythology, Raijin, the god of lightning, and Fujin, the god of windstorms and cyclones, are believed to dance in the heavens, bringing life-giving rain to our land. This rain is essential for the local farmers of Nozawa […]
Summer Food Festival Nozawa
Summer Food Festival Nozawa Summer Food Festival Nozawa 🌿✨ Last night marked the vibrant kickoff of the Bamboo Shoot Festival here in Nozawa Onsen, and it was a sight to behold! Crowds gathered to immerse in a delightful array of seasonal food and drinks from various stalls. This enchanting festival will continue every evening until June 23rd, from 18:30 to 20:30, in the charming laneway behind Kawahara Yu Onsen, just below Kaze no Iie Italian restaurant. Don’t miss out on this unique experience! Plus, it’s the perfect time to book your summer stay with Nozawa Holidays. We have plenty of spots available in our self-contained or lodge-style apartments, offering the ideal base to enjoy the lively […]
Yoga Retreat Japan Nozawa
Yoga Retreat Japan Nozawa Yoga Retreat Japan Nozawa Nestled in the Japan Alps Nozawa is a magical place steeped in culture and natural beauty. Nozawa Onsen is a very traditional town with amazing hot springs, temples, friendly locals, and peaceful atmosphere. The perfect destination to indulge in yoga and meditation while relaxing in the natural hot springs, fresh local produce and peaceful environment of this traditional mountain farming village. 🌸 Elevate your spirit at the Japan Elevation Retreat 🌸 Join us from August 28th to September 2nd, 2024, for a transformative 4-night yoga retreat in the serene Japanese Alps of Nozawa Onsen. Led by the inspiring Chiara, a seasoned yoga and meditation teacher with 500hr certification under […]