Latest News from Nozawa Onsen

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     🌿✨ 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 […]

Harvest Week For Takenoko Harvest Week For Takenoko     Exciting news for all bamboo lovers and festival enthusiasts! Get ready for the vibrant atmosphere of the “Takenoko Matsuri” bamboo shoot festival, that will take place from the 14th to the 23rd of June, right here in town of Nozawa Onsen! Harvest Week For Takenoko Join us on the back street next to Kawaharayu Onsen, where the festivities will unfold from 18:30 to 20:30 each evening. Indulge yourself in the flavors of the season with our exquisite lineup of bamboo-inspired delicacies, a true treat for your taste buds! From bamboo shoot green curry, bamboo shoot rice, bamboo shoot chicken dumpling soup with noodles there’s something to suit all tastes.   […]

Japan’s Melodic Sentinel: The 5 PM Chime Japan’s Melodic Sentinel: The 5PM Chime   Discover the enchanting 5 pm chime, a quintessential aspect of Japan’s charm. Originally established for emergencies, this soothing melody echoes across neighborhoods daily, serving as a vital alert system for potential dangers like tsunamis or industrial accidents. Instituted following the Niigata earthquake in 1964, it’s a testament to Japan’s commitment to disaster readiness. Each area boasts its own unique tune, from Tokyo’s “Yuyake Koyake” to Meguro’s ode to city pride.     Beyond its practicality, the chime holds cultural significance. It once signaled children to return home as darkness fell, and now conveys diverse messages, including missing person alerts and local announcements.   Immerse yourself in […]

Nozawa’s Cycling Adventures Nozawa’s Cycling Adventures     🚴‍♂️ Get ready for some awesome cycling adventures in Nozawa Onsen this spring and summer! As the snow melts, our landscapes become perfect for biking. Check out Lake Hokuryu, Keyakinomori Park at Kijimadaira, and Shrine Kokugonji for some great routes. And mark your calendars for July 6th when the main gondola station at Nagasaka starts operating, giving cyclists access to Mt. Kenashi. Ride up and enjoy the scenic forests on your way down. Let’s hit the trails! 🌲  

Wildlife Wonders of Nozawa Wildlife Wonders of Nozawa     🌿 Dive into the vibrant tapestry of spring and summer in Nozawa Onsen! As the snow surrenders to the warmth, the mountains awaken with a flurry of wildlife activity. Look out for the graceful Japanese deer, the Kamoshika, as they roam the forests, their elegant antlers piercing through the greenery.     Keep an eye out for the mischievous tanuki, the raccoon dog, known for their playful antics and clever disguises. But tread cautiously, for the elusive Japanese bears may also be spotted, lumbering through the wilderness in search of nourishment. Did you know? These bears, while powerful, are often solitary creatures, preferring to roam the mountains in solitude. Amidst […]