Activities Nozawa Onsen Japan

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 […]

Snow monkeys during Spring Snow monkeys during Spring     Our beloved friends are taking a relaxing break after the winter. With many visitors paying a visit to our primates in Yudanaka National Park during the cold season, not as many come to see the park turn green with nature bursting with life. Whether you’re in Nozawa when landscapes are covered in a white blanket or off-season, there are plenty of places worth paying a visit with only a short drive from Nozawa Onsen. You can go to see the snow monkeys at any time of the year with the monkey park being open all year long.     Find more information on Jigokudani’s Snow Monkey Park here; https://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/  

Tanbo and Tanada Tanbo and Tanada     In addition to world-class snow and onsens, Nozawaonsen is renowned for its delicious, high-quality rice. The village landscape is dotted with rice fields, many of which are terraced (called tanada) to prevent soil erosion, optimize water use, and maximize arable land.     Many families in Nozawa Onsen are busy with the start of rice season. Seedlings are planted into flooded rice paddies, or tanbo, in late May and early June, with harvest taking place in September and October. 🌾🍚