Nozawa Onsen’s Lantern Festival Nozawa Onsen’s Lantern Festival: A Celebration of Tradition and Good Fortune Get ready for Nozawa Onsen’s annual Lantern Festival this weekend! Held on the 8th and 9th of September, this beloved celebration brings the village to life with vibrant traditions and the warmth of community spirit. While January’s Fire Festival may be famous for its wintertime spectacle, the Lantern Festival holds its own as a local favorite, marking the transition from summer to autumn in the heart of Nagano. On the evening of September 8th, Oyu Dori, the main street of Nozawa, transforms into a lively scene filled with street vendors, music, and a parade of drums and flutes. As dancers perform […]
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A Glimpse of Change in Nozawa
A Glimpse of Change in Nozawa A Glimpse of Change in Nozawa The first hints of autumn are in the air as Nozawa Onsen begins to transition. From summer’s warmth to the crisp embrace of fall. The first yellow leaves started to appear, and while temperatures are still expected to reach 28°C next week. The cool breeze signals that change is coming. As we prepare for this shift, our thoughts naturally turn to winter and the adventures that await. In Nozawa, the ski patrol is a vital part of that experience, working relentlessly in all conditions to keep our slopes safe and enjoyable. Back in the early ‘90s, during the peak of Japan’s ski […]
Custodians of Nozawa Ski Resort?
Custodians of Nozawa Ski Resort? Who Owns Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort? Unlike many commercial ski resorts, Nozawa Onsen is owned by the village itself. The ownership is a collective effort shared by the Town Council (Yakuba), the Village Elders (Sodai), the Tourist Office (Kank Kyokai), the Chamber of Commerce ( Shokokai ) and the Nozawa Onsen Ski Club. This unique ownership structure ensures that the resort stays true to its roots and that every decision made reflects the best interests of the village and its people. At its core, Nozawa Onsen is a simple, old Japanese mountain village that has organically evolved into a beloved ski destination. The ski resort you see today was born from the […]
Peace Before the Storm
Peace Before the Storm ⛅️⚡️Peace Before the Storm ☂️ ⛈️ As we brace for the upcoming typhoon set to sweep across Japan in the next two weeks, Nozawa Onsen is preparing for the heavy rains and strong winds expected to follow. While the village’s mountainous terrain often helps us escape the worst of these storms, memories of the 2019 typhoon season still linger. During that time, Nozawa experienced some flooding in basements, but we were fortunate compared to our neighbors in Iiyama and Nagano, who faced devastating flooding due to the Chikuma River breaking its banks. The sheer power of the water rushing down from the Nishiotaki Dam, just below Nozawa, was a humbling reminder of nature’s force. […]
A Winter to Summer Journey
A Winter to Summer Journey Nagasaka Gondola – A Winter to Summer Journey The Nagasaka Gondola has been a vital part of Nozawa Onsen’s ski resort experience since 1979, originally built as a 4-person lift. It was then upgraded in 1990 to accommodate 12 passengers, preparing for the Interski and the 1998 Winter Olympics. In the 2020-2021 ski season, the brand-new Nagasaka Gondola station was unveiled, making it even easier to reach the slopes. The modern gondola is not just for winter enthusiasts; it operates almost year-round, offering a seamless journey up the mountain for hikers and bikers in the summer. Whether you’re carving through fresh powder or exploring the lush greenery, the Nagasaka Gondola provides […]
Powder Slopes to Muddy Trails
Powder Slopes to Muddy Trails ⛰️🥇 Powder Slopes to Muddy Trails 🏁🚴 Nozawa Onsen has long been known as one of Japan’s hidden gem ski resort destinations, but it’s quickly gaining a reputation as an ideal spot for mountain biking too. Just yesterday, the resort played host to an enduro mountain bike race, drawing riders from near and far to test their skills on our challenging downhill trails. With the snow long melted, these trails transform into a mountain biker’s paradise, offering a thrilling blend of natural terrain and well crafted courses. Powder Slopes to Muddy Trails The event, organized by Dynoco in collaboration with Redbull and Shimano, brought together some of the […]
Nakao Festival Shines Bright
🏮🎊 Nakao Festival Shines Bright 🎊🏮 Nakao Festival Shines Bright Nakao Ku, the largest and one of the most spirited districts in Nozawa Onsen, recently celebrated its annual Summer festival, bringing the community together. This year’s festival was very busy, with streets of Nakao glowing under the warm light of lanterns and echoing with the sounds of lively music and dance performances. Local residents, known for their deep pride in their traditions, pulled out all the stops to make the festival a truly memorable experience, filled with delicious food, energetic dancing accompanied with fire, and a variety of attractions that kept even the youngest entertained. 🏮🎊 Nakao Festival Shines Bright 🎊🏮 Nakao Festival […]
Nagasaka Gondola Summer Heights
Nagasaka Gondola Summer Heights Nagasaka Gondola Summer Heights Beauty of Nozawa Onsen from new heights this summer with a ride on the Nagasaka Gondola! This scenic journey takes you 800 meters up to Mt. Kenashi, offering great views of the village and the surrounding mountains. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape into nature or an adventure-packed day, this 8-minute ride is your gateway to it all. Once you reach the top, you’ll be welcomed by the cool mountain air and the serene landscapes of Yamabiko. Make a day of it by packing a picnic or bringing your mountain bike to explore the trails. The Uenotaira Picnic Garden is just a short walk from the gondola […]
Nature and Community in Nozawa Onsen
Nature and Community in Nozawa Onsen ✨🌱 The harmony of nature and community in Nozawa Onsen 🌱✨ In the heart of Nozawa Onsen, summer unfolds in harmony, a time when nature and community thrive together. Local farmers hold a deep reverence for the land, nurturing it with care to maintain its pristine beauty. This devotion is a foundation of what makes Nozawa Onsen unique, where the bond between people and nature is unbreakable. The Japanese word “shizen” captures this essence perfectly, meaning not just “nature” or “natural,” but embodying a deeper cultural and spiritual connection. It reflects a Zen Buddhist thought that embraces both human nature and the wilderness, intertwining them in a seamless existence. In Nozawa Onsen, […]
Obon Holiday in Nozawa Onsen
Obon Holiday in Nozawa Onsen ✨🌸 Obon Holiday in Nozawa Onsen 🌸✨ As the Obon approaches, the village of Nozawa Onsen is preparing to welcome many visitors eager to experience this deeply meaningful and vibrant holiday. Obon, an annual three-day event, is one of Japan’s most significant holidays. It commemorates deceased ancestors, with many Japanese believing that their ancestors’ spirits visit them during this time. Obon Holiday in Nozawa Onsen The Obon festival has a rich history dating back over 500 years and originates from India. The term Obon comes from the Sanskrit word Ullambana, which means “to hang upside down”—a metaphor for the suffering of spirits. The story goes that a close disciple of Buddha, […]