Explore Nozawa Onsen by Bike Explore Nozawa Onsen by Bike Japan has long been a top destination for skiing, but the beauty of Nozawa extends far beyond the winter season. When the snow melts, these majestic mountains become a paradise for mountain bikers. Nestled in the Alps of Nagano, Nozawa Onsen is a charming, traditional mountain village at the base of one of Japan’s most iconic ski resorts. With the Nagasaka Gondola station now open for summer season, not only can you get up the mountain by foot, but you can also take your bike along! The gondola operates from Saturday, July 6th to Sunday, October 27th, offering access to breathtaking forest trails suited for all […]
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Four Seasons of Japan
Four Seasons of Japan Four Seasons of Japan In winter, the Village of Nozawa Onsen transforms into a snowy paradise making it a perfect skiing destination with hot springs and traditional Japanese food. Spring brings a burst of colour with cherry blossoms in full bloom, creating a painting like landscape. Summer is vibrant and lively, with lush green mountains ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures or water sports at the neighbouring lakes. As autumn arrives, the scenery is decorated in warm hues of red and gold, making it the perfect season for scenic walks and enjoying the crisp, fresh mountain air. No matter the season, Nozawa offers a unique and memorable experience! 🍂🌸☀️
Guardians of Nozawa Onsen Village
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 […]
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 […]