November Snow Update November Snow Update It’s been a sunny weekend here in Nozawa Onsen, much to everyone’s surprise after the cloudy forecast. The blue skies made for a gorgeous backdrop to wrap up the hiking season and take in the last of the autumn vibes. But winter is knocking, and it’s bringing the goods! Starting Sunday night, we’re expecting nearly 30cm of fresh snow up at Yamabiko, with flakes likely to keep falling through Monday. The chill is set to drop temps below zero, so we might even see some light snowfall gracing the village streets – fingers crossed! The town is buzzing with final touches as everyone prepares for the winter influx. From cozying […]
Nozawa Onsen Summer
Discover the Charm of „Taki No Yu”
Discover the Charm of „Taki No Yu” 🍁 Discover the Charm of „Taki No Yu” 🏠 Escape to „Taki No Yu,” one of Nozawa Onsen’s most charming and unique self-contained lodges, now available for rent this autumn! For anyone interested coming to Nozawa at the start of 2025, Taki No Yu has also availability for 8 nights from 25th of January! Nestled in one of the best locations in Nozawa, this cozy mountain lodge offers breathtaking views across the valley and village. With 7 spacious bedrooms and a welcoming living, dining, and kitchen area, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring the village or enjoying the scenic trails. The vibrant autumn colors […]
Summer’s Farewell in Nozawa Onsen
Summer’s Farewell in Nozawa Onsen Summer’s Farewell in Nozawa Onsen 🌞 🍃 As we look back at the summer just gone by, it’s amazing how quickly the landscape in Japan transforms from one season to the next. Positioned on the mid-latitudes, Japan’s seasonal shifts are shaped by air masses from the surrounding oceans and Western Asia, with Nozawa Onsen nestled between towering mountains and lush valleys. Each season, from the vibrant blooms of spring to the green fields of summer, has its own rich character — and with summer now fading, local farmers are harvesting their crops, slowly preparing for the cold embrace of winter once again. Enjoy this little throwback from Nozawa Onsen, capturing the beauty of spring and […]
Yoga Retreats in the Heart of Nozawa
Yoga Retreats in the Heart of Nozawa ⛰️🧘🏻♂️ Yoga Retreats in the Heart of Nozawa Onsen 🤸🏼♀️♨️ Find your balance in the beauty of the Japan Alps with a yoga retreat in Nozawa Onsen. Surrounded by lush mountains, natural hot springs, and the peaceful energy of this traditional Japanese village. Nozawa offers the ideal setting to deepen your yoga practice. Whether you’re looking for a personal retreat or to join one of our guided programs, the calming atmosphere and healing hot springs of Nozawa will make your yoga experience one of a kind. At Nozawa Holidays, we’re excited to offer yoga retreats throughout the Green Season, from May to November. Whether you’re a beginner or an […]
A Cultural Day Trip
A Cultural Day Trip Discover Nagano: A Cultural Day Trip and Yakitori Festival Delight Just an hour away from Nozawa Onsen, the city of Nagano is a must-visit destination rich in history and culture. Known for its stunning temples like the Zenko-ji, Nagano also offers a range of museums, galleries, and scenic parks that make it perfect for a day trip. Historically, Nagano has served as an important gateway for visitors heading towards Nozawa Onsen and the Japanese Alps, linking the regions culturally and economically. If you’re planning to visit in early October, don’t miss the Yakitori Japan Festival in Ueda, just outside of Nagano. The event, held on the 5th and 6th of October, will […]
Countdown to Winter in Nozawa Onsen
Countdown to Winter in Nozawa Onsen Festivals, Rice Harvest, and the Countdown to Winter in Nozawa Onsen ⛷️ It’s been a busy and exciting few weeks here in Nozawa Onsen. The streets are buzzing from numerous festivals bringing our community and visitors together. Autumn slowly approaches. Local farmers are preparing to begin the rice harvest from the fields that stretch across Nozawa’s landscapes. A truly spectacular sight to witness. While we enjoy these final warm days, many are already eagerly awaiting updates on the winter season. If all goes well, the ski resort is set to open on the last weekend of November. Provided there’s enough snow or it’s cold enough for the snow-making […]
Nozawa Onsen’s Lantern Festival
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 […]
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 […]