The end of the year is approaching very fast. Hope yo have had a terrific 2017 and we look forward to welcoming 2018 in with you in Nozawa Onsen. Everyone has been so excited here about all the snow have nearly forgotten about the New Years Eve events.
If you are in Nozawa here is a run down on the goings on for tomorrow night the 31st of December, New Years Eve in Nozawa
New Years Nozawa Onsen
There are generally 2 terrific options for New Years Eve in Nozawa
- Night Skiing and Fire works on the Nagasaka Slopes under the main Gondola
- A more mellow night at the Nozawa Onsen Shrine to welcome in the New Year
Option 1 The Count Down and Fire works
To be honest most people especially visitors tend to gravitate to this one here is the schedule
Night Skiing is open from 16;30 to 23;30
Lots of fun and many of the bars and restaurants are open on the slopes. Mt Dock Cafe will be serving cold beers and hot wine and hot chocolates for the kids. Can also grab some light food there if struggle to eat in town as will be busy.
The resort puts on Hit Wine, Sake and Soft Drinks from 23;00 until Midnight
At midnight there is the Countdown and then the Fireworks. Always beautiful to see on the slopes.
Option 2 The Temples and Shrines
This options is probably more popular with some locals and visiting Japanese guests. The first visit to the shrines in the New Year is very important to Japanese people. We call it Hatsumode. They continue for a few days in to the New Year.
There is a great atmosphere at the temple area above Oyu with people praying and getting good luck notes for the year ahead. The temples bell is also rung repeatedly, 108 times to be exact. This is to free your mind of any bad thoughts fro the year so you start the New Year with a fresh mind and soul.
New Years or O Shogatsu is a very busy time in Japan and one of the biggest holidays of the year. Nozawa draws plenty of eager skiers from Tokyo and other cities. With all this snow and people around please be careful on the roads and slopes. Respect the locals and their customs. Don’t drink too much and tread lightly. Happy New year everyone and thanks so much for visiting Nozawa Onsen this year and next!