Nozawa Onsen Onsen Tips
Rainy in town but snowing up top!
Base at top: 105 cm
Temp at Top: -3 Degree
Base at Uenotaira station: 65 cm
New snow since close: 5cm
Weather: Snowing up top, rain in town
Warmer temperatures in town have resulted in a bit of light rain in the village, but from about the top of Hikage up can see the snow line starting and the trees are white above.
Yesterday we didn’t have the best conditions as the snow was a bit warmer, although the slopes were so quiet that it was hard to resist. It has since snowed a little up top overnight and we are expecting it to continue for the next three days. Temps are dropping quickly now.
If you don’t feel like hitting the slopes, today is the perfect excuse for an Onsen hop! There are 13 free Onsens in Nozawa, each quite different and all housed in beautiful traditional Japanese buildings, so give as many as you can a go and please let us know which is your favourite in the comments!
Need a recap on how to Onsen and rules on etiquette? Please check out our video explaining Nozawa Onsen Onsen Tips!
or we have more Nozawa Onsen Onsen Tips below…
The Onsens
Onsen means Hot Spring in Japanese so naturally Nozawa Onsen is an Onsen Mecca and has been for hundreds of years. Way before Nozawa became famous for skiing it was a popular place with travelers from Tokyo as a Mountain Onsen Retreat
There are 13 Free Onsens in Nozawa and various private ones they are all housed in beautiful traditional Japanese buildings. There are some surrounding the Lodges and we suggest you take advantage of them it is a great way to experience the local culture and makes you feel terrific, with the natural minerals it is perfect after a day on the slopes. Soothing away the aches and pains and will help you bounce back the next day
The Local People pay for the running of the onsens and clean them themselves so it is important that you follow the local manners when indulging. They will be happy to see you
Basically if you follow the locals you will be fine but just incase here are some guidelines to help you make the most of this unique experience
Nozawa Onsen Onsen Tips
• Bring with you; a Towel small is best, soap and shampoo, onsen basket to look like a local and your modesty. We supply all at the Lodges
• Enjoy a stroll in the fresh air to the Onsen and pick the right door Mens and Ladies are well marked
• Shoes and clothing ( all of it) must be taken off and put in the shelves. Important to take shoes off before you step on the raised wooden area after entering and put in the bottom of the lockers
• Before getting into the pool you must totally wash your body with soap
• Sit at the taps provided around the walls wash all soap off before entering can pull the water out of the spring with the buckets supplied
• Ease yourself in and relax. You may find it hot at first if no one is about can add some cold water or ask if ok can mix the hot water with the cold while washing too
• Use a small towel to wipe yourself fairly dry before stepping on the wood also handy if you are a little modest
• No drinking or eating allowed in the Onsens but come back to the Lodge or to a local restaurant for a beer before or after – there is nothing better
Any questions please ask. We will provide you with an Onsen Kit if you like and can show you were all the onsens are located you may want to try a different one every night
Our staff takes a bath there every evening and will be happy to take you down.
Happy bathing…
