Excitement building Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival mode really starts to build from today in the village with the Dosojin “Bad Luck Year” Men of the village dragging the logs down the resort and thru the streets of town. It is quite a spectacular day so be sure to try and catch them somewhere along the way. The bad luck years are 25 and 42 and they have a bit of a competition between themselves as to who can drag the logs down the quickest. Fuelled with camaraderie and lots of Sake it is a spectacle to watch. The dragging begins at the bottom of the Kandaha Race Course at about 1pm then past Hikage and Nagasaka Gondolas then down thru […]
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Best Breakfast Nozawa Onsen
Best Breakfasts in Nozawa Good breakfasts used to be difficult to find in Nozawa. The reason being that traditional Japanese ryokans provide breakfast along with accommodation, much like a bed and breakfast. It’s only recently that cafes and restaurants offering breakfast options have become a thing in town. To save you some hunting when you’re hungry, we’ve compiled this list of some of the best breakfasts in Nozawa Onsen. Gondola Cafe at the Ski Locker More than a rental storage, the ski locker has a relaxed vibe and coffee that is frequently hailed as ‘the best in town’. Also proud to be the very first espresso machine in Nozawa. Where: Next to Neo bar at the top road to Nagasaka […]
Fire Festival Log Carry
Fire Festival Log Carry Watch the towns men on their journey down the mountain through town in the Fire Festival Log Carry. The preparation for the fire festival begins the summer beforehand, when the village men cut down the ceremonial tree. The log carry is then held on the 13th of January. The men carry the log from Hikage Gondola station past the Nagasaka Gondola Station, and then down towards the site of the fire festival at the bottom of the village. There is no mechanical power to move this giant log along the epic path – just good-old fashioned man power and rope. However, the men do have some help – you can see men walking with the procession […]
Restaurant of the Day: Wanryu
Wanryu Ramen If you feel like ramen, Wanryu is the place to go. Perfect on a cold night, and a great price for a hearty meal. With some of the best gyoza in town, this cosy little restaurant has a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Awesome Ramen in a fun atmosphere! Name: Wanryu Ramen Location: D5, next to Hamacho Sushi Open hours: 11:00-13:30/17:00-1:00am Type of food: Ramen noodles and Gyoza Dumplings The Plug: The restaurant is cosy and warm with lively red colors and an upbeat feel. Prices are really cheap for a hearty meal. Ramen is perfect after a hard days skiing and then an Onsen. Make sure you try the Gyoza. Best enjoyed with a cold beer!! House Specialty: Miso […]
Restaurant of the Day: Wakagiri
Wakagiri Wakagiri is a great place for your first night out in Nozawa. They have plenty to choose from and it’s fairly close to our accommodations. Name: Wakagiri Location: E6 on our town map – One of the first you come to when heading into town from Lodge Nagano, Central, or Villa Nozawa. It is down a little lane way on the right in an A frame shaped entrance. Type of food: Japanese meals & lunch sets! Plenty of options from sushi to udon to tuna sashimi rice bowls! The Plug: This is often a great place to start when you first get to town. It is a large place with a good English menu and great selection. The staff […]
Restaurant of the Day: Yoshimi Soba
Restaurant of the Day: Yoshimi Soba Yoshimi Soba is a family run business that offers great Japanese cuisine including rice dishes and soba noodles. Beautiful restaurant with simple but delicious meals and a friendly local vibe Name: Yoshimi Soba Tel:0269-85-2497 Open hours: 11:00-14:30/17:00-21:30 Day off:Tuesday Location: Map Reference; E3 Just next to Asagama no yu Onsen on the walk up to Ogama Cooking onsen. There are 4 restaurants along that road and all good so if miss one try the next Type of food: Soba ( Buckwheat Noodles ), Udon Noodles, Donburi Rice Dishes etc The Plug: You could be mistaking for thinking you have just walked into a Sumo training restaurant. The owner Yamazaki san is one of the […]
Today’s Restaurant: Sumo Nabe – hot pot
Sumo Nabe Sumo Nabe is a must try Japanese dinner experience! Location: E6 on our town map, right in the heart of Oyu Street. https://www.nozawaholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/nozawa-town-map-2016-Season-LR.pdf Type of food: Nabe; a cook it yourself hot pot meal. The Plug: This Japanese cuisine is a fun way to experience dinner. Great to share a large hot pot between friends as a social way to eat, but who says you couldn’t have a smaller pot for yourself! A hot pot is a fantastic hearty meal, perfect to fill empty stomachs after a long day out on the slopes, and nice and warm for those snowy nights in Nozawa Onsen. House Specialty: Nabe. Average Price of a meal: 1500 Yen Check out Sumo Nabe […]
Today’s Restaurant: Wagyu-Tei hot pot
Wagyu-Tei Sukiyaki and Shyabu Shyabu Japanese Hot Pot perfect for a cold winter night Name: Wagyu-Tei The Plug: Just in it’s second season Wagyu-tei has already proven to be very popular as is a great meal to enjoy with family or friends. Fairly spacious restaurant overlooking the main street, also has an adjoining bar where you can grab a drink before your dinner. Run by Tatsumi san and his friendly team. He also owns Heaven Karaoke so may talk you going to sing for your dinner. As discussed the Sukiyaki and Shyabu Shyabu hot pots. The main difference being the Sukiyaki is a sweeter broth of Soy Sauce, Sugar and Mirin. The Shaybu Shaybu is a cleaner water with dipping […]
Restaurant of the Day: Nozawa Jiyu Gekijyo (old strip club)
Nozawa Jiyu Gekijyo (old strip club) Jiyu Gekijyo (The old strip club) is perhaps the most interesting venue in all of Nozawa. The Plug: An old converted Strip Club! There are no dancers there anymore, but you can still see the old balcony where they used to present their wares. Jiyu Gekijyo now chooses to sell its wares not in the form of women, but as delicious sticks of tempura. Pick your own tempura sticks – average 100 yen each- and have them cooked on a hot plate in front of you. Location: C5 (not highlighted on map but you’ll find it! Opposite the police station) Type: Pub style Open Hours: 18:00-late Reservations: yes Phone number:0269-85-5115 English: yes Vegetarian: yes […]
Restaurant of the Day: Kaze No Ie
Kaze No Ie -Pasta Kaze no Ie – Pasta and Italian meals and amazing ice cream parfait desserts! Location: Just below Oyu onsen on the main pedestrian street. F4/5 on our town map. Open hours: 6-10pm The Plug: Great European-feel restaurant in the middle of the village. Extensive wine range. Pizza and pasta made with love by Kono-san, with traditional flavours and some Japanese-taste options too. House Specialty: Be sure to try the Tomato bruschetta. Mouth watering. Average Price of a dish: 1000 Yen English Menu: Yes Reservations: Yes Phone Number: 0269-85-3244 Be sure to check out this restaurant and others on our free restaurant and bar guide