If it’s tradition and culture you’re after, then Nozawa Onsen is your cup of green tea. This ski resort has a history stretching over 1000 years and part of the town is still accessed by original cobblestone streets.

The resort’s name comes from its numerous public onsens (natural hot springs), which offer skiers and snowboarders the perfect opportunity to unwind after a hard day on the slopes. The resort is also famous for its cuisine – its proximity to the Sea of Japan means seafood doesn’t have to go far before it ends up on your plate. Sometimes still flapping. If you are thinking about visiting Nozawa Onsen, plan a trip in early January when you’ll catch its spectacular annual fire festival (Dosojin Matsuri).

Nozawa Onsen is located to the north of Nagano Prefecture at the base of Mt Kenashi and offers access to over 1000m of vertical.

Weather and snow report for Nozawa Onsen

Check out The Daily Flake snow and weather report for Nozawa Onsen.

Resort statistics

Number of lifts: 24
Beginner – 40%
Intermediate – 30%
Advanced – 30%

Resort location


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