[2025 Nozawaonsen ] Travel Guide for Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort (Updated Mar)

#japantrip Had a whale of a time here. Everyone is very friendly. Most of the shops have English speaking staff. Recommend trying the Basashi and Kuma meat (if you can find the shops!). Not many people know about them. The ski routes are well marked. Unfortunately the magic carpet was down so we can to trek up every time. The resort also had breath taking views of the mountain range in the distance. Truly an eye opening experience. The resort was easy to get to as well. Just take a train/shinkansen to Iiyama station, and from there, buy a ticket to Nozawaonsen via the Nozawaonsen liner from the vending machines. It would take you to the bottom of the resort, where you have to walk up to your accommodations. There is another vending machine at the Nozawaonsen bus stop so that you can purchase return tickets.

#skiseason Known for its traditional Japanese village feel, Nozawa Onsen in Nagano Prefecture blends culture with top-tier skiing. The town’s historic hot springs, which have been a part of Japanese culture for centuries, are open for free to visitors, making it an excellent choice for relaxation after skiing. The resort itself features around 50 km of ski terrain, with varied options from beginner to expert trails. The village atmosphere and easy access to traditional onsens make Nozawa Onsen a delightful spot for those looking to experience authentic Japanese hospitality alongside their skiing.

This month, taking advantage of the skiing season, I also went skiing to join in the fun. I chose Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, because compared to popular skiing places like Niseko, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is less crowded, convenient to travel, has a local atmosphere instead of being a resort, the single ski field is wide, beginner-friendly, and friendly to solo travellers. ❄❄❄❄❄ Convenient transportation: Get off at the Shinkansen Iiyama Station, and a direct bus will take you to the ski resort in 25 minutes. Delicious and comfortable: Nozawa has 13 public hot springs, and most guest houses also have their own hot springs, which are much needed after skiing; there are also enough restaurants, convenience stores in the town, bakeries, cafes, natural bars, etc. All living facilities are within walking distance: The town is at the foot of the ski resort, and it takes only 5 minutes to walk to the cable car entrance from the place of accommodation. It takes only 20-30 minutes to walk from one end of the village to the other, without the need for a car or relying on a shuttle bus. Cable car ticket (snow ticket): If you buy with a discount coupon, there are discounts of 50% and 20% respectively, and a 2-day pass can be used for 5500 yen. Equipment rental: There are many choices for renting equipment, the equipment in the ski resort is new and the price is pure board + shoes 4800 yen, and others can be added. Free shuttle of the ski resort: Nozawa Ski Resort has 3 main entrances, connected by a shuttle bus, remember that the return time is very important.

My most favorite ski resort is Nozawa onsen. Not too far from Tokyo. I love the small village where you can walk from hotel to the wooden chair lift. I found it charming and unique and relax. Not too many people. Food is awesome especially the Japanese pork buns. The village looks so cute. #merrychristmas #merrychristmas