Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort opened more than 70 years ago, and has been a hit ever since. Here, there are all kinds of terrains to explore, and more than 30 miles of trails to explore.
The location is perfect for any skill level, with both easy and difficult routes for everyone to have fun in.
One of the most notable things about this ski resort is the wonderful Japow (Japan powder) – the super-fine and high quality snow in the region. This kind of snow makes skiing a real treat, and you are unlikely to have an experience like it.
If you are planning on visiting Nozawa, then there are a few things you are going to need to know. So, let’s take a look at everything you should take into consideration before you leave, and when you get there.
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort: All You Need To Know
Here, we will be going through when you should visit, how you can get there, what you will need, and everything you should know about hitting the slopes and onsens. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s jump into it.
When Is The Best Time To Visit?
Ski season is typically between December–March, with the best months being January and February. This is when the snow is the best, providing a perfectly fluffy environment for skiers to enjoy.
If you really want to make the most of a trip, aim to be there on January 15th for the Dosojin Fire Festival – it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
How To Get There
Getting to the ski resort shouldn’t be difficult, as it isn’t too far from Tokyo. Travelers can take the Nagano-bound JR East Hokuriku Shinkansen at either Ueno or Tokyo Station.
From there, it will take around 90 minutes, and you will arrive at Iiyama Station. You will then switch over to the Nozawa Onsen Liner, and you will arrive at the resort in around 25 minutes.
What You’re Going To Need
No matter what you plan on doing, you’re going to have to make sure you have all the gear you need. Luckily, you can get what you need at the Salomon Station rental shop.
Just make sure you register our email address online at the shop’s website, then fill out the online application form.
Once that is done (it’s quick and can be done on the spot if needed), you can rent whatever you need. Snowboarding and sky set rentals start at ¥4,500 (adults), and ¥3,600 (children).
If you need more layers to combat the chill, you can rent warm outerwear, starting at ¥3,000 per day.
Hitting The Slopes
When you’re ready to go out and enjoy the resort, there is plenty to look forward to! You can check out the 46 incredible runs, with half pipes, standard slopes, and even cross-country training facilities.
*You will find everything you could possibly want, especially when you realize how magical the Japow is.
When They Open
The 20-odd ski lifts will begin operating from 8:30am to 4-4:40pm. The exact time will depend on where exactly you go, so bear that in mind.
Lessons
Lessons are available for anyone who wants to learn how to ski or snowboard. These are available in English, so foreigners can join in the fun, too.
However, anyone looking for a real adventure might want to think of signing up for a 7-hour backcountry tour, which is ¥15,000 per person. This equates to around $110 USD at the time of writing this.
Slope Difficulty
There are slopes for every difficulty and preference. The easiest slopes throughout the resort are indicated in green, and can be found on the lower half of the mountain.
Around half of all the courses are green, meaning there are plenty of fantastic spots for beginners to stop by.
The intermediate slopes are labeled in red, and the most challenging ones are black. Don’t bite off more than you can chew with these, as they aren’t lying when they say the slopes are challenging!
Take it easy, and just enjoy your time – it stops being fun when someone gets hurt.
Staying The Night
There are some fantastic places to stay if you are planning to spend the night at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. These top spots include Residence Yasushi, Shirakaba ryokan, or the Nozawa Gondola Apartments.
The apartments are a good option if you are traveling with friends, and are going to need more space, with apartments suitable for up to 10 people. These apartments are more modern, so you won’t get that traditional Japanese feel that you might be looking for.
If you do want that authentic feel, then heading to the ryokan will be a better option. There are Japanese futons, beautiful tatami mats, and everything else you could be looking for.
Residence Yasushi is a stunning hotel that will be perfect if you want to live the lap of luxury for a time. There are luxurious rooms available, as well as a private onsen, and even a restaurant next door.
You will find that there is plenty of space, with TVs, and excellent housekeeping – the sheets are changed every three days!
Visiting The Onsens
You can’t visit Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort without visiting the incredible onsens – it’s in the name! This used to be a historical onsen area, and it flourished between 1603–1867 (the Edo period).
There are natural hot spring baths, and a total of 13 bathhouses around the main structure. You will instantly recognize the building, as it is still a traditional Edo-style structure – traditional and stunning.
Just be careful when you’re getting into these baths, because they get hot. Most range between 45–49 degrees Celsius (113 to 12- degrees Fahrenheit), so be prepared for that.
Take it slow, and remember to follow all the onsen rules and guidelines (we have articles outlining those, too). Check the website before you head in to make sure there are no additional rules for you to be aware of.
There is an additional bathhouse in the ski resort that isn’t officially one of the public baths (sotoyu), but it is still worth visiting! This is the Furu Sato no Yu – built only a few years ago in 2011, this is much newer, and also larger than the others.
You will notice a modern feel to this bathhouse, and a completely different experience. Unlike at the other 13 public baths, at this onsen, you pay just ¥500 and get shampoo and conditioner. There are also two separate baths each for men and women.
Final Thoughts
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is definitely a location that is worth visiting, especially in January for the festival! There is so much to see and experience, with wonderful slopes and trails, but also restaurants, accommodation, and onsens.
Visiting this spot is great for a weekend getaway, or even an entire week if you really love winter sports! You can build your skills, enjoy the Japow, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
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