Nozawa Onsen

Overview

Located at an elevation of 800m in northern Nagano Prefecture, Nozawa Onsen is a historic hot spring resort that has thrived for centuries. Legend says it was opened by Kobo Daishi in the Nara period. In the Edo period, it served as a hot spring resort for the Iiyama clan lord, and has been cherished by many people throughout history. Nozawa Onsen's main attraction is undoubtedly its 13 public bathhouses (sotoyu), managed by a local organization called 'Yu-nakama' and open to both locals and tourists. Exploring these sotoyu is a unique Nozawa Onsen experience; each bathhouse possesses its own distinct character. For example, the oldest bathhouse, 'Ooyu,' features a large bath and is always bustling with visitors. 'Asagama' features near-boiling 100°C water, historically used for boiling hemp, and now used for cooking vegetables and eggs. Interacting with locals while exploring the sotoyu is highly recommended. Beyond the onsen, Nozawa Onsen boasts a renowned ski resort that opens in winter, one of Japan's largest. Known for its high-quality powder snow, it attracts numerous skiers and snowboarders. The combination of onsen and skiing makes it a popular winter destination. Nozawa Onsen Village is a sister city of St. Anton am Arlberg in Austria's Tyrol region, giving the village a vibrant international atmosphere. Many residents speak foreign languages, ensuring a comfortable stay for international visitors. Nozawa Onsen offers a captivating blend of onsen, skiing, nature, history, and culture. Experience its unique charm for yourself.