Nozawa Onsen in 2023: Skiing and Hot Springs in Nagano

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At Nozawa Onsen in Nagano, visitors can enjoy two beloved winter activities: skiing and onsen (hot springs). With the help of Google Street View, have a look at the pristine ski slopes and soothing hot springs where visitors can bathe free of charge.

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LIFE STYLE, Inc.

ストリートビューMedia(https://media.l-s.co.jp/streetview/)を運営。『世界に日本を伝えよう！』をテーマに、Googleストリートビューを通して世界中の見たことがないような素敵な場所を紹介しています。

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort: Completely Covered in Natural Snow

Did you know that 70% of Japan is mountainous terrain? This is why you'll find ski resorts nationwide where skiing or snowboarding can be enjoyed.

This article features Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture, a prominent spot among those resorts.

Check out the local scenery and ski slopes on Google Street View.

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Nozawa Onsen: 2022-2023 Edition for Skiing and Hot Springs

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is located in Nozawa Onsen Village, nestled in the Shimotakai District of Nagano. The inns at Nozawa Onsen cooperated with the village to create the resort.

There are around 40 ski slopes where visitors of all ages can have fun.

During the winter season, a free shuttle bus connects the village and ski grounds, making it easier for overseas visitors who do not drive.

Let's take a look at the ski slopes!

Hikage Gelande

Hikage Gelande is the main attraction of the resort. The area draws many visitors, with easy accessibility from the village.

Various facilities, such as the ski school, ski center, daycare center, and Kids Park, are spread out along the slope over 600 meters, making it popular for family groups.

Click and drag the cursor along the screen to view the actual scenery.

The lift can be seen upfront. The Kumataka Course, which runs through the trees, is on the right side.

As the elevation rises, the ski courses become more difficult. There is a course at an altitude of 1,000 meters, where the maximum gradient is 39 degrees. Advanced skiers should give it a try.

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

7653 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefe...

After Skiing, It's Time for Soaking in Hot Springs

As the name suggests, there are many hot springs in Nozawa Onsen. After skiing to your heart's content, it's time to warm up the body.

There are 13 outdoor communal bathhouses called sotoyu, where bathers can plunge into natural hot springs. Most visitors go on a sotoyu meguri (outdoor bath tour) after enjoying the snow. The following is a list of major spots.

To view the interior, click the image of the building.

1. Oh-yu

Oh-yu is the symbol of Nozawa Onsen. The hot spring is said to be effective for healing gastroenteric disorder, rheumatism, women's disease, and gout.

Although the current building was constructed in 1994, the location and exterior have not changed. It has the air of Japan in ancient days.

Nozawa Onsen Sotoyu Oh-yu

8765 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefe...

2. Asagama-no-Yu

This bathhouse is located in Ogama-dori in Nozawa Onsen Village. Its water source, Ogama, is designated as a natural monument. The hot spring is said to be effective for diabetes, rheumatism, palsy, and neuralgia.

Nozawa Onsen Sotoyu Asagama-no-Yu

8759 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefe...

3. Nakao-no-Yu

This elegant wooden building is the largest bathing house in Nozawa. The hot spring is said to be effective for dermatosis, rheumatism, women's diseases, and lead or mercury poisoning.

While there are two types of baths, atsu-yu (hot) and nuru-yu (mild), some people say the latter is hot enough. The bathhouse is located away from the central area but remains popular due to its size.

Nozawa Onsen Sotoyu Nakao-no-Yu

6661 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefe...

Enjoy Winter Sports and Hot Springs in Nozawa Onsen!

Nozawa Onsen, a little-known sightseeing spot for overseas visitors, offers both skiing and hot springs to visitors. So why not join the locals, and enjoy in the delights only found during the Japanese winter?

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Main image by Pixta
This is an updated version of an article originally published on December 9, 2015.

Written by

LIFE STYLE, Inc.

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