THE BASICS: Skiing In Nozawa Onsen With Kids

Nozawa Onsen should definitely be on your bucket list if you enjoy skiing. Here you’ll get the best powder experience mixed with a rich cultural onsen experience in Japan. You’ll find the terrain in Nozawa Onsen to be mountainous and rugged. The altitude in Nozawa Onsen ranges from 300 meters above sea level at Akashi in the northern part of the Village, up to 1,650 meters at the summit of Mt. Kenashi. Nozawa Onsen Village sits at the foot of Nozawa Ski Resort, which spans across three main areas.

When it comes to skiing and snowboarding in Nozawa Onsen, there’s over 50 kilometers of trails or pistes beginning at an elevation of 1,085 meters with 297 hectares of skiing surface to explore. There are family-friendly wide open pistes and runs, as well as more difficult runs for active skiers and snowboarders. A terrain park offers jumps, rails, boxes, and an 80-meter pipe for more experienced skiers. Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort features 21 lifts (18 chair lifts, 1 moving walkway, and 2 gondolas) and 36 courses. Lift tickets start at 600 Yen for an adult single lift, with kids aged 5 and under having free lifts when accompanying a paying adult.

In 1998, Nozawa Onsen was host to the biathlon events during the Nagano Winter Olympics. In the warmer months over the green season, Nozawa Onsen transforms into an outdoor adventure paradise offering the best in hiking and biking for outdoor enthusiasts. The Village and surrounding mountains come alive with farming, festivals, and a wide range of outdoor activities.

When Is The Ski Season In Nozawa Onsen?

From mid-December until early May

Getting Around:

If staying at a hotel, check whether they have a shuttle service available for guests. Some of the lodges and villas also offer cars and minivans for guests to use during their stay. There are various shuttle buses around the Village taking visitors to the slopes and back. You can also hire a taxi in the area through a taxi hire service like Nozawa Onsen Kotsu.

Nozawa Onsen Kotsu, 9258-8 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 3333, team@maasno.com, www.nozawaonsen.info

BABYSITTING SERVICES: Babysitting In Nozawa Onsen, Japan

If you want to hit the slopes but have little ones with you, don’t stress. Drop the tots off at the safe and secure Yumin Day Care Centre catering to kiddos aged 1 to 6 for a fee. The Yumin Day Care Centre is right on the slopes at the Hikage Ski Centre and can be reached via the free Nasky snow-mobile shuttle.

Nozawa Holidays also offers an evening babysitting service allowing you to go out at night while your little ones are safe and cared for by English speaking babysitters. Their babysitters can either care for your kids at your accommodation or host them at the Villa Nozawa Kids Room, which is set up with a climbing wall, books, tv, and games.

Yumin Day Care Centre, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Hikage Slope, Hikage Information Center, 2F, 8005-2 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 80 2088 0932, tozawa@nozawaski.com

Nozawa Holidays Babysitting Service, 6739-11 Oaza-Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 50 5532 6026, stay@nozawaholidays.com, www.nozawaholidays.com

HOW TO GET THERE? Getting To Nozawa Onsen, Japan

It’s relatively simple to get to Nozawa Onsen from Tokyo, Haneda or Narita International Airports, or by catching the train to Liyama Station. You can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen high-speed bullet train from Tokyo or Ueno and travel to Liyama Station. At Liyama Station, it’s pretty straightforward to catch the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus straight to Nozawa Onsen. This bus journey takes about 20 minutes, and you can check the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus schedules here.

If you’d prefer not to go by bus on the last stretch, you can pre-arrange a taxi or hotel shuttle to Nozawa Onsen direct from Liyama Station. It’s wise to pre-book your transportation to save any delays at the train station, especially if you arrive late or during a holiday weekend. The total time from Tokyo to Nozawa Onsen via train is approximately 3 - 4 hours at a cost of about 10,000 Yen per person. Check out the Nozawa Onsen access map here to see the available routes to Nozawa Onsen.

You can also take the Nagano Snow Shuttle which operates from the Haneda International Airport with 1 shuttle a day, and from Narita International Airport with 5 shuttles per day, which will take you directly to “Chuo Terminal” in Nozawa Onsen. This is a particularly good option if you arrive late in the day at the airport. This journey can take up to 6 hours by shuttle.

Nagano Snow Shuttle, Hokujo 6141-4, Hakuba Mura, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, +81 261 75 5360, NaganoSnowShuttle@jhntravel.com, www.naganosnowshuttle.com

LUGGAGE TRANSFER: Direct Luggage Transfer

A great tip if you are traveling with lots of luggage and want to spare the effort of lugging all your bags around with you from the airport to Nozawa Onsen, is to send your luggage in advance. A number of companies offer this service, the biggest being Yamato Transport or “Kuroneko”. They're recognized by their yellow logo with 2 black cats. Send bags of any type from the airport directly through their Ta-Q-Bin service to Nozawa Onsen for as little as 1,000 Yen.

Yamato Transport, Various service counter locations in Japan, +81 3 6757 1061, www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp

WHERE TO STAY: Cottages, Hotels, Lodges, And More For Families In Nozawa Onsen, Japan

Staying right in Nozawa Onsen Village, surrounded by its heavenly white powdery slopes, is a truly magical experience in itself. Get that traditional village feeling as you wander around this rustic mountain ski and onsen village. Families heading to Nozawa Onsen for a fabulous family ski trip are spoilt for choice in terms of accommodation options. The accommodation options are located in the Village itself, with many options close to the slopes. You’ll find top-class self-catering cottages, luxurious hotels, cozy lodges, traditional Japanese ryokans, and more! The diverse accommodation offerings provide suitable options for families with kids, as well as options to suit every pocket.

Check online here for the various accommodation offerings available in Nozawa Onsen. Some of the accommodation options available in Nozawa Onsen includes:

Cottages (Self-Catering):

Nozawa Cottage, 6927 Oaza-Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 67 0467, team@nozawaholidays.com, www.nozawaholidays.com/nozawa-cottage

Nozawa House, 8224-1 Hikage, Oaza-Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 50 5532 6026, team@nozawaholidays.com, www.nozawahouse.com

Hotels:

Nozawa Grand Hotel, 8888 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 3151, info@nozawagrand.com, www.nozawagrand.com

View Hotel Shimataya, 8858 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 2124, res@nozawahospitality.com, www.viewhotelshimataya.com

Lodges:

Aitoku Lodge, 6570 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 2455, niceguy@aitoku.com, www.aitoku.com

Espoir Ebisu Lodge, 6743 Oaza-Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 3108, stay@nozawaholidays.com, www.espoir-ebisu.com

Lodge Nagano, 6846-1 Oaza-Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 67 0259, stay@nozawaholidays.com, www.lodgenagano.com

Traditional Ryokans (Inns):

Kawahiro, 7819 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 2458, mail1@kawahiro.info, www.kawahiro.info

Sumiyoshiya Inn, 8713 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 2005, inquiry@sumiyosiya.co.jp, www.sumiyosiya.co.jp

Tokiwaya Ryokan Inn, 9347 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 3128, www.tokiwaya.jp

DINE: Where To Dine With And Without Kids In Nozawa Onsen, Japan

Worked up a large appetite after a busy ski day on the slopes? Don't fret! There are over 40 restaurants in the Village and on the mountain ready to serve up absolutely scrumptious and affordable cuisine. Don’t expect large chain restaurants, but smaller cozy restaurants often run by just 2 or 3 people. Many of the restaurants feature menus in both English and Japanese, making your food selection easier.

If you’re fond of eating Japanese cuisine, you can bet that you’re in for a real treat in the Village. It’s absolutely “Oishii”! Most of the eateries use fresh local produce to prepare their meals. You’ll also find other international food options in the Village. Do try the Onsen Eggs, uniquely cooked in an onsen. They say that the food is half of the experience in Nozawa Onsen.  Check out this ultimate Nozawa Onsen Restaurant, Cafe, & Bar Guide to see the many great places to eat and drink around the Village.

Restaurants:

Akibitei Okonomiyaki, 8934 Toyosato Terayu, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 3470 - Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes), Yakisoba (stir-fry noodles) and Teppanyaki

Banri, 9579 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 2290 - Korean Barbeque

Billiken Shokudo, 8757 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 2078 - Italian pizza, pasta, and Japanese rice dishes

Buna, 8376-136 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 3894, www.facebook.com/buna - Japanese and Western cuisine

Kongo Night Market, 4348-1 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 67 0348 - Food court style with large variety of different cuisines

Sumo Nabe, 9577 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 90 8871 4553, www.sumonabe.business.site - Nabe and cook yourself hot pot meals

Wakagiri, 9556 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 2040, info@wakagiri.jp, www.wakagiri.jp - Japanese cuisine

Cafes:

Carte, 9498 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 2016

Mt Dock Gondola Cafe, 7809 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 90 9669 6026, team@nozawaholidays.com, www.facebook.com/gondolacafenozawa

Shichirohei Coffee, 9254 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 67 0397, shichirohei@shirakaba8.com, www.facebook.com/shichirohei

WHERE TO DRINK AND APRES SKI: Bar Culture In Nozawa Onsen, Japan

If you feel like going out for a night on the "Village", Nozawa Onsen has many hip and happening local bars. Enjoy dining at some of these bars and exercise your vocal cords with karaoke sessions. Try the various tasty brands of sake (traditional Japanese rice wine) at these bars, with Nagano being one of the famous sake producing areas of Japan.

Bars To Visit:

Bar & Karaoke Box Heaven, 9575 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 1830, www.bar-karaoke-box-heaven.business.site

Foot Bar, 9517 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 1102

Hakuna Matata, 389-2502 9765-7 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 67 0669, www.facebook.com/hakunamatata

LESSONS: Skiing Lessons For Adults And Kids In Nozawa Onsen, Japan

There are various ski schools operating in and around Nozawa Onsen, which provide ski and snowboard lessons for adults and kids, as well as guided resort tours. During Nozawa Onsen’s ski season, the ski schools are extremely popular, and spaces are limited, so make your bookings early.

Nozawa Holidays has operated a ski school in Nozawa Onsen for almost 30 years now. Their team of English-speaking in-house instructors are experienced and knowledgeable. They provide top quality ski and snowboard instruction and are eager to help you make the most of your ski trip. They offer private and group lessons for adults and kids at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Lessons or guide pricing is per instructor and not per person, with a set maximum number of persons per group. Book your ski and snowboard lessons in advance, by completing the online lesson registration form here.

Nozawa Holidays - Ski School, 6739-11 Oaza-Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 50 5532 6026, lessons@nozawaholidays.com, www.nozawaholidays.com

More Ski And Snowboard Lesson Options:

Nozawa Ski School, 8005 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 80 9083 2172, nozawaskischool@gmail.com, www.en.nozawaski.com

Nozawa Sessions, 9702 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 80 1598 4441, hello@nozawasessions.com, www.nozawasessions.com

SKI RENTAL: Ski Rental In Nozawa Onsen, Japan

Need to hire ski and snowboarding gear? You can’t go wrong with Nozawa Central Rentals. This long-established rental outlet is located in the middle of Nozawa Onsen Village and close to many of the local accommodation options. They offer one of the biggest ranges of standard and premium ski and snowboard hire equipment in the Village. Their friendly and knowledgeable English-speaking team, including technicians who are experienced riders themselves, will ensure the perfect fit and style of gear and equipment for the whole family and any level of experience. You’ll be hitting those slopes in no time!

They recommend provisionally prebooking your gear and equipment online before arriving in Nozawa Onsen. This will give the team a heads up on your needs beforehand, making your time spent in-store smoother and quicker. Do bring along a spare dry pair of ski socks with you for boot fittings. Nozawa Central Rentals also provides a free ski hire delivery service to either one of their storage stations near the slopes or direct to your lodge the night before. Exclusive to all Nozawa Holidays guests is the use of their Ski Locker located just below the main Nagasaka Gondola, to store your gear and equipment overnight.

Nozawa Central Rentals, 6739-11 Oaza-Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 67 0467, www.nozawaholidays.com

More Great Ski Rental Options:

Mt’ Dock Nozawa, 7814 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 67 0644, dock@compasshouse.jp, www.mtdock-nozawa.com

Nozawa Sports Thanx, Karasawa Store: 6436-2 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan; Nagasaka Store: 7814 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 120 64 0112, thanx@sportsthanx.com, www.sportsthanx.com

Salomon Station, Nagasaka Gondola Station, Nagasaka Center House, Third Floor, 7653 Oaza-Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 1070, www.nozawaski.com

WHAT ELSE TO DO: Things To Do In Nozawa Onsen, Japan

Top On-Slope Activities:

Snowshoe Tours

Escape the crowds on the slopes and go on a snowshoe tour around the Village and off the beaten track. Immerse yourself into the beauty of Nozawa’s winter wonderland and walk over a frozen lake, through 200-year old Beech forests, and delight in the panoramic view of the Nagano Alps. Book a guided snowshoe tour with Nozawa Holidays or Nozawa Ski School who can customize a course to your needs.

Nozawa Holidays, 6739-11 Oaza-Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 50 5532 6026, lessons@nozawaholidays.com, www.nozawaholidays.com

Nozawa Ski School, 8005 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 80 9083 2172, nozawaskischool@gmail.com, www.en.nozawaski.com

Zip Skyride

Whizz down the slopes at Nozawa Onsen without even touching the ground. Head to Nozawa Onsen Sports Park to catch a ride on one of the longest zip lines in Japan. The Zip Skyride carries you 652 meters down the slope at a maximum speed of 70 km/h and an altitude of 122 meters. You’ll sit in a safe seat-type harness while the zip line runs from the top of the Hikage ski course down to the landing platform. The views from this ride are incredible!

Nozawa Onsen Sports Park, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Hikage Slope Hikage Information Center, 8005-2 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 2623, www.nozawaonsen.co.jp

Top Off-Slope Activities:

Nozawa Onsen Stamp Trail

Do a very touristy thing and pick up a stamp book from the Nozawa Onsen Tourism Association to follow the “Shu-in” stamp trail around the Village. This trail highlights the Village’s famous places and historic sites. Find more than 10 stamps for your book, and you'll receive a Nozawa Onsen “Yu” towel with a design by Artist Taro Okamoto at the Nozawa Onsen Tourism Association.

Nozawa Onsen Tourism Association, 9780-4 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 3155, info@nozawakanko.jp, www.nozawakanko.jp

Snow Monkeys Tour

Get your cameras ready! Snap shots of the cute and famous snow monkeys located less than an hour from Nozawa Onsen. Book a Snow Monkey Tour through Nozawa Holidays in partnership with Nozawa Onsen Kotsu. You’ll get to see the snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs in the picturesque Jigokudani Valley and the Joshinetsu National Park. The Jigokudani Monkey Park is a must visit in the area.

Nozawa Holidays, 6739-11 Oaza-Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 50 5532 6026, lessons@nozawaholidays.com, www.nozawaholidays.com

Nozawa Onsen Kotsu, 9258-8 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 3333, team@maasno.com, www.nozawaonsen.info

Visit The Japan Ski Museum

If you’re interested in the history of skiing on the slopes in Nozawa Onsen, pay a visit to the Japan Ski Museum. The Museum houses a large collection of old and rare ski gear and equipment collected from all over Japan. Most of the exhibits are displayed in Japanese, so have Google Translate available to enjoy this experience to the fullest.

Japan Ski Museum, 8270 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 3418, www.nozawaski.com

Visit The Nozawa Onsen Distillery

If you have a passion for gin and craft spirits, visit the Nozawa Onsen Distillery. Winner of the Gold Award for All Products at SFWSC 2023, sip on the finest gin that Japan has to offer! Their rare craft gin is made with locally grown ingredients and Nozawa Onsen’s famous refreshing and delicious spring water. Buy a bottle of their signature Nozawa Gin as a fabulous keepsake from your trip.

Nozawa Onsen Distillery, 9394 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 67 0270, info@nozawaonsendistillery.jp, www.en.nozawaonsendistillery.jp

ONSENS: Experience The Onsen Culture In Nozawa Onsen, Japan

For an unforgettable and quintessential Japanese experience, you should try a traditional Japanese onsen hot spring bath. It’s also a perfect way to soothe your tired body after an active day on the slopes and the mineral water has many health benefits. If the Village’s name “Nozawa Onsen” is anything to go by, you know that you’re in for the very best onsen cultural experience in all of Japan. Nozawa Onsen is blessed with 30 distinct mineral springs feeding into 13 public bath houses “soto-yu” or ryokans around the Village. You’ll also find a number of private onsens, with some found at various accommodation options in the Village. There are cave-style onsens, open-air onsens, foot baths, large public onsens, and even cooking onsens.

Public Onsens:

O-yu Onsen, 8765 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 3155

Kawahara-yu Onsen, 8759 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan

Shin-yu Onsen, 8278-2 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 3155

Private Onsens:

Furusato No-yu Onsen, 8734 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 3700

Sparena Resort, 6748 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 4567, www.nozawaski.com

EVENTS: Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival (Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Matsuri)

If you’re going to be around Nozawa Onsen on January 15th during the ski season, don’t miss an opportunity to attend the Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival. The festival is held on the same date every year and there’s nothing quite like watching glistening flames dance around the shimmering white snow backdrop. The Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival is one of the 3 great and colorful fire festivals held in Japan and revolves around a burning three-storey wooden structure, plenty of sake, and two generations of men fighting for their honor. It’s all about dispelling bad luck and evil spirits and blowing in good fortune and fertility to the Village.

MORE FUN FOR KIDS: Outdoors And Indoors Fun For The Kids

Nasky Kids Park

Keep the kids happy during ski season at the Nasky Kids Park. And a bonus is that it’s free! It’s a safe and exciting outdoor kids play area with tons of activities to keep the kiddos jumping for joy. Jumping castles, magic carpets for first time skiers, kids-only sled and tubing courses, and more! You can access the Nasky Kids Park from the Village via Yu Road or hop onto the free Nasky snow-mobile shuttle which runs between the Nagasaka Gondola Station and the Hikage Information Center.

Nasky Kids Park - Nozawa Onsen Sports Park, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Hikage Slope, Hikage Information Center, 8005-2 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 2623, www.nozawaonsen.co.jp/naskypark

Nasky Kids Room

On the second floor of the Hikage Information Center is an indoor kids room equipped with educational playground equipment, a ball pit, air conditioning, and more. It's perfect for hot or rainy days.

Nasky Kids Room - Nozawa Onsen Sports Park, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Hikage Slope, Hikage Information Center, 2/F, 8005-2 Toyosata, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, +81 269 85 2623,www.nozawaonsen.co.jp/naskypark

EXTRA RESOURCES FOR PLANNING: More Information On Nozawa Onsen

Check out these websites for more information and details all about Nozawa Onsen:

www.nozawa-onsen.com

www.nozawaholidays.com