Best Places to Explore in Nozawa Onsen
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Nozawa Onsen is a quintessential ski town located in Japan. It is notable for its mesmerizing powder snow but that’s not it. Apart from being one of the best ski resorts in Japan, Nozawa Onsen has many more things to offer.
Even if you are not able to plan your holiday around the December-March period you can still have the best time of your life in Nozawa. Whether you are flying for winter holidays or summer holidays in Japan, below is a list of the top places to explore in this scenic mountain village.
- Onsen experience: There are 13 onsen (hot spring) bathhouses in Nozawa Onsen. These are well-maintained public baths that one must visit to have an up-close encounter with Japanese culture. You can enjoy a dip in the hot water free of cost, however, bringing your own toiletries and towels is suggested.
The biggest bathhouse is located at Oyu Onsen which is a wooden building in the center of the town.
- Nozawa Onsen fire festival: To get a dose of folk culture, you must time your holiday around the national fire festival. It is a celebration of good harvest and good fortune that take place in January. This sacred festival is held at Baba-no-hara, so make sure to include this place in your bucket list.
- Monkey park: Jigokudani is an all year round destination where you can see snow monkeys roaming freely. Watching these beautiful creatures soaking in natural baths is truly a delight to the eyes.
- Hokusai Museum: When you are done admiring the natural beauty, you can learn more about the cultural significance of Nozawa Onsen at the Hokusai museum. The museum shows artworks of famous artists from the 18th and 19th The Great Wave Off Kanagawa is a must when you visit this museum.
- HokuryukoLake: Pick the route from Nozawa to Shibu for a stimulating experience of mountain biking in Japan. The scenic lake Hokuryuko is surrounded by mountain terrains and is a must-visit place if you are an avid photographer or a biker.
Apart from the above listed most recommended spots, you can soak in the beauty and tranquillity at Matsukawa valley, Liyama station, and Nagano city festival. You can include these places in your itinerary if you are planning to extend your holiday in Japan. Autumn leaves in a scenic valley, fruit picking at a serene farm or walking amidst the glimmering streets are definitely worthwhile.
Final words
Nozawa is an all year round destination with plenty of other things to offer than just powder snow. Pick all the above recommended spots and make a memorable encounter during your next stay in Nozawa.
Contact Stay Nozawa to get guidance for Accommodation Nozawa Onsen. Their experienced staff can plan a memorable holiday for you by offering useful insights about everything including accommodation, transfer, ski rentals, lift passes and more.