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Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen Area - exceptionally convenient access from Tokyo to over 20 individual snow resorts
Discover the incredible ski resorts of Nozawa Onsen, where legendary powder snow meets authentic Japanese culture.
Last Updated: October 11, 2025 by Tak
Latest News from Nozawa Onsen
Why Nozawa Onsen Stands Out
Legendary Powder Snow
World-famous "Japow"
Experience the incredibly light, dry powder snow that Japan is famous for worldwide, with consistent snowfall throughout the season.
Cultural Experience
Hot springs & traditional cuisine
Combine skiing with authentic Japanese experiences including hot springs (onsen), traditional cuisine, and warm hospitality.
Easy Access
Convenient transportation
Well-connected by efficient public transport including bullet trains, making it easy to reach from major cities.
Diverse Terrain
All skill levels welcome
From gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs, there's something for every skier and snowboarder.
Quick Stats
0
Resorts
150
Total Runs
80
Lifts
2,000ha
Skiable Area
1,200m
Vertical Drop
12m
Annual Snowfall
800-2,000m
Elevation Range
Dec-Apr
Season
World-class powder snowHot spring villagesTraditional cuisineBullet train accessAll skill levels
Resorts in Nozawa Onsen
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about skiing in Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen combines excellent skiing with a traditional Japanese hot spring village. It's famous for its authentic atmosphere, natural hot springs, and challenging terrain including the famous 'Skyline' run.
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Iiyama Station (1.5 hours), then take a bus to Nozawa Onsen (25 minutes). There are also direct bus services from Tokyo that take about 3-4 hours.
Nozawa offers diverse terrain from gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs. The resort is known for its long runs, excellent powder snow, and the famous 'Skyline' course with stunning views.
Yes! Nozawa Onsen offers English ski and snowboard lessons. The resort has become more international-friendly with English-speaking instructors and staff.
Don't miss the traditional hot springs! Nozawa has 13 public onsen scattered throughout the village. You can also enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine, visit local shops, and experience the authentic village atmosphere.
Yes! Nozawa has gentle beginner slopes and family-friendly facilities. The village atmosphere is also very welcoming to families, with many traditional accommodations and restaurants.
Nozawa offers traditional ryokans, modern hotels, and guesthouses. Many accommodations include onsen facilities and traditional Japanese meals. The village has a unique, authentic atmosphere.
For more general questions (about money, culture, transport, etc.), please see our main Japan Skiing FAQ page.
View Main FAQ
About Tak
I'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder with more than 20 years on the slopes. As a father of two, I enjoy riding natural terrain and side hits, and I'm passionate about helping international visitors discover the best of Japan's ski resorts. Off the slopes, I love family time, dogs, and soaking in Japanese onsen.