
Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort will open from November 29th
2025-2026 season schedule has confirmed
Nozawa Onsen in Nozawa offers 43 runs with 16 lifts. Season: November 30 - May 6 . Updated by Tak.
A charming hot-spring village with 13 free public baths and a 300-hectare ski area above it. 43 courses, a 10km long run, and 11m of annual snow.
RESORT STATISTICS
Courses
All levels
Lifts
2 gondolas
Season
Reserve your ski experience
My Recommendation
Nozawa Onsen is the full Japan experience — a historic hot-spring village with 13 free public baths and a massive ski area above it. My favorite run is Yamabiko: mid-mountain, great views, great snow, and perfect for intermediate riders. Book early — there are no big hotels here, and accommodation fills up fast.

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort is a ski destination located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

Tak — Founder & Editor / Every resort personally visited / How we select →
I'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder and father of two with more than 20 years on Japan's slopes. Every resort recommendation on this site comes from a personal visit, with the single exception of Maiko (clearly flagged on its page).
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Tokyo Station → Iiyama Station (~1h40, Hokuriku Shinkansen) → Nozawa Onsen Liner bus (~25–30 min) → Nozawa Onsen Chuo Terminal.


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December 20 - March 31
Weather dependent
Ski Lesson : N/A
Snowboard Lesson : N/A
Ski Lesson : Private from ¥40,000/half-day (up to 6 pax)
Nozawa Onsen Ski School (operated by Canyons); Nozawa Holidays; Stay Nozawa; RIDE Nozawa
The best snow and views are mid-mountain, but the descent is steep
Take the Nagasaka gondola to the top and you'll reach the Uenodaira and Yamabiko areas — this is where the best snow and views are. Yamabiko is my personal favorite: wide intermediate terrain with consistent snow quality. But be aware that the descent from the Yamabiko station area back to the base is intermediate-level or harder, so true beginners should stick to the Karasawa slope at the bottom of the mountain.
Traditional buildings, 13 free baths, but shops have gone fully inbound
Nozawa Onsen is one of Japan's most beautiful hot-spring villages, with traditional wooden buildings and 13 free public baths scattered through the streets. That said, the shops and restaurants inside the village have gone fully inbound — this is one of Japan's most international ski destinations right now. The upside: everything works in English. The downside: don't expect a hidden local gem. Accommodation is mostly small guesthouses and ryokan, prices run high, and peak-season rooms book out months ahead.
No parking inside the onsen town, and late nights can get rowdy
The onsen town doesn't have parking inside it — you'll park on the outskirts and walk everywhere. This means renting a car to hop between resorts from Nozawa as a base isn't practical. Commit to the village for your stay. One heads-up for families: since the village is walkable and full of bars, late nights can get rowdy with groups of tourists in the streets — not dangerous, but worth knowing if you have young kids.
Tokyo Station → Iiyama Station (~1h40, Hokuriku Shinkansen) → Nozawa Onsen Liner bus (~25–30 min) → Nozawa Onsen Chuo Terminal.
Shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak season
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: 5,500 yen/day • Snowboard set: 5,500 yen/day
Credit cards accepted at ticket counters and restaurants.
Cash preferred at some smaller vendors
January to February for the best powder conditions.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends

2025-2026 season schedule has confirmed
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See #japowguides on InstagramEverything you need to know about Nozawa Onsen
A historic hot-spring village with varied terrain, long runs, and rich culture—famous for the Dosojin Fire Festival (mid-January).
Tokyo → Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama (~1 hr 40 min) → bus to Nozawa (~25–30 min).
Late Dec–March; mid-Jan to Feb for the best powder. Book lodging early during the festival period.
English lessons and kids’ programs are available; pre-booking is advised in holiday periods.
Village-wide rentals, eateries, lockers, and multiple lift bases; many public onsens (soto-yu).
Still have questions?
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