16 Of The Best Things To Do In Nozawa Onsen

Whether it's taking a dip in a traditional bathhouse, sampling locally-crafted gin, carving up the 10-plus metres of annual snowfall on the mountain, taking a ride in a gondola made entirely of glass, visiting the world-famous 'snow monkeys' nearby or filling your tum at all the delicious eateries on offer, there is certainly no shortage of ways to spend your days in this one-of-a-kind town. 

Read on for 16 of the best things to do in Nozawa Onsen. 

Nozawa Onsen is most famous for its hot springs, if you couldn't guess from the name (or the tell-tale steam rising above the village). You can experience these relaxing, mineral-rich waters inside more than a dozen 'soto-yu' or public bathhouses, some of which have been operating since the feudal era (and all of which are within walking distance of each other). These are run by the locals and are free to use, though a donation is considered good etiquette. There are also a number of complimentary foot baths dotted around and about, while some hotels and ryokan offer their own private onsen. 

Nozawa Onsen is often considered the birthplace of skiing in Japan, with the first recorded attempt at the sport taking place here in 1897 (and by a local high school student, we might add!). Since then it has gone on to become one of the country's most popular ski resorts for tourists and even played a part in hosting the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. The secret to its success? An impressive annual snowfall of more than 10 metres, terrain suitable for all skill levels, and the option of English-speaking skiing and snowboarding lessons (these are harder to come by than you think!). That, and the fact that it takes the form of one large resort, meaning no transport or multiple lift passes required. 

Steaming hot, mineral-rich waters aren't the only thing you'll wanna soak up here—this historic town is also famous for its vibrant festival atmosphere at certain times throughout the year. Case in point: the Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival—held each January and considered one of the country's leading fire festivals—which sees the men of the village take part in a mock battle, culminating in a large, purpose-built shrine being set alight with flaming torches. The Nozawa Onsen Lantern Festival in September is another popular, albeit quieter celebration. 

A town as quaint as Nozawa Onsen is the perfect setting for a yoga and meditation retreat and in fact, there are a bunch to choose from over the course of the year ranging in length from three days to an entire week. During this time you'll get to partake in multiple yoga and meditation sessions, while also having the chance to soak in hot springs, explore temples about town and nourish your body with wholesome meals. Some retreats even combine activities like hiking and cycling; while there's even a 'snoga' retreat (that's a retreat combining yoga and snowsports) during the winter-time. 

A quick car ride away (we're talking less than an hour), you'll find the world-famous 'snow monkeys'—the only monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs. You can actually see this troupe of Japanese macaques warming themselves in the onsen at Jigokudani Yaen-koen year-round, but there's something especially magical about watching them in the winter, heads bobbing above the surface, covered in snow.  

In the summertime the mountains here become a popular destination for downhill mountain biking, offering an assortment of exhilarating trails with views to boot (the Nagasaka Gondola making the trip up substantially easier—see 'Take A Ride In An All-Glass Gondola'). The annual Nozawa Onsen Cycle Festival is also a great way to put your mountain biking skills into practice, regardless of ability. Mountain bikes are readily available for rent in town, along with e-bikes for those wanting a gentler option aka taking in the sights of this historic area on the flat.

Not the kind that involves painstakingly prising stamps off envelopes and sticking them in an album—the kind that involves taking rubbings of commemorative plaques inside a stamp book, which you can purchase from the Nozawa Onsen Tourist Information Centre. These plaques can be found along a trail featuring 27 unique spots, each holding historical significance for the town. Plus if you find more than 10, you'll receive a complimentary towel designed by famed avant-garde artist Taro Okamoto. This is an excellent way to explore the area, particularly if you like to take things at a slower pace—and don't forget to stop for a coffee and a peek at the shops along the way. 

For those wishing to further explore Nozawa Onsen on foot, there are myriad hiking trails at your disposal during the summer. These range from beginner to advanced but no matter what your ability, know that you'll be treated to breath-taking scenery (think ancient forests, waterfalls, and panoramic views of rolling hills and farmland, along with a tonne of historical landmarks). Amongst these is the 80km-long Shin-Etsu Hiking Trail, which is world-famous in Japan and was originally walked by traders and samurai warriors. P.S. If you're really serious about this hiking business, you can also participate in a number of race events including the Nozawa Onsen Mountain Trail Race and Nozawa Trail Fes.

Nozawa Onsen is the perfect base for making a day-trip to one of Japan's most famous Buddhist temples, Zenkoji Temple. Found in the very centre of Nagano, it is home to the country's first-ever Buddhist statue (which only comes on display every six years, the next time being in 2027), and combines ancient architecture with tranquil grounds. The grounds themselves are free to enter, though additional experiences (like visiting the pitch-black corridor running beneath the temple, where you'll find a key believed to grant whoever touches it salvation), come with a small cost.

Foodies are more than looked after here in Nozawa Onsen, with a smorgasbord of eateries to pick from year-round. Amongst some of our faves are mont (a flashy new spot dishing up French-style cuisine), Sobadokoro Daimon (which has been churning out soba for an entire century!), and Tengu Sushi (the most upmarket sushi experience you'll probably ever have). However, there are also establishments serving up pizzas and burgers if you're missing a taste of home (look hard enough, and you'll even find Australasian-style pies and sausage rolls).  

Forget for a moment the sake and whisky for which Japan is famous, and appreciate instead the flavours of gin—crafted with Nozawa Onsen's pure mountain waters and unique botanicals, no less—at the Nozawa Onsen Distillery. Located inside a former canning factory in the centre of town, it's hard to miss and even harder to beat, with tastings, tours, masterclasses and a cocktail bar serving up tipples showcasing its top-shelf products.  

If 'market ' is your middle name, be sure to head along to the local offering happening in the centre of town each Sunday throughout summer, on Oyu Street. Between May and October, you'll find a selection of local artisans selling their wares, from still-warm pastries and bottles of preserves to traditional Japanese sweets and other goodies, right outside the historic Oyu bathhouse. The only downside? You'll have to be up at the crack of dawn, as the market runs from just 6-7:30am. 

Onsen aren't just for bathing, you know—the people here have long been utilising the heat of these hot springs to slow-cook eggs, or 'onsen tamago'. You'll find small pools built for this purpose dotted around the village (look for them out the front of the bathhouses) which again, are free to use. Grab some eggs from one of the local shops then pop them into the baskets provided, and be rewarded with beautifully silky, soft-boiled type eggs in around 20 minutes (see the accompanying signs for exact cooking times). You can also watch the locals cook eggs and vegetables at the Ogama pools, a sort of open-air kitchen boasting the hottest onsen water in the area; though this is strictly off-limits to tourists (read: look and don't touch).

Visiting a heart-shaped lake should take little convincing for the romantics amongst us (especially when, gasp, you can ride across it in pedal-boats for two). For the less sentimental types, Lake Hokuryu's  beautiful setting on the border of town, along with its numerous outdoor activities, will provide all the incentive you need. Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding and other watersports in the summer—take a walk amongst the pretty pink cherry blossoms and crisp golden leaves in spring and autumn respectively—and snowshoe across the surface of the lake in the winter. Also worth checking out is the facility on the shore with its own onsen, and a small island where you can find statues of Japanese deities known as 'shichifukujin' (the Seven Lucky Gods or Gods of Fortune). 

Used to ferry powderhounds up and down the mountain in the winter, the Nagasaka Gondola also operates during the summertime from June through October. In addition to the standard winter-style cabins, you'll be able to step aboard a spacious, ten-seater glass model (glass floor included!) affording jaw-dropping views of the surrounding landscape, as you're gently propelled up the mountainside. Once you reach the top, take some snaps from the lookout, grab a bite to eat at the Kitchen Seavus restaurant or even dabble in a little stargazing if you're visiting as part of the newly introduced night-time tour.

While not home to any of its own wineries, Nozawa Onsen is an easy day-trip away from some of the best vineyards in Japan, found in the wider Nagano area. Amongst these is the award-winning St. Cousair Winery in Iilyuna, set on a hill amongst rolling countryside, not unlike something you'd find in France. Sample wines at the cellar door or paired with fusion-style cuisine at the onsite restaurant, before grabbing a bottle or two from the shop for later. Closer to home, you can sample natural and organic wines paired with snacks at Nozawa Onsen's Vinocco wine bar, located in the heart of the village. 

If you're as enchanted by Nozawa Onsen as we are, check out our comprehensive list of properties for sale in the area. Who knows, maybe this could be your new home.