Nozawa Onsen Ski Resorts Exploration

If there is one place worth visiting to have a fantastic ski holiday with your family, it will be Nozawa Onsen ski resort. This is a large ski area that has been in existence for many decades. Nozawa Onsen Village is located at the foot of the Nozawa Onsen ski resort with plenty of terrain for skiers to explore and over fifty kilometers of trails and pistes. There are also family-friendly pistes and for active skiers, you can also find a terrain park with rails, boxes and jumps. Nozawa Japan ski resorts are also a must visit because of the adventures they offer.

Things to do in Nozawa Japan ski resorts

You can still feel the traditional atmosphere of Nozawa Onsen especially during winter season. For people searching for a peaceful base, Nozawa Onsen will never disappoint as it is known for its serene environment. However, as the snow arrives, the atmosphere becomes more energetic. A perfect time to enjoy the mountain. This is why it is no wonder that there is a rise in enthusiasm of skiing in this amazing place. A visit in Nozawa Onsen will not be complete without taking a hot spring bath. Onsen in Nozawa Onsen is a Japanese term, which means hot springs. The hot spring can be enjoyed free of charge if you go to any of the thirteen public hot spring baths.

If you want to learn to ski, you can also enroll in Nozawa Onsen Ski School. This is located on the resort's slopes where skiers of all abilities and ages are welcome. The ski school is located on the Hikage area of the popular Nozawa Onsen ski resort. Beginners will learn skiing and snowboarding skills as the school is known for providing useful techniques, advice and ideas. Each lesson profiles students based on their age, target and current skill levels. There are also private lessons on offer. Aside from skiing and snowboarding lessons, the school also offers snowshoe courses.

Aside from skiing, you may also want to take part in Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Festival. This is one of the three greatest fire festivals in Japan. It is known as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The annual festival is celebrated on January 15, participated by men aged 42 and 25. It celebrates the birth of a family's first child. It is believed to dispel evil spirits.  It also prays for happy marriage.

Nozawa Onsen ski resort is also for children. They also have a Kids Room called Yumin. While parents are having fun at the ski resort, their children are being looked after. The Kids Park is also available to visitors with small kids. It is a perfect spot for parents who want to enjoy skiing while keeping kids entertained.

Getting to and around Nozawa Onsen

Although Nozawa Onsen has no train station, it is connected by bus to Nagano Detentsu and Iiyama lines. It will take about 60 minutes to complete the journey. There are also trains every hour, but most trains also have a direct bus connection. The bus ride will take about 20 minutes.

From Tokyo to Iiyama, you will need to take the train for an hour and transfer to a bus to Nozawa. The trip will take 40 minutes. It is also interesting to note that the bus departures are not timed. There are also ski tour buses being offered in winter. You can choose from a variety of packages which include gear rentals, lift tickets and more. 

What Are The Accommodation Options In Nozawa?

Taking a holiday in Nozawa will not be complete without choosing your accommodation. It takes a lot of preparation and budget analysis for you to make sure that you will have a memorable and comfortable stay in Nozawa. Being a perfect base for weary travellers, Nozawa Onsen offers awesome places to stay. One thing you need to keep in mind especially if you are planning to travel during the peak season is that Nozawa Onsen accommodation options can fill fast. Peak times are usually in January and February. Regardless of how much you are willing to spend, Nozawa Onsen accommodation has a lot to offer for budget, mid-range and luxury holiday goers.

Budget Accommodation

Kazumi Lodge: This self-catering accommodation is situated in the town of Nozawa Onsen. Although they are new to taking overseas guests, they have a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere. For foodies, you do not have to go further as they also run a restaurant at Hikage station. Here you leave your gear overnight and explore one of the nicest places in town. Onsens are located on ground level, but this one is a bit different because it is up above the ground, giving tourists an elevated feeling. Kazumi is one of the cheapest accommodations, which is available for the rest of the season.

Seisenso: This is considered as an older Japanese style lodge. It is conveniently located a few metres from the centre of the village. They also have an onsite Ramen noodle restaurant and a Bourbon bar, which offers discounted rates for in-house guests. If you want to take a relaxing break after a busy day on the slopes, the lodge also has their own onsen.

Mid-Range Accommodation

Nozawa House: This Nozawa Onsen accommodation can accommodate 8 guests. The house contains 3 bedrooms  and equipped with Western style toilets. It also has a kitchen with everything you need such as microwave, gas stove, fridge and more. The facilities on offer are hair dryer, living room, ski storage area, shower room, DVD player and stereo.

Villa Nozawa: The villa has 14 beautiful rooms. Guests are greeted by the wonderful view across the valley and Nozawa Onsen Resort. It also offers great facilities such as relaxing lounge area, hair dryer, rental equipment, ski and snowboard lessons, village hotsprings, wireless and public internet, fireplace, beer and drink vending machine and more.

Luxury Accommodation

Harvest House: What is your ideal Nozawa holiday? Do you want an access to the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort? Harvest House has a little beach shack for those who want to connect in the snow and search for the perfect mountain hut. The place also offers a comfortable stay as the rooms are fully insulated with breathable layers. The house also offers modern bathroom with under floor heating, self-contained in pole position, free internet access, own drying room and ski storage space. The house is also accessible to everything you need to have the best snow holiday.

Akari Apartnment: There are good restaurants and bars near the apartment. There are 4 bedrooms and 2 bathroom in this huge apartment. It is also a mix of western and Japanese style Tatami style rooms. It also has main bathroom and ensuite for the Master. The Onsen is just 50 meters away from the apartment. Guests can also have an awesome view across the valley.  It also offers the same

Essential Hakuba Travel Guide For Holiday Goers

Japan is one of the most interesting holiday destinations worth-exploring as it lets you enjoy its sights, sounds and tastes. Staying cooped up in your room will never be a part of your to-do list as there are numerous outdoor and indoor activities you can consider especially if you explore Hakuba Valley, the home to the most spectacular and awe-inspiring resorts in Japan.

Hakuba Valley is just 3 hours away from Tokyo, Japan's city centre. Hakuba will amaze you with its alpine resorts. It was the host to the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. There are 11 ski resorts that will spoil you for choice. For first-time holiday goers, you can free your mind of worries as there are also multitudes of accommodations nearby, from villas to hotels, you name it, Hakuba will offer you the accommodation that suits your taste, budget and preference.

Things to do in Hakuba Ski Resort

Hakuba owes its immense popularity to 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Eversince the olympic competition took place, many locals and tourists are curious what this magnificent place can offer. The first thing that will surely come to mind when talking about Hakuba is ski jump. A short distance from the resort, a small museum will fascinate you.

The picturesque attractions and breathtaking scenery are best explored by taking a hot air balloon ride. The view from the top will take you closer to what nature has to offer. If you are into winter activities, ski and snowboard lessons will never disappoint. These sessions are open to beginners and even advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Hakuba is suitable for family holidays, offering a vast range of activities that will make your holiday memorable. Some noteworthy attractions you should visit include Matsumoto Castle, Jigokudani Monkey Hot Springs and Zenkoji Temple.

Different Types of Hakuba Accommodation

When it comes to hakuba accommodations, individuals, families and groups have excellent choices to choose from. There are resort hotels, pensions and the traditional Japanese inns called Ryokan. These are well-maintained properties with great facilities to make the entire duration of your stay comfortable and convenient. Aside from the highest standards in service, you will also please your stomach and taste buds with delectable cuisines.

Hotels

If you prefer to book a hotel accommodation in Hakuba, Japan, options are offered based on your tastes and budgets. You can choose from 1-star to 5-star hotels. Most of which are equipped with great facilities such as hot springs and saunas, banquet facilities, massage service, karaoke rooms and many more. There are also hotels which are just within walking distance from the ski resort. You will have a relaxing stay as these well-maintained properties offer sophistication and absolute comfort.

Pensions

Aside from hotels, holiday goers also prefer at-home setting. Something that pensions can offer as they resemble condominiums, allowing guests to relax in a more private and peaceful base. It is also one of the best bets for guests who prefer to cook meals. While pensions have modest accommodations, they too have functional facilities that will make your stay unforgettable.

Ryokan

For people who want to experience Japan's traditional accommodation, Ryokan is the option to consider. Most traditional Japanese inns have hot springs so you can relax your mind if you are not