Latest News from Nozawa Onsen

Winter Season Officially Started! Winter Season Officially Started!   What a fantastic start to the season here in Nozawa Onsen! 🌨️ The mountain is blanketed with a solid base of snow, and the flakes are still falling, promising even more fun ahead. 🌬️❄️     This morning, excited skiers and snowboarders rushed to the Nagasaka Gondola to carve the first tracks of the season. The Yamabiko course was buzzing with energy, with Yamabiko D and Yamabiko E now open. We’re hoping to see even more courses opening soon with the snowfall expected over the next couple of weeks! 🌟     We’re also thrilled to share some exciting news—our Instagram community has grown to 30,000 followers! 🎉✨ Thank you all […]

Let the countdown begin Let the countdown begin   The wait is almost over! 🎿 Nozawa Onsen is gearing up for an incredible start to the season, with the lifts set to open in just two days! The excitement is building as the snow is starting to accumulate at the top of the mountain.     This Friday, the forecast predicts a fresh blanket of just under 20cm of snow, setting the stage for a magical opening day. But that’s not all—throughout the day, we’re expecting an additional 25cm of powder to cover the slopes, promising fantastic conditions for everyone to dive in.     Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, Nozawa Onsen is ready to welcome you […]

Start of Season on 30th of November! Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort will Open this weekend the 30th of November 2024.   Another early opening for this Ski Season in Nozawa! The groomers have been busy up top preparing the 50cm base which has accumulated from the last few falls. Adding to this with the snow making machines as temps sit below freezing point at night up top. At this stage it is just D Course up at Yamabiko which will open on Saturday but they will open more slopes as the snow permits. The forecast is for another 20cm on Friday night which should make for a spectacular first day on Saturday Morning. Remember lift passes are discounted until the […]

Ski resort in full swing Ski resort in full swing     The magic of winter is slowly unfolding here in Nozawa Onsen! With each snowfall, the mountain is transforming into a snow lover’s paradise, and the cooler temperatures over the coming weeks will help solidify the growing base. Currently, there’s about 50cm of snow at the top of Nagasaka Gondola Station, and our snow machines are running at full capacity to prepare the slopes.     The resort is aiming to open on November 30th, weather permitting, and with the long-term forecast looking promising—showing snowfall almost every day for the next two weeks—the chances are high! Check out live webcam footage from across the resort here: https://nozawa-onsen.com/nozawa-webcams/. Stay tuned […]

Winter Festivals & Events in Nozawa Winter Festivals & Events in Nozawa     Nozawa Onsen’s winter season is packed with exciting festivals that celebrate community, tradition, and nature. These festivals, rooted in gratitude for good harvests, health, and safety, unite the village and its visitors. Here’s a glimpse of the vibrant events happening this winter!     December: While Christmas isn’t traditionally celebrated, the village remains lively with open restaurants, bars, and shops. Skiing on New Year’s Day is a popular tradition, followed by fireworks on Nagasaka Slope! January: Don’t miss the Dosojin Matsuri on January 15th, a dramatic fire festival honoring the village’s guardian deity with bonfires, sake, and chanting to ensure a prosperous year. February: Celebrate Valentine’s […]

First Turns for the Season in Nozawa First Turns for the Season in Nozawa   Once again, as far as we know local gun skier Shogo Kawano has taken line honours this year. Bit hard to tell from the cams but reckon we got close to the “Magic Foot” or 30cm in this little November dump. Another 30cm expected from Friday night! See they have the snow guns going too up at Yamabiko so would say the Ski Resort are quietly hoping to open on the planned date of Saturday November the 30th. Would be a nice early start if it all comes through but a lot can happen in 10 days in the mountains so will have to wait […]

Powder Snow and Japanese Tradition The Perfect Blend of Powder Snow and Japanese Tradition Awaits ❄️     Dreaming of a ski holiday with breathtaking landscapes and authentic Japanese culture? Nozawa Onsen is the place to be! Famous for its natural hot springs, this traditional Japanese village offers 13 free public onsens where you can unwind after a day on the slopes. Surrounded by serene, centuries-old baths with healing minerals, soaking here is a true escape into relaxation.     Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort boasts incredible powder snow, with over 1,000 meters of vertical drop and 36 trails that cater to every skier level. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly slopes or thrilling runs, the diverse terrain promises an unforgettable experience for […]

Ebisu-ko: Honoring Prosperity Ebisu-ko: Honoring Prosperity     This weekend, Nozawa Onsen Village celebrated “Ebisu-ko”, honoring Ebisu-sama, one of Japan’s seven gods of good fortune. Recognisable by his fishing rod and large fish, Ebisu-sama is revered as a guardian of prosperity — a symbol of bountiful fish for fishermen, abundant harvests for farmers, and success for merchants.     The festival filled the village with a lively local market and ended with fireworks display that lit up the clear night sky. Blessed with sunny days and crisp, starry evenings, the village gathered together to share hopes for good fortune and a prosperous season ahead.  

Snowfall Magic on Mount Kenashi Snowfall Magic on Mount Kenashi ❄️✨     This morning, Nozawa Onsen awoke to a truly magical sight—Mount Kenashi wrapped in a fresh blanket of snow! Although most of it will likely melt with the warmer, sunnier days ahead, there’s something about that first snow that fills the village with excitement.     Seeing the mountain begin to turn white again, even if only for a short time, is a thrilling reminder that winter is on its way. It’s hard not to feel a rush of joy watching the big, fluffy flakes fall at the mountain’s peak, each one adding to the promise of powder days ahead. For now, we’ll enjoy this first taste of […]