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nozawaonsenjapan

Powder or Flowers which do you prefer? Swipe to se

Powder or Flowers which do you prefer?
Swipe to see the change!
Another great Summer vs Winter contrast taken in the same spot down a small alleyway in Nozawa Onsen. The photos were taken 6 months apart and amazing the difference. The first with the snowy scene in late February and the second a week or so ago in the warmth of Summer. Up top next week could see the mercury drop as low as 3 degrees as the march into Winter begins. The beautiful fall or “Koyo” will start to unravel soon too and a beautiful time to explore the surrounding mountains. Nozawa is definitely a destination for all seasons check out more on Autumn in Nozawa here; https://www.nozawaholidays.com/nozawa-onsen-summer/autumn-travel-nozawa-japan/

Montbell Outdoor Store to open near Nozawa Onsen

When will the Ski Season start in Nozawa? With te

When will the Ski Season start in Nozawa?

With temps finally starting to cool and the first snow of the season seen up north in Hokkaido yesterday. It is definitely starting to become something to look forward to.
The Million Yen question that we often get asked, when will the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Open? Really wish I had a Crystal Ball big enough to give me the divine answer. The honest answer is we have no idea yet!

The Ski resort will usually try and open on the last weekend of November if there is enough snow or it is cold enough for snow making as we have the Snow Making Machines now. But after 30 years of snow seasons in Nozawa all I can tell you is it varies. On average I would say over the years it opens around December 10th. Some years earlier some later. Some forecasts are saying an El Niño year may see warmer temps and less snow. My neighbour who has been faming the land for 70 years tells me it has been hot and dry so we are probably in for big snow. Really this far out it is anyones guess so will just have to wait and see.

Global warming like everywhere in the world is affecting the snow have no doubt. With this, seasons could become shorter and more erratic. In Nozawa we are still very lucky in that we get more snowfall than many places on the planet and during the season there are times when we have more snow than we know what to do with and have to hire dump trucks and dump it in the river just so we can use our car parks. So please everyone do your bit reduce, reuse and recycle in the hope for colder deeper winters.
If want to do some more research we have over a decade of snow reports in our archives you can sift thru. This one from December 2011; https://www.nozawaholidays.com/news/fun-times-in-nozawa-and-more-on-the-way/
Either way hope you have booked if not better get on to it and we look forward to welcoming you to Nozawa Onsen this season. Mattemasu.
First snow photo @asahidakengo

Planning your Snow Holiday to Nozawa Many of you

Planning your Snow Holiday to Nozawa

Many of you have no doubt already booked your Ski Trip for this coming season. Winter will roll around soon and the season could start in a bit over 2 months from now.
There are a few pieces to the puzzle you need to sort for the perfect holiday in Nozawa.

Here is a list of our Snow Services that will help for your upcoming adventure and best to book in advance: https://www.nozawaholidays.com/services/
* Airport or Inter Resort Transfers
* Ski or Snowboard Lessons
* Ski and Snowboard Rentals
* Tours to the famous Snow Monkeys
* Lift passes - multi day passes available , adult, child or senior
If you should need anything else please check the Frequently Asked Questions
Or drop us a mail to team@nozawaholidays.com

We have been welcoming guests from all over the world to Nozawa for about 20 years now and we look forward to seeing you this coming Winter in Nozawa Onsen. Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu.

Nozawa Onsen is a destination for all 4 Seasons

Nozawa Onsen is a destination for all 4 Seasons

Check out this fantastic footage of Nozawa during each of the unique and beautiful seasons of the year. It is said in the Village that once the Autumn Festival is over the seasons quickly change from Summer to Autumn and then closely followed by the magic snow and Winter.

The last few days have been really hot still in town wth highs over 30 degrees so it is hard to imagine. Looking at the forecast however and can see sure enough a cool change is on the way and within a week we should see temps below 10 degrees up top at Yamabiko. Kind of looking forward to it.

Lots of events on the cards still for Nozawa between now and winter including the following and well worth coming up to check them out;

-Cycle Festival-Sep.30.Sat-Oct-1.Sun
https://nozawa-cycle.jp/
-Dosojin Festival: Tour to see the cutting of the sacred trees- Oct.7.Sat
https://nozawakanko.jp/dosojin-tour/
-Doraijin Taimatsu Concert Oct.8.Sun
https://nozawakanko.jp/record/

We look forward to welcoming you to Nozawa any time of year.
Editor & Videographer 山岸惇アウトドア撮影隊 GOAT
Thanks Kenji san

Naena Falls is a truly spectacular spot just over

Naena Falls is a truly spectacular spot just over 40 minutes drive from Nozawa Onsen.
Located at the base of Suginohara ski resort in Myoko is is an impressive natural wonder all year round.
Huge amounts of mountain spring water come crashing down giving it the nickname of earthquake waterfall.
Beautiful spot for a cool dip on summer. Not so sure about winter.

📷 @colintahoe Arigato

Summer Nights in Nozawa With the evenings starti

Summer Nights in Nozawa

With the evenings starting to cool down more people are heading out for an early drink, dinner or an Onsen and the streets have a nice vibe in the evenings. Still very quiet but locals are enjoying the peace and quiet before the winter rush.

The rice harvest should start soon and will be a hive of activity about the town and down at the rice paddies and always a spectacle to watch. For anyone that missed the Lantern Festival on the weekend there is another mini version up at Akiha Shrine this evening. A great little community festival with performance, dance, bbq and more so be sure to head up for a look if in town. With a festival almost every weekend at the moment it is a great time to be in the village.

45 Degrees Temperature Difference - Summer vs Wint

45 Degrees Temperature Difference - Summer vs Winter Nozawa

Always amazes me the massive difference in temperature in Nozawa between the Green Season and when the snow arrives. The first Thermometer shot 35 degrees and the forest was only a week ago. The second was mid winter at the same spot in town outside Nozawa Central with a fresh - 10 degrees! If you want to fully experience all 4 seasons Nozawa Onsen is the place.

In winter in the Village we average around between 0 and -5 degrees, up top -5 to -10 Degrees with some variants. One of the main reasons for the dramatic swing is that in winter our weather predominantly comes from Siberia. Prevailing northwesterly winds cause the movement of cold air from Siberia to Japan and bring heavy snowfall to the Sea of Japan side. These low pressure systems travel across the Sea of Japan, gathering water from the sea and bump into the mountains here dumping large amounts of snow and cold temps. This is commonly known as the “Lake Effect”

One of the things I love most about Nozawa is that every season is so different. When you get a chance be sure to come and check out all 4. https://www.nozawaholidays.com/accommodation-nozawa-onsen/four-seasons-nozawa-onsen/
Slide to see the change!

Festive times in Nozawa The annual Autumn Lanter

Festive times in Nozawa

The annual Autumn Lantern Festival was back in full swing last night. After not been able to celebrate fully for a few years now it was great to see locals and visitors come out on the streets to take part and enjoy. This festival is a particularly good one for the kids and they all got fully involved, still going at close to midnight.

They will be up again early this morning for the Omokoshi a chariot like shrine that they carry through the town. The adults will be drinking sake and the kids lots of water I hope :) The weather was perfect last night with one of the cooler nights we have had in months and no rain. Today should warm up a bit but still a comfortable 27 degrees.

A great time to visit Nozawa and get into the biking and hiking. The festival is just another good reason to come and enjoy the Autumn atmosphere. Check out more reasons here; https://www.nozawaholidays.com/nozawa-onsen-summer/autumn-travel-nozawa-japan/

Nozawa Onsen Season Pass - The Early Bird gets the

Nozawa Onsen Season Pass - The Early Bird gets the Worm

Prices for the coming 2023/24 Season ski pass for Nozawa Onsen have just been released. No surprise they are up just over 10% from last season. Still great value if you are here for a while and plan to do a lot of skiing. An Adult Season Pass is going to be 89,000 Yen. The good news is if you buy it during the month of October you get an Early Bird Discount so it is just 76,000 Yen which is 2,000 Yen cheaper than last year.

The Season Pass Prices are
* Adults – 89,000 Yen
* Kids Aged 6 -15 Years old – 54,000 Yen
* Seniors Over 60 Years old – 71,000 Yen

So basically get a 15% discount if buy in October. Here is a link to details on how to apply; https://www.nozawaholidays.com/nozawa-onsen-skiing/season-pass-nozawa-onsen/
It will be easier to do at the Resort office in person but possible on line and by post. There are also a bunch of other benefits with the pass including Free Parking and discounts at supporting eateries in town and on the Mountain. Dont forget we are doing the amazing March is Magic deal to stay a whole month in Nozawa for less than 9000 Yen a day including accom, lifts and breakfast; https://www.nozawaholidays.com/march-is-magic-in-nozawa-onsen/
The season kicks off in just 3 months time, hope to see you here.

Big Festival Weekend in Nozawa Each year, on the

Big Festival Weekend in Nozawa

Each year, on the 8th and 9th of September, the village comes alive for the Nozawa Onsen Autumn Lantern Festival. It’s a great insight into Japanese tradition and hospitality. To be honest I think this festival is better than the famous Fire Festival in January.

During the early evening of the 8th, O-yu Dori (Nozawa’s main street) springs to life with street vendors and a parade featuring drums, flute players, dancing and an age-old Japanese folk pantomime. Being the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, the performance is said to dispel evil in favour of good luck while ensuring a bountiful rice harvest. All the while, villagers enjoy themselves and the sake flows.

On the 9th, the men in their “yaku” (bad luck) years, shake off their hangovers and carry a heavy “Omikoshi” through the village. The villagers donate bottles of sake to the action taking place which not only adds to the spectacle but also the time it takes for the men to complete their mission of carrying the Omikoshi to Yuzawa Shrine. Everybody is on hand to cheer them on and help them up the stairs of the Shrine around sunset.

There is also a Ladies Omokoshi in the last few years which is awesome to see. We have still got lots of availability from just 5000 Yen a night at Villa Nozawa and also self contained apartments. Call us on 09096696026 or email team@nozawaholidays.com to book. https://www.nozawaholidays.com/properties/villa-nozawa-nozawa-onsen/

Cool change on the way for Nozawa After a very ho

Cool change on the way for Nozawa
After a very hot summer here finally you can feel the heat coming out of the air. Especially during the night which the locals are very happy about.

Checking the forecast and looks like another drop down in temps in a few days time and today when the mercury hits 31 degrees that could be the last one that high this year.

The other good news is it is just 3 months until the snow should begin to fall. There is a saying in town a really hot summer can mean a lot of snow in winter, will have to wait and see. Hope to see you here. If not already booked jump on th site; https://www.nozawaholidays.com
Slide to compare the green and white seasons

Tokyo time on way to Nozawa Many people coming u

Tokyo time on way to Nozawa

Many people coming up for a ski holiday will do a stop over in the nations capital Tokyo. An amazing city if 12 Million people, it is quite a spectacular experience. The sights, sounds, shopping, food and people.

We often get asked where is the best place to stay? There are so many options and personally I like the west side and some smaller quaint neighbourhoods like Shimokitazawa and Kichijoji. However if short on time and want something convenient and still interesting it is hard to beat the popular Asakusa.

It is really easy on the Keisei line from Narita and near to Ueno for the Shinkansen to Iiyama to start your ski holiday. Temples, shopping malls, sightseeing and great restaurants await. Lots of good value accommodation options too. If have time the big smoke is well worth a visit.

Mountain or Road what’s your Bike? A huge weeke

Mountain or Road what’s your Bike?

A huge weekend on two wheels coming up in a months time in Nozawa Onsen. The roads and hills will come to life on Saturday the 30th of September and Sunday the 1st of October. A great time of year for a biking event as the mountain air begins to cool down.

Sponsored by Redbull and Oakley it is sure to draw some top riders from all over Japan and even overseas. Entries are still open so head to this site if keen to get amongst the action; https://nozawa-cycle.jp
The Saturday is the Redbull Downtime Mountain Bike race and then Sunday is the 40km Specialised Gravel event.

Whether you are riding or not, it will be a great weekend to be in Nozawa and check out all the action. We are doing some great deals on Accommodation at all Nozawa Holidays properties so jump on the site to book www.nozawaholidays.com Cycling of all kinds is definitely growing in Nozawa so hope to see you there to join in the fun.

Video by @daigo_shashin Arigatou Gozaimasu

Every Dog has it’s day in Nozawa Sunday is a g

Every Dog has it’s day in Nozawa

Sunday is a good day for walking your dog or taking them on an adventure. In the snow season in Nozawa it is much the same and you see all sorts of four legged friends on the slopes on the weekends especially. Who has seen a few of these brave little guys and has a story to tell?

They wear jackets, goggles, booties and more in the pursuit of staying cute and cosy as they take to the slopes. For just 600 yen you can take your dog up on the Gondola with you. They seem to love the ride and the freedom of running in the snow around the mountain. Nozawa is definitely one for the Powder Hounds.

Yoga Retreat Nozawa Onsen in October Autumn is j

Yoga Retreat Nozawa Onsen in October

Autumn is just around the corner, the village begins to cool, the foliage starts to change colour and it is the perfect time to com and unwind in Nozawa Onsen. Join us for a deep dive into movement, meditation, and discover more about your yoga practice with the the amazing Rowie san also knows as the Spiritual Pretzel.

Rowie is a Yoga instructor based in Nozawa Onsen and will she re-energise and inspire you with an amazing weekend away for the mind, body and soul. Together explore twice daily yoga asana workshops; daily meditation; a 2hr theory and discussion class; time in nature with like-minded individuals; and time to yourself to reflect.

When; Date from the 6th of October which is a long weekend staying 3 nights and 4 days
Stay ; The always popular Villa Nozawa with views across the valley and Onsen at your doorstep
Price; From 70,000 Yen per person Twin share

Head to the link on the site for more information and to book; https://www.nozawaholidays.com/yoga-retreat-japan-nozawa/
If these dates don’t suit or would like to run your own retreat in Nozawa please get in touch. We look forward to seeing you on the mat in Nozawa.

You can’t buy happiness but you can buy a lift p

You can’t buy happiness but you can buy a lift pass.

Ski Lift Pass prices for the coming season in Nozawa Onsen have just been released by the resort over the weekend. A slight rise this year of just over 10% across the board. The most popular 6 day pass will now set you back 35,500 Yen or just over 5,900 Yen a day.

With current exchange rates for our Australian guests that comes to just under $AUD65 a day. Kids are 21,500 Yen for 6 days or about 3,600 Yen or the equivalent of about $39 a day. Always a hard pill to swallow seeing a price rise but Nozawa does still remain some of the cheapest skiing on the planet.

After decades of deflation in Japan that saw the prices of everything stand still or decline. The country is finally seeing some inflation and prices of most goods and services are increasing slightly. Last year it was big news when the Lawson Convenience store put the price if its fried chicken up by 10% it was the first price rise from 200 Yen since they started to sell it 36 years ago!

For more details and to book your lift passes please head to the link below. We look forward to seeing you on the slopes in Nozawa this coming season. https://www.nozawaholidays.com/lift-pass-prices-nozawa-japan/

Nakao Festival on fire Nozawa has 13 distinct dis

Nakao Festival on fire
Nozawa has 13 distinct districts or neighbourhoods known as Ku’s. Each Ku is a collection of houses and lodges that cluster around one of the 13 free Onsens in the village. The community work together to clean and take care of the Onsen houses, the streets, organise festivals and generally care for one another. It is a unique and very caring community that is rare to find not only in Japan but anywhere in the world.

Nakao is the biggest Ku in area and numbers and the residents are very proud of their territory and traditions. It is the area just below the Karasawa ski lift and Hachiman Shrine on the south side of the village. Every year the groups organise an annual Summer festival and Nakao held its Festival just a few days ago. Many locals think it is even better than the similar whole Village festival held on the 8th of September each year. Especially the Nakao local residents :)

There was dancing, drinking, eating and as always a bit of fire. If like to see some more be sure to visit Nozawa on the 8th and 9th of September and see the pantomime play out on the streets and shrines of Nozawa Onsen. https://www.nozawaholidays.com/news/autumn-lantern-festival-nozawa-onsen/

Summer Vs Winter at the top of the Gondola Mounta

Summer Vs Winter at the top of the Gondola
Mountain Top markets in Nozawa this Sunday

Up at the top of the Nagasaka Gondola at Yamabiko the scenery is very different in Summer compared to Winter. Slide to see the contrast. Which is your favourite colour Green or White?
The Green and colourful flowers take over the landscape and with the views and cooler temps than down in the village, it is a great place to spend a day
You can take the gondola up and do some hiking, mountain biking, kids can enjoy the park and can relax with a picnic lunch

This Sunday 20th of August the grassy fields will come to life with a colourful Market place. Many local vendors will be selling food, drinks and locks arts and crafts. Should be a fun day so be sure to head up and enjoy it and check out the differences up top between Winter and Summer in Nozawa
Check out more @yamahahakomarche

Making the most of Obon Summer in Nozawa Tomorro

Making the most of Obon Summer in Nozawa

Tomorrow is pretty much the last day of the Obon break and has been a busy one in the vilage
Lots of happy holiday makers enjoying the outdoors, onsens and Nozawa atmosphere. The “Asa Ichi” or morning markets have been running daily and tomorrow will be the last one for Obon so head down for some tasty treats.

Even though it is very warm the Onsens are really popular as always and surprisingly very refreshing after a big day hiking or just cruising around town. In summer I always like to finish with a cold rinse with some fresh mountain spring water that comes from the cold taps around the sides. Makes you feel you are alive :) Put on your yukatta and head for a cold beer.

The next big event in Nozawa is the Lantern Festival on the 8th and 9th of September. Two great days to be in Nozawa and experience all the excitement, history and culture of this age old celebration. More details here; https://www.nozawaholidays.com/news/autumn-lantern-festival-nozawa-onsen/

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View detailed snow forecast for Nozawa Onsen at:
snow-forecast.com

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Contact Details

Nozawa Holidays
6739-11 Oaza-Toyosata
Nozawa-Onsen-Mura
Simotakai-gun, Nagano
Japan 389-2502

Japan: 05055326026

Japan: 0269 67 0467

Australia: 07 5641 1198

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