Green Season Fun in Nozawa
Nozawa Onsen is already well-known as one of Japan’s premier winter ski destinations, attracting snow lovers from around the world with its powdery slopes and vibrant après-ski scene. But beyond the winter months, Nozawa transforms into an amazing spot to visit and enjoy during the summer Green Season. The lush mountains and peaceful village offer a refreshing escape, filled with outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Visitors can explore scenic trails, soak in natural hot springs, and experience local festivals that celebrate the region’s rich culture and traditions. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Nozawa’s summer charm provides a perfect balance of both.
The village and surrounding mountains come alive in summer with outdoor activities, lively festivals, and farming traditions. Take the gondola up with your mountain bike and enjoy thrilling rides down scenic trails. After a day of adventure, unwind with a soothing soak in one of Nozawa’s 13 free onsens, then savor delicious meals made from fresh, locally grown ingredients at nearby restaurants.
Green Season Is Just As Beautiful
Summer Green Season Nozawa Onsen Japan – Awesome Summer Experiences
More Adventurous
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking, Trekking & Trail Running
- The Shin-Etsu Long Trail Hike
- Yoga & Meditation Retreats
- White Water Rafting, SUP & Kayaking
- Golf Holidays
- Soccer, Tennis & Summer Skiing
- Relaxing in an Onsen
Some less strenuous pursuits
- Festivals
- Music Camps
- Aikido & Judo Camps
- The Snow Monkeys Experience
- Temples, Sake Factories & Art Galleries
- Roaming the village streets, the markets and the amazing Japanese cuisin
Mountain Bike & Mountain Bike Week
The gondola operates from early July until the end of October, and you can take your mountain bike along for the ride. More Info: Mountain Biking Nozawa Onsen
The Yoga & Meditation Retreats
From August to October, Nozawa is the perfect destination to enjoy natural hot springs, fresh mountain air, and scenic temples. More info: Yoga Retreat Japan
Hike the Shin Etsu Trail
Regarded as the best woodland trail in Japan, this 80-kilometre route traces a line similar to that taken by traders and samurai warriors as far back as AD 710. It incorporates a string of 16 picturesque passes from Mount Madarao to Lake Nojiri, reaching an elevation of just over 1000 metres at its highest point as it straddles the Nagano and Niigata prefectures. Scenery spans the volcanic landscapes of mounts Hakama and Kenashi, as well as lush forests of ghostly beech trees standing tall and defiant in this alpine environment. Click here for more info on the Shinestsu Trail.
Nozawa Onsen—it’s a pretty amazing place!
Nozawa Onsen is a fascinating village with a rich history spanning hundreds of years. Long before it became a famous ski resort, it was a tranquil mountain onsen retreat. The food, people, and stunning scenery are all captivating—you’re sure to fall in love with this charming town. Thanks to the new bullet train from Tokyo to nearby Iiyama, you can be in Nozawa in just two hours. Click hereto see how easy it is!
Top 10 Things to Do in Nozawa over the Green Season – Top 10 Things to do in Nozawa over Summer
Summer Green Season Nozawa Onsen Japan – One week in summer, there’s a ton of things to do ;
Here is a Suggestion of what you could do in a week vacation in Nozawa over the Green Season
Monday: Arrival dinner
Lets meet, greet and eat. Our welcome dinner will be held at a local family’s house not to far from Villa Nozawa. Here we can get to know each other, eat some quality Japanese food and get an idea of what is ahead of us for the next week.
Tuesday: Free Town tour with Local guide
Bring your map and learn to know your way around this beautiful town with a mid morning 2 hour guided tour . We’ll show you all the hot spots to eat at, a few hot spots to rest in (local onsen, post office ATM, main street for shops, souvenirs and groceries, temple area. Also Mountain Guide of the Bike tracks
Wednesday: Lets go hiking and a little Yoga
Nature lovers, bring your shoes, maybe your bathers, and get ready for some incredible offerings of nature. We will explore the area around lake Hokoryuko and be surrounded by green goodness. Take in a lunch stop at an awesome soba noodle restaurant and then make our way back to the villa for some soothing yin yoga.
Thursday: Nagano day
Our regional capital Nagano has lots to offer. Great shopping, fantastic restaurants for lunch and one of the nicest temple areas in all of Japan. Zenkoji Temple is one of the biggest wooden structures in Japan and is impressive to see. Enjoy the local train ride from Iiyama and come and explore the host city of the 1998 Nagano Olympics.
Local train cost 650 Yen one way, Shinkansen ticket 1300 Yen one way
Friday: Cooking class
Take in a 2-2.5 hour Japanese cooking class
Cost is 4,000 Yen per person
Saturday: Own time – Feel free to explore Nozawa, ride to other villages or just relax
Sunday: Relaxing onsen day
Choose to visit one of your favourite onsens throughout town for a relaxing last day before your travels continue. Afterwards take a stroll around town and pick up any last minute gifts from the local shops or go for another short hike to the lake or nearby forest.
Monday: Sayonara
Check out this great video by the Nozawa Onsen Ryokan Association gives you some insight into how nice Summer is in Nozawa