Summer Activities Nozawa Onsen Summer Activities Nozawa Onsen When most people think of Nozawa Onsen, they imagine deep powder snow, bustling ski lifts, and cozy hot spring retreats. But those who venture here in the summertime discover a completely different side of this charming village, one painted in lush greens, lively festivals, and tranquil mountain lakes. Here’s a glimpse of what makes Nozawa Onsen a must-visit destination in Japan’s green season. 1. Immerse Yourself in Tradition at the Nozawa Onsen Bamboo Festival While Nozawa Onsen’s Dosojin Fire Festival in January is world-renowned, summer brings its own vibrant celebration, the Nozawa Onsen Bamboo Festival (Take Matsuri). In 2025 this festival is held between 20 to 29 June. This centuries-old event is […]
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Nozawa Onsen Autumn Lantern Festival 2019
Nozawa Onsen Autumn Lantern Festival 2019 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. However, even if you can’t make those dates, all is not lost. Those who have visited Nozawa will remember that each little area surrounding an onsen is its own little community. Many of these communities (Akiha, surrounding Kaiya Nozawa and Nakao, the area around Villa Nozawa, as examples) host their own mini-festivals, either side of the main event. It makes for a particularly vibrant period. Visitors will hear local participants practicing drums and rehearsing dances in the days leading up to each festival. As mentioned, […]
Nozawa Onsen’s Summer “Baby Bamboo Festival”
Baby Bamboo Festival While January’s Fire Festival may lay claim to being Nozawa Onsen’s most popular and well-known festival, it certainly isn’t the only one! June’s Take no Ko Matsuri or “Baby Bamboo Festival” is a fun festival to witness. It goes for over a week and brings a night market vibe to the centre of town. This year, the festival runs from the 8th to the 17th of June. Being held in during the warmer months outside the ski season, it’s not as busy as the Fire Festival. It also means that it’s the perfect time to sit outside and soak up the atmosphere with a cold beer (or two) and a tasty BBQ bamboo stick! This particular festival […]