Nozawa Onsen
Nagano, Japan • INR 4643 - INR 7243 approx.• 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Aug
-8°C – 1°C, cold and snowy, with frequent heavy snowfalls ideal for skiing; snow cover is reliable, high crowds, peak season
-8°C – 1°C, cold and snowy, with frequent heavy snowfalls ideal for skiing; snow cover is reliable, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Village has steep, rugged terrain and bathhouses have stairs.
Village has steep, rugged terrain and bathhouses have stairs.
Value for money
Medium
Prices are high, but the experience is generally excellent.
Prices are high, but the experience is generally excellent.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the onsen, cozy atmosphere, and the charming village streets.
Amazing Onsen
Visitors found the public baths to be a relaxing and unique experience.
Excellent Skiing
Couples enjoyed the variety of slopes and the excellent snow quality.
Overcrowded Slopes
Travelers found the slopes and village very crowded during peak season.
Expensive Passes
Visitors felt that the lift passes and accommodations were overpriced.
Tourist Rush
Some couples felt the influx of tourists detracted from the charm.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Experience the vibrant culinary delights of Nozawa Onsen in this captivating video.
Discover essential tips from a seasoned traveler before embarking on your adventure to Nozawa Onsen.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
-
Open
Not recommended
January
HIGH
-8-1°C
Cold and snowy, with frequent heavy snowfalls ideal for skiing; snow cover is reliable.
Cold and snowy, with frequent heavy snowfalls ideal for skiing; snow cover is reliable.
Open
Accommodation and ski resort bookings must be made well in advance due to high demand, especially during the Dosojin Fire Festival.
Accommodation and ski resort bookings must be made well in advance due to high demand, especially during the Dosojin Fire Festival.
Recommended
January is the height of Nozawa Onsen's ski season, featuring deep powder snow and the famous Dosojin Fire Festival. The village is lively, but expect crowded venues and higher prices.
January is the height of Nozawa Onsen's ski season, featuring deep powder snow and the famous Dosojin Fire Festival. The village is lively, but expect crowded venues and higher prices.
February
HIGH
-7-2°C
Cold with consistent snowfall; excellent snow quality continues and conditions remain ideal for winter sports.
Cold with consistent snowfall; excellent snow quality continues and conditions remain ideal for winter sports.
Open
Book accommodations and ski passes ahead, as winter demand remains high.
Book accommodations and ski passes ahead, as winter demand remains high.
Recommended
February offers reliable powder snow and vibrant après-ski culture, making it an excellent choice for skiers and snowboarders. Onsen and public baths are popular after a day on the slopes.
February offers reliable powder snow and vibrant après-ski culture, making it an excellent choice for skiers and snowboarders. Onsen and public baths are popular after a day on the slopes.
March
MEDIUM
-3-7°C
Temperatures start to rise, but there is still regular snowfall, especially in early March. Snow conditions remain good for most of the month.
Temperatures start to rise, but there is still regular snowfall, especially in early March. Snow conditions remain good for most of the month.
Open
Fewer restrictions, better accommodation availability compared to peak winter months.
Fewer restrictions, better accommodation availability compared to peak winter months.
Recommended
March is a good time for those seeking fewer crowds while still enjoying winter sports and onsen. Prices and availability improve as the month progresses.
March is a good time for those seeking fewer crowds while still enjoying winter sports and onsen. Prices and availability improve as the month progresses.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Direct buses from Narita and Haneda airports, and Nagano Station arrive at Nozawa Onsen Chuo Terminal. The Nozawa Onsen Liner connects Iiyama Station to the village.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are available at Iiyama Station for the final leg to Nozawa Onsen. Local companies like Nozawa Onsen Kotsu and Iiyama Kanko Hire serve the area.
Train
Recommended
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama Station. From there, transfer to a bus or taxi to reach Nozawa Onsen.
Car
Drive via the Kanetsu and Joshinetsu Expressways to the Toyota-Iiyama Interchange, then Route 117. Parking is limited in the village.
Shuttle
A free shuttle bus operates within the village during the winter ski season, connecting points of interest.
Walking
The village is compact and best explored on foot.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required