Nozawa Onsen: A Village of Scenic Beauty

Overview

Nozawa Onsen Village, located in northern Nagano Prefecture, is bordered by Kijimadaira Village, Iiyama City, and Sakae Village, with elevations ranging from 300m to 1650m at Mt. Kenashi. The village spans 57.95 km², with forests covering 50.7% of the area. It features rugged mountainous terrain and includes part of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park.

Nozawa Onsen, uniquely named after its abundant hot springs, has been a renowned hot spring village since ancient times. Nozawa offers a perfect blend of traditional hot spring culture, historical sites, and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and adventure.

undefined

History

Discovered during the era of Emperor Shomu (724–748) by the monk Gyoki or possibly a mountain ascetic, these hot springs have been a shared community treasure, maintained by villagers for centuries.

Historically known as Yuyama Village since 1272, it became a hot spring resort by the Edo period, hosting numerous inns and thousands of visitors annually. Skiing began in 1897, and the Nozawa Onsen Ski Club was established in 1918, promoting the village as a ski and hot spring destination. Improved transportation, such as the Iiyama Railway and Nagano Electric Railway, facilitated ski competitions.

In 1953, the village was renamed Nozawa Onsen Village and merged with Ichikawa Village in 1956. The 1950s-1960s saw infrastructure developments, and by 1963 the ski resort became village-run. In 1971, a sister village relationship with Saint Anton, Austria, promoted international goodwill. The 1998 Nagano Olympics further boosted its global recognition. Modern transportation improvements, like the Joshinetsu Expressway and Hokuriku Shinkansen, have enhanced accessibility and living conditions.

Hot Springs

Nozawa is a relatively compact town that is easily walkable. It is not uncommon to spot travelers and locals clad in yukata hopping from their inn to a nearby bathhouse. Note that most public bath houses operate around the clock and are entirely free of cost due to a unique community effort to support the onsen tradition.

Notable Bathhouses & Types

  1. Oo-yu (大湯)

    • Features: Symbolic bathhouse of Nozawa Onsen, located in the town center with Edo-period architecture.
    • Water Type: Simple sulfur spring.
    • Benefits: Effective for gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatism, women's diseases, and paralysis.

  2. Kawahara-yu (河原湯)

    • Features: Situated near a stream, popular for morning baths.
    • Water Type: Gypsum-salt sulfur spring.
    • Benefits: Treats skin diseases and is highly refreshing in summer.

  3. Akiba-no-yu (秋葉の湯)

    • Features: Located near Oborozukiyo-no-Yakata, offering a serene park setting.
    • Water Type: Glauber's salt-gypsum sulfur spring.
    • Benefits: Similar to Ogama's hot spring, effective for various ailments.

  4. Ogama-no-yu (麻釜の湯)

    • Features: Near Ogama spring, traditionally used for cooking.
    • Water Type: Glauber's salt-gypsum sulfur spring.
    • Benefits: Treats hemorrhoids, diabetes, rheumatism, and neuralgia.

  5. Kamiterayu (上寺湯)

    • Features: Historical bathhouse with water drawn from Ogama.
    • Water Type: Gypsum-salt sulfur spring.
    • Benefits: Effective for cuts, burns, and other skin conditions.

  6. Kuma-no-tearoyu (熊の手洗湯)

    • Features: Discovered by a bear, originally known as Hand Wash Bath.
    • Water Type: Gypsum-salt sulfur spring.
    • Benefits: Ideal for burns and cuts.

  7. Matsuba-no-yu (松葉の湯)

    • Features: Located in the Matsuba lodging area.
    • Water Type: Gypsum-salt sulfur spring.
    • Benefits: Similar to Ogama, effective for various ailments.

  8. Nakao-no-yu (中尾の湯)

    • Features: The largest communal bathhouse.
    • Water Type: Gypsum-salt sulfur spring.
    • Benefits: Treats skin diseases, rheumatism, and heavy metal poisoning.

  9. Shinden-no-yu (新田の湯)

    • Features: Located across from Nishinomiya Shrine.
    • Water Type: Glauber's salt-gypsum sulfur spring.
    • Benefits: Similar to Ogama, effective for various ailments.

  10. Shin-yu (真湯)

    • Features: Known for its abundant hot spring flowers.
    • Water Type: Simple sulfur spring.
    • Benefits: Effective for hemorrhoids and other warming ailments.

  11. Taki-no-yu (滝の湯)

    • Features: Compact wooden bathhouse near Ogama.
    • Water Type: Gypsum-salt sulfur spring.
    • Benefits: Ideal for recovery post-illness.

  12. Yokoichi-no-yu (横一の湯)

    • Features: Underground bathhouse near Ogama.
    • Water Type: Gypsum-salt sulfur spring.
    • Benefits: Highly effective for skin diseases.

  13. Juo-do-no-yu (十王堂の湯)

    • Features: Located near Oborozukiyo-no-Yakata.
    • Water Type: Gypsum-salt sulfur spring.
    • Benefits: Similar to Oo-yu, effective for various ailments.

Day Use Hot Springs

  1. Furusato-no-yu

    • Features: Newest day-use bathhouse with hot and lukewarm baths, and outdoor baths. This commercial establishment is ultra clean and has ample washing stations with running water and amenities such as soap, shampoo and conditioner which are hard to find in the other public facilities.
    • Operating Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM (closed on Thursdays).

  2. Mini Onsen Plaza "Yurari"

    • Features: Near Ogama, allows for a quick soak and making onsen eggs.
    • Operating Hours: 6 AM to 9 PM.

  3. Foot Baths

    • Features: Scattered throughout the town, perfect for a quick refresh.
    • Benefits: Relieves coldness, leg swelling, and migraines.
undefined

Sightseeing Spots and Activities

Places of Interest

  • Miharashi-dai: A viewpoint offering panoramic views of the village and surrounding mountains, especially stunning at sunset.
  • Yuzawa Shrine: Known for its serene atmosphere and ancient trees.
  • Kenmeiji Temple: Historical temple renowned as the birthplace of Nozawana pickles.
  • Ogama (The Big Pot): A source of hot springs used for communal cooking.
  • Senbutsudo: A hall with numerous small Buddha statues.
  • Onsen Yakushido: Dedicated to the guardian deity of hot springs.
  • Tsutsujiyama Park: Famous for its azalea blossoms in June.
  • Oborozukiyo-no-Yakata: Museum dedicated to the poet Takano Tatsuyuki, who penned famous nursery rhymes.
  • SUP Tours: Enjoy stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Hokuryu.
  • Fish Catching Experience: Catch and grill fish at nearby streams.
  • Green Field Outdoor Activities: Offers tree camping and SUP tours for a unique outdoor experience.
  • Kaminokaira Plateau: A highland area offering beautiful beech forests and seasonal activities like skiing, camping, and bamboo shoot hunting.

Festivals

Dosojin Fire Festival Nozawa Onsen's Dosojin Fire Festival, held annually on January 15th since 1863, is one of Japan's top three fire festivals. As a significant cultural event it was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Villagers offer prayers to Dosojin, gods of protection, fertility, and health, and exchange wooden Dosojin figurines anonymously. The festival aids men aged 25 and 42, considered "unlucky," who organize and defend the festival's shrine, culminating in its ceremonial burning.

Yuzawa Shrine Lantern Festival The Yuzawa Shrine Lantern Festival, held on September 8th and 9th, features glowing lanterns, fireworks, and traditional dances. Conducted by "unlucky" 42-year-old men, this vibrant event includes a lantern procession, local snacks, and spiritual performances, attracting enthusiastic local participation.

Access

Rail Access

  1. Hokuriku Shinkansen:

    • Iiyama Station: The opening of this station in March 2015 on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line has significantly reduced travel time from Tokyo, making Nozawa Onsen more accessible to international and domestic tourists. From Iiyama Station, travelers can take a direct bus or taxi to the village, which is approximately a 20-minute drive. With the development of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, travel time from Tokyo to Nozawa Onsen has been significantly reduced to around two hours, making it a convenient weekend getaway for city dwellers.

  2. Iiyama Railway:

    • This railway line provides a connection to Kuwanagawa, facilitating easier access for those traveling within Nagano Prefecture and beyond. The establishment of the railway in 1918 has played a crucial role in the development and accessibility of Nozawa Onsen as a ski resort and hot spring destination.

Bus Services

  1. Direct Bus Services:
    • Both during the winter and summer season, the Nozawa Onsen Liner direct bus serves Nozawa Onsen from the Iiyama bullet train station.
    • There are direct bus services from major cities, including Tokyo and Nagoya, to Nozawa Onsen. These services are particularly popular during the ski season, offering a convenient and comfortable travel option for visitors.

Local Transportation

  1. Village Shuttle Buses:
    • Within Nozawa Onsen, shuttle buses operate to transport visitors between key locations such as the ski resort, hot spring facilities, and accommodations. This local transport network enhances the convenience for tourists exploring the village.

find your next getaway

Kumamoto

2 adults