Nozawa Onsen is one of the best ski resorts in Japan for a non-skier, with an array of activities for everyone to enjoy. One of the highlights of Nozawa Onsen is that it draws many non-skiers (both Japanese and foreign visitors), the main reason being for its many hot springs dotted around the village. This gives the town a relaxing feel; the majority of people come here to ski, relax and eat good food. A great combination. 

There are 13 natural public hot springs to visit. We recommend starting at the onsen closest to your accommodation. All 13 springs are located within a few minutes walk from each other (maximum 15 minute walk). You could try the historic Kumanoteara onsen; Nozawa Onsen village was founded by a hunter who tracked a wounded bear and found it bathing in this beautiful spring. The SPARENA has mixed gender onsen which is great for families. It is the only onsen where you can wear swimwear and has facilities such as showers, massage chairs and restaurant. You can also have a foot onsen, there are a few to try in the village. 

Image from nozawaski.com 

The Nozawa Onsen stamp trail highlights many of the famous places and historic sites in Nozawa. There are 27 stamps or commemorative plaques placed around the village; try to find them all. Pick up a stamp book from the Tourist information centre and start your adventure around the village with your book in hand. Take a rubbing from the plaques using the small wooden pestle attached to the stands. If you find more than 10 you will receive a Nozawa Onsen “yu” towel- with the famous “yu” design by Artist Taro Okamoto. Take it home as a souvenir from Nozawa Onsen.

Cooking classes of Oyaki (steam buns) are available with a local family. For more information and bookings, please contact livetheseasons2019@gmail.com

Ride the slick new Nagasaka gondola for beautiful views of the frozen trees and a true winter feeling at 1,500m. You can eat at the huge restaurant/cafe.

You can also ride the other gondola at the Hikage area for different views, a better chance to see wildlife (Kamoshika) and more restaurant options at the top. 

Walk your way around the streets of Nozawa Onsen, hear its story and see its beauty through the eyes of a local. Night Tours by request. Click here for more information. 

Slow cook eggs in a mini hot spring which creates soft silk egg whites and custard-like yolk. Purchase eggs locally, the hot spring is free to use. "Egg onsens" are mini sized hot spring that look like a box and are located just next to the entrance of a regular bathhouse (onsen). The following bathhouse have an egg cooking onsen: Kamitera-yu, Kumanotearayu, Matsuba-no-yu, Jyuodo-no-yu. Timing depends on which onsen you choose, so follow what is written on the sign. 

Explore the beauty of Nozawa Onsen and the surrounding area on a snowshoe tour. Learn about the history of the area, and the local flora and fauna of this traditional Japanese winter wonderland. You might walk through 200 year-old beech forests, over a frozen lake, up an ancient path lined with Japanese cedar, or enjoy panoramic views of the Nagano Alps. Each tour is unique. More information here.

Nozawa Onsen is famous for its spring water. It is truly the best water we have ever tried. It's no wonder this water is used to produce local gin, whisky, beer and sake. You can try Nozawa Onsen gin at the distillery, 12 local beer options at Libushi, enjoy local sake, taste organic wine at Guruguru (also - Ivy tapas). High quality coffee is very easy to find. All offerings are within a few minutes walk of each other, the compact village makes Nozawa Onsen so unique. We recommend the espresso coffee from Napa Cafe (78 cafe). The cake sets and the lunch menu are very good (before 2pm) - Check out the collection of antique toys and historic photographs of Nozawa Onsen. Early birds can pick up a great coffee at Tanuki cafe or in front of Himatsuri they are serving great coffee. We recommend to visit one of many Izakaya (eg. Kuan) to try the local Mizuo sake, Take a tour at the distillery or sample the gin.  

Climbing the steep stone stairs leading to the temple grounds is a true highlight in Nozawa Onsen. Surrounded by ancient Cedar trees and shrines covered in snow, this area is a must-see. Just around the corner, the equally impressive Ogama hot spring (93°C) should not be missed. You may be lucky and see locals cooking vegetables here. Continue past Ogama down Nozawa Onsens most beautiful cobbled street. 

If you prefer to try something different, rent a sled or snow scoot from Nozawa Sports Thanx for ¥2,500. Please note that if you would like to ride a snow scoot or sled, you will be required to buy a full price ski resort ticket which allows use of all chairlifts as well as gondolas.

Lunch time (12-2pm) is a great time to explore the village. With the majority of people up the mountain skiing, you can feel as though you have the village to yourself. It is also the perfect time to try a restaurant which may have been booked out, or may not take reservations at night. Nozawa Onsen is compact, you can easily access the village for lunch and head back up to ski afterwards. 

Rock climbing at Dojo is another fun activity to do in Nozawa Onsen to get yourself active. They also have food like sushi and sake testing. Regularly they hold pop up events, language exchange sessions, cinema and concerts too. 

Image from Nozawa Onsen Tourism Association 

The Zip-Skyride has a max speed of 70km/h, a length of 652 metres with a vertical drop of 122 metres. Opened in 2017, it is one of the longest of its kind in Japan, allows fun and great views.
Opening hours: 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30
Adults: 2,000yen, Children (under 15yrs old): 1,200yen
You can book here.

In the village you will find shops where you can get a variety of nice goods to take home with you. 
From custom printed shirts/hats to kimonos, confectionery to local wines and liquors, etc. 
Tanukiya is a boutique style shop where you will find modern goods made in the region of Nagano Prefecture.
Another more traditional shop is Akebi Zaiku; housed in a renovated two-story "kura" storehouse built in 1883, the store is crammed full of handmade crafts such as woodwork, traditional clothing, and paper products.
These are to mention a few, when exploring Nozawa Onsen you will find many more shops worth popping your head in.

Nozawa Onsen does not have many ski or snowboard retail shops. It is worth checking before you come if you need something specific. For example Dimension snowboard shop is an official burton agent which have a decent range, however there is no website to see if they have your size or exactly what you need.
For shopping winter ski clothing and accessories, Compass Village shop in the middle of O-yu Street is a good option. They also sell skis and snowboards. 

The ski museum is worth a visit, some good history of the Nagano Olympics and how skiing developed in Japan. Also the relationship between St Anton in Austria and Nozawa Onsen. There is some english however it is mostly displayed in Japanese, install google translate on your smartphone (your phone camera will automatically translate Japanese text to english). 

Oborozukiyo no Yakata Museum in the village centre (as pictured in summer time above). A couple of floors of Japanese art and photography. A great video presentation about the Fire Festival with many personal interviews of the participants where you could see their enthusiasm. The main theme of this museum is about a Japanese Song Writer (poet). The poems are translated into English. None of the other exhibits have english. For 300 yen, it is an interesting way to spend the time learning about the area. Great views from the top floor.