How do I get to Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort from Tokyo?

To reach Nozawa Onsen from Tokyo, you can take a bullet train (Shinkansen) to Iiyama Station and then a bus directly to Nozawa Onsen. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, making it relatively accessible for a weekend trip or longer stay.

Can I rent ski equipment at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort?

Absolutely, there are several rental shops in Nozawa Onsen where you can rent all the necessary ski and snowboard equipment. It's a good idea to book your equipment in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you get what you need.

Is Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort suitable for families with children?

Yes, Nozawa Onsen is very family-friendly, with ski schools offering lessons for children and slopes suitable for all ages. The village atmosphere, combined with a range of accommodation and dining options, makes it an excellent choice for families looking to experience both skiing and Japanese culture.

Are there ski lessons available for beginners at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort?

Yes, Nozawa Onsen offers ski and snowboard lessons for all levels, including beginners. There are English-speaking instructors available, making it convenient for international visitors to learn and enjoy their time on the slopes.

What makes Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort unique?

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is unique for its combination of high-quality ski slopes and traditional Japanese hot springs (onsen). The village has a rich cultural heritage, with charming streets, traditional inns, and public bathhouses, offering a distinctive experience that blends skiing with traditional Japanese hospitality and relaxation.

A wide, snow-covered ski slope stretches into the distance, flanked by bare trees, with snow-capped mountains and a bright sun in a blue sky in the background.

A group of skiers, including children and adults in colorful winter clothes, stand on a snowy slope with tall mountains and a parking lot visible in the background.

Snow-covered landscape with houses and trees in the foreground, a small church-like building, and mountains in the background. The sky is clear, and stadium lights are visible near the center of the scene.

People in colorful winter clothing walk and ski among tall trees covered in heavy snow, creating a bright, peaceful winter scene in a snowy forest. The sky is overcast, and the ground is blanketed in white.

A person in a red jacket and black helmet is snowboarding down a snowy slope. The background is a winter landscape with snow-covered trees and distant figures on the slope. The person appears to be enjoying the ride.

Nagano

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

4.6 (4388)Ski ResortTourist AttractionSports Activity LocationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is a renowned destination in Nagano Prefecture that skillfully combines excellent skiing conditions with the cultural experience of a traditional Japanese hot spring village. The resort is celebrated for its extensive terrain, encompassing a variety of slopes that cater to all skill levels, from gentle runs for beginners to challenging courses for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

The resort is known for its high-quality snow, receiving consistent, heavy snowfall each season, which creates ideal conditions for powder skiing. Nozawa Onsen features over 50 kilometers of trails, a vertical drop of about 1,085 meters, and modern lift systems that provide easy access to its vast terrain.

Beyond skiing, Nozawa Onsen is famous for its hot springs, with numerous public baths (soto-yu) scattered throughout the village, offering a unique and relaxing experience to visitors. The village itself exudes a charming atmosphere, with traditional inns, local eateries, and narrow streets that invite exploration.

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort stands out not only for its skiing facilities but also for offering visitors a holistic experience that includes winter sports, cultural immersion, and relaxation, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Japanese Alps.

Hours:

8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Closed:

Open daily during the ski season (typically late November to early May)

Available:

Seasonal (Winter)

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Fees:

LIFT/GONDORA TICKET:

Adult: 6,800 yen

Child: 4,100 yen

Senior: 5,400 yen

Phone

+81 269-85-3166

Website

www.nozawaski.com

Overview

Address

7653 Toyosato, Nozawaonsen, Shimotakai District, Nagano 389-2502, Japan

Traveler reviews

We were here in March and there were still enough snow on most slopes for an enjoyable ski fun. Although the snow could be more slushy ice than powdery snow but nevertheless, we had fun. The slopes were mostly quite wide so it was great for beginners or low intermediate skiers. Nozawa onsen's uniqueness should be its hotsprings. The free onsen baths gave skiers a great way to soak off the tired muscles. Also, there is really quite a lot of bars around. I can always see 'happy' having a great time with their buddies. There are also more choices for food and some shopping if you have a car to drive to the nearby towns such as Nakano or Iiyama. There is a Montbell outlet at iiyama which also has a nice Cafe and farmers market.

Lynn Pan

Mar 21, 2026

It was a great resort for me to get back onto skiing after 20 years!! My daughter had her first ski experience and we loved the ski school half day. She picked it up quickly. The green run (paradise and forest loop) is some of the most beautiful scenery with a run that is great for beginners that has some more challenging options if you wish to try. The surrounding sining options and amenities are great. They have lockers but bring cash. We were able to use a card to exchange for cash for the locker but it took a lot of searching and asking. Down in the lowest floor we were able to get some cash.

Ashley McHardy

Mar 14, 2026

The village and resort is awesome. We had a onsen right next to our accommodation which was so good after a day on the mountain. Plenty of nice bars and restaurants in town. Best to book a day or two in advance for larger groups. Mountain is great for beginners but also still enough to keep advanced riders happy. Good off piste in trees, a few steep ungroomed runs for a challenge. Can get a delicious ramen up the mountain at Hakugin. Overall great resort for all.

Daniel Winchester

Mar 11, 2026

We spent 10 days skiing around Nagano and this was definitely the pick of the resorts we skied at. Efficient high capacity lifts, wide variety of terrain and runs that go for more than seven kilometres. The powder skiing in the trees was great fun and the black runs are challenging without the 2 metre high ice moguls you get at some resorts There is also a picturesque Onsen town at the bottom of the resort with many accommodation options restaurants and many hot baths traditional and tourist Would highly recommended as a base for a skiing trip in

Matthew Sandford

Mar 10, 2026

Best days evah! I’ve never seen such wide and playful green slopes! So cool to go around the trees. Also, the town is super cute. Chill and friendly vibes. Great prices (compared to European resorts).