MT. KENASHI
Skiing was introduced in Japan in 1911 and came to Nozawa in 1912. The ancient hot spring village had its first ski slope in the 1920s but it was in Japan’s boom years of the 1980s that the development of the ski industry really took off.
Extending from the top to the foot of Mt. Kenashi (1,650 m), Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort boasts an altitude differential of 1,085 meters and a total ski slope area of 297 hectares.
SKIING
The usual abundance of high-quality powder snow allows you to enjoy skiing or snowboarding well into April. The variety of slopes and courses, including the fun children's Snow Park, guarantees satisfaction for snow lovers of all levels from beginners to advanced. The mountains of Nozawa provide guests with the ideal playground to enjoy the ultimate in skiing, snowboarding and an abundance of other snow activities. Many powder hounds overlook the Nagano prefecture of Japan in favour of its northern cousin, Hokkaido, to their detriment! Nagano’s powder volumes can often rival its northern counterparts, without the difficulty of finding first tracks.
There are 2 gondolas and 18 lifts, 36 slopes, and a child-friendly Snow Park including the thrilling zipline ride going from the top of the Hikage chairlift down to the Snow Park!
* Please note that backcountry skiing and snowboarding are not supported by Nozawa Onsen Ski Administration and are conducted entirely at the skier’s or snowboarder’s own risk. We politely ask that you respect the local governing groups and their rules in this regard.
A trail map of Nozawa Onsen can be found at this link: http://www.nozawaski.com/en/slope/
FAMILY BIKING
It's official! Nagano prefecture has been voted one of the best places in Japan to cycle. Be it a long weekend from Hong Kong, or a week-long tour from Australia, there are so many cycle options when using Nozawa Onsen as a base.
Nozawa Onsen village and Letz Nozawa’s lodges will cater for family cycle groups right through to biking or triathlon clubs. Cycle tours can be tailored to meet group or individual needs with local guides, support vehicles and route mapping. The roads around Nozawa and the prefecture are very quiet, ensuring a peaceful ride and allowing you to take in the beautiful scenery.
It's also a great opportunity to cycle to neighbouring ski resorts like Madarao, Myoko Kogen, Shiga Kogen, or small Japanese towns and villages that surround Nozawa. There is even a route that will take you to the Japan Sea and coastline. For those in a more relaxed frame of mind, take a cycle onsen tour!
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Nozawa Onsen is an absolutely wonderful place for mountain biking in the summer. There are trails prepared all over the mountain for all levels of cyclists, from beginner to expert. A course map is provided for those only doing the downhill trails, so there is never any problem with choosing the right level trail for you. There is even a small grassy trail for children as young as two to practice on. Mountain patrols are constantly descending the mountain for safety purposes to ensure trails are not blocked.
The Nagasaka Gondola is open from mid-July to the end of August every year (9:00 am to 4:00 pm every day) and provides quick transport to the top of the mountain for cyclists and their bikes, and thereby, access to all the downhill routes.
Top-quality rental mountain bikes are also available at the foot of Nagasaka Gondola at Compass House, so there are no logistical difficulties.
HIKING
Hiking or running in the mountains in Nozawa is breathtaking. Trails have all been made by the village and a map is available so that you can choose your level of hike or run. You’ll come across waterfalls, streams with wooden bridges, deep forests, open fields and awe-inspiring views. It really is unique.
YOGA
Channel your inner yogi. Start the day with an invigorating yoga session. Led by a qualified and experienced yoga instructor, feel those body aches melt away and limber up for your next ski/snowboard session. For those staying in the penthouse of Kenashi, our traditional Japanese tatami room makes the perfect venue for your yoga moves while sunlight streams in amongst scenic views of the snowy mountains. Private sessions in your luxury accommodation or group classes are on offer.
On warm days off-season, we may offer yoga in different nature spots such as the lush forest, spiritual temple grounds or the beautiful lake nearby. This unique yoga experience will ensure a truly memorable yoga practice while soaking up the natural and cultural beauty of Nozawa.
SNOW MONKEYS
Jigokudani, home of the world-famous snow monkeys, is around a 1-hour bus or car ride from Nozawa Onsen. Japanese macaque monkeys inhabit the area. Despite the harsh conditions (snow-covered for one-third of the year) and the rough cliffs (hence the Jigokudani “Hell’s Valley” name), the area is a paradise for these unique monkeys. You'll be amazed at the sight of the monkeys enjoying a hot spring soak!
SUBLIME SOAKS
After a day on the slopes, nothing can compare to the experience of coming out of the cold and climbing into a relaxing hot spring bath. Feel your aches and pains (and your mind) melt away. For 400 years, visitors have made the journey to Nozawa Onsen to be invigorated in its renowned hot springs.
There are 13 free public hot spring baths in the village, the most prominent being the enchanting wooden Edo-style o-yu in the centre of town.
FIRE FESTIVAL
Welcome to the Dosojin Matsuri Fire Festival. Nozawa Onsen is famous for this annual fire festival, an unforgettable experience and one of the "big three" fire festivals in Japan. If you are lucky enough to be in Nozawa Onsen on January 15, this is an event not to be missed. But be warned, it’s not for the faint-hearted!