Nozawa Onsen (野沢温泉) is a small village located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, famous for its natural hot springs and ski resort. The village has a long history dating back over 1,300 years and is known for its traditional Japanese architecture and culture.
During the winter months, Nozawa Onsen is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, with over 30 lifts and 50 km of ski runs. The resort offers a variety of slopes for all levels of skiers, from beginners to advanced. The village also hosts an annual fire festival in mid-January, where locals dress in traditional attire and carry torches through the streets.
Outside of the winter season, Nozawa Onsen is still a popular destination for tourists due to its natural hot springs. The village has over 13 public hot spring baths, known as “onsen,” which are said to have healing properties due to their high mineral content. Many of these baths are housed in traditional Japanese buildings, adding to the village’s charm and ambiance.
Nozawa Onsen is also home to several historic temples and shrines, including the Chōshō-ji Temple, which dates back to the 8th century. Visitors can also take a hike to the top of Mount Kenashi, the highest peak in the area, for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.