Nozawa Onsen
Nagano, Japan
Snow reliability
Quick Facts
- Country
- Japan
- Region
- Nagano
- Base altitude
- 564m
- Peak altitude
- 1,650m
- Total pistes
- 36 km
- Total lifts
- 18
- Season
- December 6 to May 6
- Ski pass
- local
- Nearest airport
- Nagano (NGO), 1h 30min transfer
- Snow reliability
- 8/10
Plan Your Trip
The closest major airport is Nagano (NGO), with a ~1h 30m transfer to the resort.
Prices are indicative. Book early for the best fares.
See all resorts near Nagano (NGO) →
Search Flights on Skyscanner
Compare prices across hundreds of airlines
Powered by Skyscanner. We may earn a commission from bookings.
Budget Planner for Nozawa Onsen
Accommodation tier
Include in estimate
Estimated costs for 2 travelers, 7 nights, Mid-range · via Nagano (NGO)
Estimates based on typical Japan market rates (pricing multiplier: 0.8x). Prices vary by travel dates, availability, and booking lead time. Always check current prices before booking.
Plan a trip to Nozawa Onsen
Organise flights, accommodation, lift passes, and more in one shareable dashboard.
About Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen is one of Japan's most atmospheric ski villages, a traditional hot-spring town in northern Nagano Prefecture where outdoor public baths (soto-yu) have been communally maintained for centuries. The ski area climbs dramatically above the historic wooden buildings, delivering reliable powder conditions and a vertical of over 1,000m that suits intermediates and confident beginners. After skiing, bathing in the 13 free public onsens woven through the village streets is an unmissable experience that sets Nozawa apart from every other ski resort in Japan.
Compare with...
Resort Ratings
Common Questions
Nozawa Onsen: Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Nozawa Onsen good for beginners?
- Nozawa Onsen scores 8/10 for beginner suitability, with dedicated nursery slopes and a range of gentle runs suited to those learning. Progressive terrain is available for building confidence through the week. Ski school lessons are available through the resort and well-suited to first-time skiers. Groups with mixed abilities generally find Nozawa Onsen accessible.
- When does Nozawa Onsen open and close for the 2026/27 ski season?
- Nozawa Onsen typically opens in December and runs through May, based on recent seasons. The 2026/27 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed by the resort. Exact dates vary year to year depending on snowfall and conditions. Check the resort's official website as the season approaches for confirmed dates.
- Which ski pass covers Nozawa Onsen?
- Nozawa Onsen is covered by the local. This pass may also include access to other linked resorts depending on which tier you purchase. Pricing and blackout dates vary by season; check the pass provider's official site for 2026/27 rates and the full list of included resorts.
- How do I get to Nozawa Onsen?
- The nearest major airport to Nozawa Onsen is Nagano (NGO). The transfer to the resort takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by road. Private transfers, shared shuttles, and rental cars are all available from the airport. Mountain roads can be affected by heavy snowfall in winter, so checking conditions before traveling is advisable.
Japan
