Japan is a world famous type of attraction that contains tourist secrets things to do in Asia; and for skiers, they will tell you that the country has some of the best skiing climates because of the abundant snow in winter. The Nozawa Onsen is a magnificent ski zone and is the largest in Japan offering a suitable run for all skiing levels. Even for the beginners, many slopes in the region favor their learning skills.
Here are some of the major reasons as to why visiting Nozawa Onsen a place full of hot springs available for the members of the public; the springs are locally referred to as Onsen. Once you set foot in this region, you will automatically be part of its culture for the duration of your stay. If no one has ever told you about the food varieties and the Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival, then these other reasons count too:
1. Snow
The good thing about this area is the availability of snow going up to the depth of 3 meters. You get the thrill of falling from a height of more than 1000 meters as you practice the long runs. Snowboarders and skiers have many sites to choose from if you consider one such site known as the off-piste or the daredevil skiers.
The place is full of wide runs, and little crowding usually takes place even when people from as far as Tokyo come visiting, you will not see any queue. The Onsen is also a place full of cafes serving traditional foods in a serene atmosphere where people living here are quite welcoming.
2. The Fire Festival
The Onsen Fire Festival is one of the three main fire events taking place in Japan, and it takes place annually on 15 January. If you want to experience most of the traditions found in this country, you cannot miss this event.
The festival revolves around a story where 25 and 42-year-old men try to show bravery by building shrines. The older men sit on top of the shrine enjoying a local brew as they sing songs trying to protect the sanctuary from the rowdy 25-year-olds who flog the shrine with tree branches as they burn it down.
The idea behind the festival is to block bad luck and help in a good harvest for the year. There are many local brews known as the sake, come to the festival, and these generous people will undoubtedly share their generosity.
3. The Onsen
Welcome to the hot springs, and they are 13 bathhouses within the same area, and the locals carry out the maintenance. One of the largest known as the O-yu bathhouse is on the main street, and for those staying at the village, the entry is free. When you head there, be ready to take part in a communal Onsen.
4. Snow Monkeys of Japan
You have probably seen the snow monkeys on television programs because of their international recognition of bathing in the Onsen. The monkeys inhabit the Jogokudani Yaenkoen Park a small distance from the Nozawa Onsen, which is only a half-day trip.
The monkeys can live in extreme weather conditions even going as low as -15 degrees Celsius. They spend their time in the forest feeding on seeds and fruits as they bathe in the hot onsets.
5. Sake
Teetotalers should have a field day when enjoying what is thought to be the finest brew in Japan. Making of an excellent sake brew depends on Tanaka Sake Brewery and Kadoguchi Sake Brewery. The fresh spring water mixed Kijimadaira rice, Experienced Tojis and Iiyama makes the drink popular even beyond the Nozawa Onsen. This can be used as a Birthday Invite.
6. The Food
The most authentic food in Japan is found in Nozawa Onsen. Here you will enjoy great food at reasonable prices. Of course, the pizza lovers will find some open places to cater for their needs, but still, the local cuisine beats all odds.
Get yourself a steamed bun the locals call Oya ki, live as the Japanese do by munching on an apple as the snow falls. One thing you may struggle to find are any new restaurants that are only open during the ski season.
There are a few recommendations that only word of mouth will get you there. Try out other fantastic places selling Gyoza noticeable by the red lanterns. Try the Onsen Tamago that you can comfortably refer to as the hot spring eggs that are cooked in the cooking Onsen. Only villagers are allowed to cook on the Nozawa Onsen.
The regions specialties include the Onsen eggs and the vegetable grown in Nozawa. The water is always at 90 degrees Celsius; therefore cooking here requires variable skills.
7. Nightlife
The Nozawa Onsen is a ski resort and at the same time has excellent nightlife. You can try your musical talent on the impromptu music sessions at Stay Bar and some bacardi zombie. If you thought Sake ended at the Onsen, get some at the Foot Bar when the day ends. Want to listen to people sing Karaoke, head to the heaven bar.
8. The Villages
Exploring the village is something one should do. Start with the Japan Ski Museum and see a collection of history from skiers all over the world. Walking along the streets and watching people clear the snows from rooftops and windows can be exciting. Hope you did not forget a dose of eas lean 15 to keep you going on the morning run if you want to discover the unseen parts of the Nozawa Onsen.
How to Get There
You can use any of the four ways to get to Nozawa Onsen:
From Narita Airport to Tokyo or Ueno
- Use the bullet train from Tokyo or Ueno to Iiyama. Enjoy a 20-minute ride to Nozawa Onsen. Taking a taxi is an option because they are always at the station.
- Use the snow shuttle that serves the area three times a day from Narita to Tokyo Airport and another shuttle from Haneda Tokyo airport.
- Hire a taxi with door-to-door Airport shuttle services or from Tokyo airports to Nozawa Onsen.
Finally
With all these reasons, I am sure there are many, but the eight highlights the reason why Nozawa Onsen is the place to be. There is nothing to worry you because the locals run most of the things here and this retains Japan’s culture and authenticity.
While in Tokyo, make sure to visit these top instagram
Author’s Bio:
Rebecca is a blogger who loves to write in different verticals. She co-authored Supercharge Organic Traffic: A popular course focusing on Organic Traffic for E-commerce.. Her hobbies are traveling and reading.
