The number one off-mountain pursuit here involves soaking and bathing in an onsen. Hot springs were discovered here 1300 years ago, and the soothing water flows from over 30 different places around town. There are 13 sotoyu public baths for all to enjoy free of charge and they are very popular after a day on the slopes. These are actually co-operative spas, assets shared by the villagers and protected since ancient times by a system known as a spa group or “yu-nakama”.
Seek out the unique Ogama spring – not for bathing but for its daily use by local villagers as an open-air kitchen to cook and boil their mountain vegetables and eggs. The water temperature can rise above 90 degrees Celsius and it is a perfect place to witness local customs.
Zip-Sky Ride in the snow on one of the longest zip lines in Japan. Nozawa’s zip line travels at up to 70 km/hr over 652 meters. Zip liners receive stunning views of the surrounding alpine scenery, and anyone can ride thanks to the safety harness designed to allow zip lining in a relaxing seated (rather than standing or simply hanging) position. Snowcat rides for up to 16 people are a good way to see the surrounds in heated comfort while snowshoeing trips are offered to anyone who wants to get outside. The Jogokudani Yaen Koen “Snow Monkey Park” is about 30km away.
Things to see in town include the Kenmeiji Temple, a historic temple famous for being the birthplace of the locally produced Nozawana edible plant, a green leafy vegetable that looks a little like a cross between English spinach and rocket. Local legend has it that the 8th priest of the temple visited Kyoto in 1750 from where he brought seeds of this vegetable and planted them in Nozawa Onsen. Unlike the original variety, however, the priest’s seeds sprouted bigger and better leaves and stems, which then became the Nozawana vegetable for which the village is famous. There is also a Japan Ski Museum.
Zip-Sky Ride
Location: Nozawaonsen Snow Resort
It is a zip line, that lets you can slide in the air from the top of the Hikage area to the bottom.
Phone: +81 0269-85-2623
Snow Field Sightseeing Tour
Location: Uenotaira Ski Center
This tour offers a rare opportunity of riding a snow vehicle which allows you to enjoy snowscapes truly out of the ordinary.
Phone: +81 269-85-2506