Nozawa Onsen | Ski Resort Guide
Looking for the ultimate winter wonderland to hit the slopes this season? Look no further than Nozawa Onsen!
Nestled in the heart of the stunning Japanese Alps, this charming ski resort town is the perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. With its powder-packed slopes, breathtaking views, and vibrant après-ski scene, Nozawa Onsen is an adventure waiting to be had.
But what sets Nozawa Onsen apart from other ski destinations? For starters, the resort boasts some of the best snow in the world, with an average annual snowfall of over 12 meters!
With 36 courses and 21 lifts spread across 297 hectares of skiable terrain, there's something for everyone here, whether you're a beginner or an expert. And if you're looking for a challenge, why not take on the resort's longest run, the 10-kilometer Skyline course?
Beyond the skiing itself, Nozawa Onsen is a charming town with plenty of culture and history to explore. Take a stroll through the traditional hot spring town and you'll find yourself transported to another time, with historic buildings, narrow streets, and welcoming locals. And of course, you can't visit Nozawa Onsen without indulging in a relaxing soak in one of the town's many hot springs, or onsen.
But the fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down. Nozawa Onsen has a vibrant après-ski scene, with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. Sample local delicacies like soba noodles or grilled salmon, or relax with a sake or hot cocoa. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at karaoke, a popular pastime among locals and visitors alike?
5 Top Facts
Nozawa Onsen is one of the oldest ski resorts in Japan, with a history dating back to the early 20th century.
The resort boasts 36 courses spread across 297 hectares of skiable terrain, ranging from beginner slopes to challenging expert runs.
Nozawa Onsen receives an average of over 12 meters of snowfall per year, making it one of the snowiest ski resorts in the world.
The resort is known for its natural hot springs, or onsen, which can be found throughout the town and are perfect for a post-skiing soak.
Nozawa Onsen has a rich cultural heritage, with a traditional hot spring town that dates back over 1,000 years, and is home to numerous historic buildings and cultural sites.
Nozawa Onsen is located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Here are the directions to Nozawa Onsen from Tokyo:
By Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Iiyama Station (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes). From Iiyama Station, take the Nozawa Onsen Liner Bus to Nozawa Onsen (approximately 25 minutes).
By Express Train: Take the JR Hokuriku Line from Tokyo Station to Iiyama Station (approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes). From Iiyama Station, take the Nozawa Onsen Liner Bus to Nozawa Onsen (approximately 25 minutes).
By Car: Drive from Tokyo to Nozawa Onsen (approximately 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions). Take the Kanetsu Expressway to the Joshinetsu Expressway, then exit at the Toyota-Iiyama Interchange and follow the signs to Nozawa Onsen.
Note: It is recommended to check the bus and train schedules in advance and book tickets if necessary. In addition, please be aware that driving in snowy conditions may require winter tires or chains, so it is important to check the weather forecast and road conditions before traveling.
Nozawa Onsen is a great destination for Backcountry Skiing, with plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning natural surroundings. Here are some things to know about backcountry skiing in Nozawa Onsen:
Safety first: Backcountry skiing can be dangerous, so it's important to be well-prepared and have the necessary skills and equipment. It is recommended to hire a local guide who knows the area and can ensure your safety.
Off-piste skiing: Nozawa Onsen has many off-piste areas that are accessible from the lifts, but it's important to stay within the resort boundaries and follow the rules and regulations. Ski patrol is present to ensure your safety.
Backcountry skiing tours: If you're looking for a more adventurous experience, there are several backcountry skiing tours available in the area. These tours will take you into the wilderness outside of the resort, where you can experience untracked powder and stunning views.
Snowshoeing: If you're not quite ready for backcountry skiing, snowshoeing is another great option for exploring the winter landscape. Many of the backcountry tours also offer snowshoeing options.
Respect the environment: When backcountry skiing or snowshoeing, it's important to respect the environment and leave no trace. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash.
Whether you're an experienced backcountry skier or just looking to try something new, Nozawa Onsen has plenty to offer for an unforgettable backcountry skiing adventure.
Our Services
At Mountain Swell Photography, we're passionate about capturing the magic of winter sports in Japan.
Our team operates out of Nozawa Onsen each winter, offering professional snow photography services to suit all levels and abilities. And if you're looking to explore other resorts around the Nagano region, we're happy to accommodate your needs.
Whether you're looking for a basic hourly package or a full day mountain shoot with guiding, our experienced photographer/guide is here to capture your unforgettable moments. While we specialize in mountain sports photography, we're also available for family portraits and other special occasions.
This season, we traveled up and explored Japan's ski resorts, testing out Powster Goggles and Snow wear. Powster was our main supporter for our 2024 season YouTube series, 'Chasing the Frozen Wave 2.'
We shot in all snow conditions and really put this gear to the test.
Awesome shoot with Father and Son. Had such a small weather window to get some POW shots before record breaking temperatures hit. Safe to say we had some success…
Sticking to the groomers on this shoot with Myoko Snowsports Senior Instructor from Belgium. 3-4 hour shoot was just enough to get these shots..
Product Shoot for Jalapeno Snowboards on one of our favorite mountains in Japan. New upcoming Australian Snowboard brand..
We took a group of 3 up and around Madarao Kogen for a day. Their first time in the trees and we managed to find some fresh tracks in such a low snow season. Beautiful sunny day..
We shot a Pre Wedding celebration with a group of 15 from Singapore. Full day of Photo and Video. We chose this location as it is generally a bit quieter on weekends compared to other resorts in the Hakuba Valley. As well as having the huge Hotel complex as a unique backdrop to create some drama to our images as we were battling with the weather this day. Ice cold winds and foggy, not ideal for shooting but we all had a great time…
We shot a Surprise Proposal in Nozawa Onsen. Our first time shooting this kind of photo session and what a memory it has made. We are very happy and grateful to have been hired by our customers form Hong Kong and Taiwan and wish you guys all the best....
Akari Swiss Bakery Photo and Video Shoot
A little gem in Nozawa Onsen where you can have a true taste of a Swiss bakeryWe spent a day shooting both Photo and Video to be used for promotion.
I followed as a photographer on La Colina Resort's backcountry skiing journey in Madarao and Kurohime. This brief recounting sheds light on the distinctive perspective I brought to the Spanish group's winter expedition. From capturing the exhilaration on the slopes to freezing moments of camaraderie, my lens transformed the experience into a captivating visual tale, documenting the beauty and excitement of the Japanese winter landscape.
Explore Japan's Powder Snow at some of the best Ski Resorts in the area. Our Ski Photography team can accompany you for unforgettable moments around Myoko Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Hakuba, Yuzawa, Zao Onsen and many more…Let us capture your experience!
Explore Japan's Powder Snow at some of the best Ski Resorts in the area. Our Ski Photography team can accompany you for unforgettable moments around Myoko Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Hakuba, Yuzawa, Zao Onsen and many more…Let us capture your experience!
Explore Japan's Powder Snow at some of the best Ski Resorts in the area. Our Ski Photography team can accompany you for unforgettable moments around Myoko Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Hakuba, Yuzawa, Zao Onsen and many more…Let us capture your experience!
A huge shoutout to MONTEC WEAR for supporting us on our Journey across Japan! We spent 1 month traveling around in our vans, exploring new resorts and making new adventures. This Episode we spent our last riding day at Suginohara in Myoko Kogen area. One of the longest runs in Japan...
Join us as we head to Lotte Arai ski resort in Niigata! Teaming up with Oakley and Quiksilver model, Jeff-san, we conquer the legendary Myoko powder in this adrenaline-packed episode.
Sleeping for free in Niseko! In this episode we meet up with some friends and got a cheap day pass to go snowboarding in Hirafu. Vanlife in Niseko is awesome!!! Come join us on this adventure for our last day in Hokkaido..
We finally made it to Niseko after an epic month of road tripping and shredding slopes all over Japan. In this episode we decided to take it easy for a day. We slept in, caught up on laundry, and then decided to spice things up with a little snowshoe adventure. Our mission? To soak in a natural outdoor hot spring surrounded by the snowy wonderland. Join us for a chill day in Niseko!
Beating the Weekend crowds and Skiing for free at Kiroro Ski Resort. Kiroro is an incredible location and full of awesome terrain. Unfortunately it can get very busy so we decided to do a little back country mission...
Freedom Camping near Kiroro Ski Resort! We spent a couple days riding Kiroro and had EPIC Powder!! In this episode of our 6 week road trip around Japan, we found a pretty sweet Roadside station only 10 minutes away from one of the best ski resorts in Hokkaido..
#SEEBETTER
I had a blast teaming up with SunGod on a snowboard trip! They hooked our team up with their awesome goggles, and we hit the slopes to snap some epic shots for their brand. These goggles not only kept my vision sharp but also looked cool and matched my style.
I was invited to capture their exciting new business through photos. They wanted something different, so even though I usually focus on action shots, I was thrilled to take on the challenge. It was a fun collaboration, and I got to showcase their daily-changing menu in a unique way. Check out the results!
Behind the Lens: Life as a Ski Photographer in Japan.
This Episode we hit the slopes in Furano for a day of snowboarding. After shredding some fresh powder, we'll be heading to the picturesque town of Otaru for a delicious dinner. Join us as for Ramen and Shenanigans..
Join us on Episode 9 of Chasing The Frozen Wave as we hit the slopes at Kamui Ski Links, a budget-friendly resort in the heart of Hokkaido.
Our snowboarding adventure is filled with stunning powder runs and breathtaking scenery, all captured in stunning visuals. Follow along as we explore this hidden gem and discover why Kamui Ski Links is a must-visit destination for snowboarding enthusiasts in Japan. Don't miss out on this exciting episode of Chasing The Frozen Wave!
If you love snowboarding, van life, and the natural beauty of Japan's mountains, you won't want to miss our series Chasing The Frozen Wave. Follow our winter adventure as we live in a van and snowboard across Japan, capturing stunning visuals and hilarious moments along the way. Here is a selection of some of our shots along our journey!
Are you ready to hit the slopes and experience the ultimate powder skiing adventure in Japan? Look no further than Furano, the center of Hokkaido and a must-visit destination for ski enthusiasts.Trust me, the powder snow in Furano is no joke. It's so light, dry, and fluffy, you'll feel like you're skiing on a cloud. And with 23 runs across two interconnected mountains, Kitanomine and Furano zones, you'll have plenty of opportunities to shred some gnarly powder.But the fun doesn't stop there. After a long day of skiing, you can relax and soak in one of the area's many hot springs. Because let's face it, nothing feels better after a day on the slopes than a nice hot bath.
And if you're not feeling like skiing one day, no worries! The town of Furano itself is a charming little gem, with traditional Japanese architecture, local shops, and restaurants just waiting to be explored.
Looking for an epic surfing experience in Japan?
Head to Northern Miyazaki, where you can catch some of the most incredible waves in the country. The region boasts world-class surfing spots that are sure to impress even the most seasoned surfer.
In episode 7, we hit up Sapporo Teine, which is well-known for having some of the steepest and deepest powder snow in Japan. Sapporo is renowned for its delicious soup curry, a local dish that is a must-try for any foodie. "Chasing the Frozen Wave," is a YouTube series that follows the snowboarding adventures of us living the vanlife in Japan.
From tackling challenging slopes to exploring hidden backcountry terrain, the series captures the thrill of snowboarding in Japan's powder snow paradise. And in between the snowboarding adventures, viewers get a glimpse into our vanlife lifestyle and the amazing places we visit along the way.We pushed ourselves to the limit, carving our way through the snow and battling against the strong winds. The snowboarding segment in this episode is a true testament to our endurance and determination. We may have been cold and tired, but we never gave up...... Especially when Hiroma lost his Iphone!
Get ready for the ultimate snowboarding and vanlife adventure in Japan! In this series, we'll take you on a journey through some of the most epic powder runs and stunning landscapes in the country, all while living the dream in our trusty campervan.
In the upcoming episodes, we'll explore different regions of Hokkaido. We'll take you on a wild ride through the mountains, seeking out the best snowboarding spots and uncovering hidden gems along the way.
But it's not just about the snowboarding - we'll also give you an insider's look at what it's like to live the vanlife in Japan. From finding the perfect parking spots to cooking up delicious meals in our tiny kitchen, we'll show you the ups and downs of life on the road.
In Episode 5 of 'Chasing The Frozen Wave', we ventured to Hakkoda in Northern Japan, where we encountered another snowstorm. Despite the blizzard conditions, we were determined to experience the legendary Snow Monsters that Hakkoda is known for. Unfortunately, the snowstorm made it difficult to see the Snow Monsters, but we still managed to have a blast.
We pushed ourselves to the limit, carving our way through the snow and battling against the strong winds. The snowboarding segment in this episode is a true testament to our endurance and determination. We may have been cold and tired, but we never gave up...... Especially when Hiroma lost his Iphone!
Experience the magic of Japan's trail running tour with Vacation Races, beautifully captured by MTN Swell Media. Our team expertly documented every moment, from serene forest trails to cultural experiences, with stunning photography and captivating videography.