Nagano’s Not-So-Secret Hot Spring Ski Village
The tiny village of Nozawa Onsen is a famous hot springs village near Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. In the winter it’s a popular tourist destination, as you can enjoy onsen, sightseeing, and skiing to your heart’s content.
Many of the village’s ryokans and hotels have onsen baths on the premises, but one of Nozawa Onsen’s main draws is the collection of thirteen public bath houses. All of them have water that flows directly from the source of the hot spring and these public bath houses are very well managed, and always safe and clean. Maintained by the local residents (and often used for their daily baths), the bath houses are open to the public and are free to use.
Local people frequent these onsen as well, meaning you may come across some locals in the baths. Try saying “Hi” when you come across someone in the communal bath area.
Many of the village’s ryokans and hotels have onsen baths on the premises, but one of Nozawa Onsen’s main draws is the collection of thirteen public bath houses. All of them have water that flows directly from the source of the hot spring and these public bath houses are very well managed, and always safe and clean. Maintained by the local residents (and often used for their daily baths), the bath houses are open to the public and are free to use.
Local people frequent these onsen as well, meaning you may come across some locals in the baths. Try saying “Hi” when you come across someone in the communal bath area.
