Nozawa Onsen
Before people discovered it was a good place to ski, this iconic mountain village was famous for its healing hot springs (onsens). With 30 different onsens on site, some over 700 years old, the village is frozen in time. As one of Japan’s biggest resorts, there are around 50 kilometres of accessible runs. If you’re in town around January the 15th, get your skis to the Dosojin fire festival. Going strong since 1863, the festival involves burning down a huge wicker sculpture and drinking bottles of sake. Kanpai!
- Catch the bullet train from Tokyo to Liyama Station, then a bus transfer to Nowaza Onsen Village, all up approximately 2 hours.
- Average temperature: -5°C