The Hot Springs in Nozawa Onsen, Snow covered retreat
Nozawa Onsen was famous for the Hot Springs long before it was known as a Ski Resort. During the Edo Period around 700 AD travelers from Tokyo would make the long journey overland across the Mountain ranges to bask in the glory of the springs at the base of Mt Kenashi in Nozawa.
Onsen means Hot Spring and there are 13 Public bath houses in Nozawa Onsen and a further hand full of private run hot springs scattered across this tiny Village
They are a special place for the locals, many of whom build there houses with out bathrooms as they have a magical hot spring just nearby thier house.
So when you visit one of these bath houses you are sharing in the Villagers lifestyle. They are more than happy for you to enjoy them but expect you to follow the local customs while visiting. So make sure to respect them and your whole experience will be that much richer. The Onsens are a perfect way to relax after a hard day on the slopes.
Team Work- Villagers working together to clear the Snow from an Onsen
Everyone living in the area takes turns to clean the Hot Springs and to clear the snow from the roof and entry after a big dump. Dangerous work but very rewarding!
The top photo is Shinden Onsen about 100m from Lodge Nagano. The bottom shot is Nakao Onsen just behind Alpine Villa Nozawa. Nakao is one of the largest in town and has two pools one hot and one very hot! Shinden is a bit more cosy and has a great feel too also generally one of the cooler places in town for a soak
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