Nozawa Onsen
What a magical place! I have skiied in many resorts around the world but Nozawa has the right mix of modern ski holiday and traditional culture that I have not found elsewhere. The slopes are world renowned, hosting some of the events of the 1998 Winter Olympics that were based in Nagano. We loved exploring the village area and learning more about the Japanese culture. Here are a few tips I gathererd during my 5 day stay.
* Have a walk around town or better still, do a guided walk. The houses are amazing, built around a series of drains that take the snowmelt away and have been made into a feature with many houses having small ponds in the front. The sound of trickling water sets a wonderful atmosphere.
* Visit the temple and surrounding cultural sites.
* Be aware when walking around the narrow streets as there are no footpaths and you share the roads with cars that have right of way. Also watch out for drains!
* Make sure you try the many varieties of steam buns that are cooked using the steam from the thermal springs that run through the area. Try the Nozawana buns that are made with local vegetables. (You will also see a blown up giant Nowazana vegetable inflatable at the base of the Hikage gondola....only in Japan!) And don't forget the cream puffs that my kids were addicted to.
* Carry lots of cash with you as many of the smaller vendors and family run Pensions and Hotels prefer this method of payment. Don't assume credit cards will be widely accepted.
* Choose your hotel wisely unless you fancy walking uphill in ski/snowboard boots everyday. The resort is widely spread between the upper and lower villages. It's a good idea to be close to a lift or gondola for easy access. Stay in the lower village if you want more nightlife, bars and restaurants. The upper village is better for ski in/ski out and more serious skiiers who aren't as fussed about the latter.
* If staying in the lower village, you can store you ski gear at one of the many places at the base of the gondola or lifts for a minimal sum.
* You must try a traditional onsen in one of the many dotted around town. Nozawa is famous for these and you will smell the sulpherous fumes as you wander around the streets. A definite must for sore bodies and a great cultural activity to boot.
* If you are a little shy about getting naked in public, try the foot soaks that are free. Just take your shoes off, roll up your pants and soak in the warm waters. Fantastic for sore calf muscles or ankles.
* Watch the locals cook in the village hot springs. It was fascinating seeing them come down to collect the pots that had been soaking in the boiling waters. We could only imagine at the yummy stews that were simmering inside!
* Eat at the local eateries. We had amazing meals, most notably at Satai, Mom's Organic Kitchen and Akebitei Okonomiyaki... yum!
* Have a night of fun at karaoke, follow it up with a craft beer at one of the many small breweries or head to a local bar for a shot of sake.
* Use the "Y U Road" or travellator that links the upper and lower village. Just be aware of the operating times so you don't get stuck downstairs when you want to be upstairs. It's a fairly long walk!
* Visit the Vine craft shop Sankyu Kogei for fabulous gifts and antique fabrics. It was beautiful and you can pick up an exquisite gift here that's a bit different to the normal nick nacks.
* Drink from the natural spring fountains that are dotted around the town. The best water I have ever tasted!
* Make reservations at the restaurants as many of them are very small and family run, so space is limited.
Most of all, enjoy your time in this beautiful part of the world. Be aware of Japanese customs and it won't hurt to learn a few phrases. While the Nozawan's are getting more used to Australians visiting due to the recent boom in Japanese ski holidays, it's always nice to be respectful. The skiing here is amazing with something to suit everyone and great wide open spaces for beginners. A fabulous ski holiday for beginners or hard core skiiers alike.