Want to travel but can’t decide where to go…?
There are too many hot spring destinations to choose from…
Looking for a relaxing and healthy getaway…?
If any of these sound like you, I highly recommend Nozawa Onsen!
While many people associate Nozawa Onsen with skiing and snowboarding, this time, I’m sharing a laid-back hot spring travel guide—no ski slopes involved!
Explained by Me Who Visits Nozawa Onsen Every Year
I’ve been traveling to Nozawa Onsen every autumn since 2013.
I’ve visited every single public bath (soto-yu) in the area!
If you’re considering a trip during the green season, you’ll find some useful tips here.
5 Reasons to Love Nozawa Onsen
Reason #1: Exploring 13 Free Public Baths
Nozawa Onsen has 13 public baths (soto-yu) that are free for overnight guests.
If you’re not staying overnight, you can contribute a small donation in the offering box at each entrance.
All of these baths are 100% natural hot springs.
Each one has unique healing properties, and the water’s color and temperature vary, making a bath-hopping experience in Nozawa Onsen enjoyable on its own.
By the way, while I called this a relaxing hot spring trip, visiting all 13 baths is a relaxed schedule but quite physically demanding!
I’ve written a separate guide detailing my experiences at each bath and how to properly enjoy them—check it out via the link below.
Reason #2: Sightseeing Spots for a Casual Stroll
As I mentioned, bath-hopping is a great way to enjoy Nozawa Onsen, but of course, you’ll also want to visit some sightseeing spots!
However, you might be wondering:
“If I’m doing a bath tour, does that mean I’ll be walking around with no makeup?”
“Visiting tourist spots bare-faced…?”
“Or should I just bathe with makeup on?”
“Wait, that’s not ideal… I want to fully enjoy the hot spring’s skincare benefits!”
No worries!
There are plenty of spots where you can enjoy sightseeing, even without makeup while soaking in the hot spring experience.
Must-Visit Spots
- Onsen Town Stroll
Walk around in a yukata, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy delicious local snacks! - Ogama (麻釜)
One of Nozawa Onsen’s natural hot spring sources.
Locals use it to boil food and sanitize materials for crafts. If you’re lucky, you might witness this unique scene! - Kenmeiji Temple (健命寺)
A temple at the top of a long staircase, known as the birthplace of Nozawana pickles. - Yuzawa Shrine (湯沢神社)
A shrine located next to Kenmeiji Temple.
The surrounding majestic trees create a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Reason #3: Enjoying Shinshu’s Local Cuisine
No trip is complete without indulging in local food!
In Nozawa Onsen, I highly recommend these specialties:
- Soba noodles
- Basashi (horse sashimi)
- Shinshu beef
- Local sake
- Nozawana pickles
You can also enjoy street food while strolling through the onsen town.
There are spots where you can boil your own hot spring eggs, and many stores lend out baskets or nets for cooking them.
Best Street Foods to Try
- Oyaki (stuffed dumplings)
- Onsen manju (steamed buns)
- Onsen eggs
Reason #4: Nostalgic & Charming Atmosphere
At first glance, Nozawa Onsen is a classic, old-fashioned hot spring town.
You’ll see Dōsojin (roadside guardian deity) monuments, traditional ryokan inns, and souvenir shops lining the streets—giving it an authentic time-travel feel.
That said, due to its popularity among foreign tourists and residents, you’ll also find trendy pizza and burger joints.
Many of these newer establishments are modern and clean, making them a great option for those who prefer a fresh, stylish setting.
Reason #5: Ultimate Refresh & Reset
Nozawa Onsen is nestled on a mountain slope, surrounded by traditional architecture and fresh mountain air.
Standing here, breathing in the crisp air while gazing at the stunning scenery, you’ll feel an unparalleled sense of peace.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by city life, daily stress, or personal struggles, Nozawa Onsen is the perfect place to refresh your mind and body.
I used to struggle with stress-related health issues at my previous job.
But traveling to Nozawa Onsen always helped me reset.
There were times when stress killed my appetite, and I’d worry:
“What if I can’t enjoy the meals at the ryokan?”
But once I arrived, soaking in the hot springs multiple times, walking around town, and taking breaks at my own pace—I’d suddenly find myself starving!
And in the end, I’d eat more than usual, feeling my energy gradually return.
For me, Nozawa Onsen has become a reset button for my body and mind.
How to Enjoy Nozawa Onsen Locally
Now, let me explain how I personally spend my time in Nozawa Onsen, a place I confidently claim to be perfect for refreshing both body and mind. I usually stay for three days and two nights. Here’s my typical itinerary:
Day 1: Check-in, Bath-Hopping, Dining in the Onsen Town
I usually arrive in Nozawa Onsen in the early afternoon and check into my accommodation first. By the way, I always stay at a different inn for the first and second nights. For the first night, I choose a place I haven’t stayed at before.
After checking in, I take a short break to rest my body. About 1-2 hours later, I head out for bath-hopping. On the first day, I usually visit around three different baths.
For dinner, I prefer to eat at an izakaya or restaurant in the onsen town rather than at the ryokan. I enjoy local specialties like horse sashimi, river fish, and mushrooms, sampling small portions of each.
After dinner, I return to my inn and go straight to bed, as I’ve had some drinks.
Day 2: Morning Market, Morning Bath, Breakfast, Extensive Bath-Hopping, Dinner at the Ryokan
On Sundays and public holidays, a morning market is often held in Nozawa Onsen. Various stalls sell local specialties and snacks, creating a lively atmosphere.
Since I eat breakfast at my inn, I visit the market just to enjoy the ambiance. On the way back, I take a dip in one of the public baths.
I return to the inn before breakfast time, have my meal, then pack up my belongings and check out. Until I can check into my second inn, I park my car at a lot slightly away from the onsen town.
Now, bath-hopping resumes! After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, I’m at my strongest. Before check-in, I manage to visit three to four more baths.
After lunch and a short break, I check into my second inn. For the second night, I always stay at my favorite ryokan, Nakajimaya Ryokan, which I’ve been visiting every year since my first trip.
After a short one-hour rest, I go out for more bath-hopping, visiting a few more locations before ending with a soak in the inn’s private bath.
Nakajimaya Ryokan’s private bath is a must—the natural flowing hot spring water makes your skin smooth and silky.
After another break in my room, it’s time for dinner. I appreciate that the meals are served in a dining hall, as I personally don’t enjoy in-room dining.
After dinner, I go to bed and sleep like a log.
Day 3: Breakfast, Check-out, A Final Bath, and Departure
The breakfast at this ryokan is one of my favorites. Though it seems like a hefty portion, I somehow always finish it.
After breakfast, I pack my things and check out. Then, I visit any remaining public baths I haven’t tried yet before heading home.
Concerns & Useful Items
Some traditional tourist spots have inconvenient restrooms, right? Not in Nozawa Onsen!
There are several public toilets, and most of them are clean and well-maintained, so no need to worry.
Besides restrooms, I’ve predicted a few other common concerns and answered them below:
- Are there restrooms, parking lots, liquor stores, and tobacco shops?
- What are the recommended accommodations?
- What should I wear and bring for bath-hopping?
Are there restrooms, parking lots, liquor stores, and tobacco shops in Nozawa Onsen?
Yes! Everything is available.
Public Restrooms: 7 Locations
If you need to use the restroom during bath-hopping, you won’t have to return to your inn. The ones near Shin-yu and Oyu are especially clean and convenient.
Parking Lots: 7 Locations
Near the Onsen Town:
- Chuo Terminal
- Nitta Parking Lot (Multi-level)
- Nakao Parking Lot (Free during off-season)
- Yokoochi Parking Lot (Free during off-season)
Near the Ski Slopes:
- First Parking Lot
- Second Parking Lot
- Third Parking Lot
During the off-season, two parking lots are free, but they’re a bit farther from the town center. Since bath-hopping can be physically exhausting, if you’re not confident in your stamina, I recommend paying for parking at Chuo Terminal or Nitta Parking Lot.
Recommended Accommodation?
Nakajimaya Ryokan
This place is hands-down the best. Though the building retains a traditional style, it’s impeccably clean, making it very comfortable. Their breakfast’s shoyu beans pair perfectly with porridge—it’s delicious! Overall, the food is incredible.
What Should I Wear & Bring for Bath-Hopping?
Many people wear yukata from their inn, but tourists in casual clothes are also common. I personally wear casual clothes until checking into my second inn.
Since you’ll be changing clothes multiple times, it’s best to minimize layers!
- For women: A one-piece dress with built-in cups
- For men: Long swim shorts that don’t look like swimwear
Footwear
Most inns lend wooden geta sandals, but if you’re uncomfortable with shared footwear, bring your own sandals. Nozawa Onsen has paved roads, but since there are many slopes and you’ll be walking a lot, wear comfortable shoes.
Essential Item: Chamois Towel
A chamois towel (the type that gets stiff when dry) is an absolute must-have. Unlike regular towels, which become drenched quickly, a chamois towel restores its absorbency when wrung out.
Pro tip: Wash it in the onsen water after each use (but never inside the bath itself!). For bath-hopping, this is a game-changer.
Other Useful Items
A mini bag for carrying valuables while walking around.
For a detailed guide on bath-hopping tips and must-have items, check out this article:
[Guide to Nozawa Onsen’s 13 Public Baths & How to Bath-Hop Efficiently]
I hope this guide helps you plan a wonderful trip to Nozawa Onsen!