Detailed Guide to Nozawa Onsen’s History and Overview

 

　Table of Contents:

1. Overview of Nozawa Onsen
2. History of Nozawa Onsen
3. Recommended Hot Springs in Nozawa Onsen
4. Highlights of Nozawa Onsen
   

Introduction

Located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, Japan, Nozawa Onsen is a historic hot spring village where rich natural beauty and traditional culture blend seamlessly. With a long-standing history as a hot spring destination, this area attracts visitors with its abundant natural hot spring sources and diverse mineral qualities, making it beloved by many onsen guests for centuries.

In addition to its onsen offerings, Nozawa Onsen is known for its ski resorts and winter festivals, allowing visitors to enjoy unique charms throughout each season. This article provides a detailed look into the history of Nozawa Onsen, recommended hot springs, and local highlights, offering valuable insights to enhance your journey through this captivating destination.

1. Overview of Nozawa Onsen 

Nozawa Onsen is a historic hot spring town located in the village of Nozawa Onsen in the Shimotakai District of northern Nagano Prefecture. Nestled at the foot of Mount Kenashi, which rises to 1,650 meters, the area is renowned for its abundant hot spring sources and diverse mineral qualities.

There are various legends surrounding the origins of Nozawa Onsen. One suggests it was discovered by the Buddhist monk Gyoki in the Nara period. Another attributes the discovery to mountain ascetics, while a third tells of a hunter who stumbled upon the springs while tracking a wounded bear. During the Edo period, the feudal lord Matsudaira of the Iiyama Domain developed the area into a hot spring retreat, making it accessible to the general public, and it soon became a popular destination for therapeutic bathing.

The village boasts over 30 hot spring sources, with an impressive output of around 1,700 liters per minute. The waters are mildly alkaline, with temperatures ranging from 42°C to 90°C, offering a range of health benefits.

One of the unique cultural aspects of Nozawa Onsen is its thirteen soto-yu, or public bathhouses, managed by a local organization known as the Yunakama and open to visitors. These communal bathhouses can be used free of charge, although it is customary to leave a small donation. Among the notable hot spring sources is Oyu, a high-temperature spring with waters nearing 100°C, where locals use the naturally hot water to cook vegetables and eggs as part of their daily lives. While entry to this site is restricted to locals, visitors are welcome to observe this aspect of local culture.

Nozawa Onsen is not only famous for its hot springs but also as a top skiing destination. Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort is one of Japan’s largest ski resorts, drawing many skiers during the winter season. Additionally, the Dosojin Fire Festival, held annually on January 15, is a designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, attracting a large number of visitors every year.

2. History of Nozawa Onsen 

Nozawa Onsen, located in Nozawa Onsen Village in the Shimotakai District of northern Nagano Prefecture, is a hot spring town with a rich history, dating back to the Nara period. It has seen many significant historical events over the centuries. Here’s an overview of the main milestones in its development.

　1. Nara Period (around 724): Discovery by Gyoki 

※Image is for illustration purposes. 

According to legend, the origins of Nozawa Onsen can be traced back to the Nara period during the reign of Emperor Shomu (724–748), when the Buddhist monk Gyoki is said to have visited the area and discovered the hot springs. This is considered the beginning of Nozawa Onsen. The hot spring area first appears in documents from the Kamakura period, specifically in 1272, when it was referred to as "Yuyama Village." This marked the earliest recorded history of Nozawa Onsen as a hot spring destination. 

　2. Early Edo Period (1624–1837): Development by the Feudal Lord of Iiyama 

※Image is for illustration purposes. 

During the early Edo period, around the Kan'ei era (1624–1643), Tadakuni Matsudaira, the feudal lord of the Iiyama Domain, sent officials to Nozawa to oversee the construction of bathhouses and lodges. He also built a villa for official use and opened the baths to the general public, allowing people from surrounding areas to visit for therapeutic purposes. By 1837, there were 24 bathhouses, a sign of its growing popularity as a hot spring resort during this period. 

　3. Meiji Period (1868–1912): Introduction of Ski Culture 

※Image is for illustration purposes. 

In the late Meiji period, skiing was introduced to Nozawa Onsen. In 1912, a local student at Iiyama Middle School became the first in the area to try skiing. By 1923, the Nozawa Onsen Ski Club was formed, initiating the development of ski slopes and promoting Nozawa Onsen as a ski destination. This marked the beginning of a new era in Nozawa, where the village became known for both hot springs and skiing. 

　4. Showa Period (1953): Renaming of the Village 

※Image is for illustration purposes. 

On August 18, 1953, the village name was officially changed from Toyosato Village to Nozawa Onsen Village. This boosted the town’s recognition as a hot spring resort. On September 30, 1956, Nozawa Onsen Village expanded further through a merger with Ichikawa Village, positioning it for more significant growth. 

　5. Heisei Period (1998): Nagano Winter Olympics 

※Image is for illustration purposes. 

In 1998, Nozawa Onsen gained international recognition as one of the venues for the Nagano Winter Olympics. Infrastructure improvements followed, including the opening of the Joshinetsu Expressway’s Toyota Iiyama Interchange and the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line to nearby Iiyama City. These developments greatly enhanced access to Nozawa Onsen from major urban areas, making it more accessible to visitors and furthering its appeal as a resort destination. 

3. Recommended Hot Springs in Nozawa Onsen 

Nozawa Onsen, located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, is a historic hot spring village known for its abundant hot spring waters and variety of mineral compositions. Among its offerings, the 13 sotoyu (public bathhouses) are particularly popular, providing a range of bathing experiences and all open for free use. Here are some especially recommended sotoyu.

　■ Oyu (大湯) 

Oyu is the symbol of Nozawa Onsen and one of the most iconic sotoyu in the area, known for its traditional bathhouse architecture that dates back to the Edo period. Located in the center of the hot spring village, it is easy for first-time visitors to find. The building itself is a historic wooden structure that exudes warmth and grandeur, making it an eye-catching landmark.

The water at Oyu is a simple sulfur spring, giving off a distinctive sulfur scent believed to enhance relaxation. The hot spring is reputed to aid in relieving ailments such as gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatism, women’s health issues, and paralysis. The water is relatively hot, offering deep warmth, especially beneficial for those who suffer from cold sensitivity or wish to be warmed to the core. 

　■ Kuma no Te Arai Yu (熊の手洗湯) 

Kuma no Te Arai Yu is believed to be the birthplace of Nozawa Onsen and is cherished by locals. The name translates to “bear’s hand-washing bath,” derived from a local legend that a bear healed its injured paw here. The bathhouse itself is modest in size with a simple, calming ambiance perfect for a quiet soak.

This bath’s water is a calcium sulfate-saline sulfur spring, reputed to be effective for skin ailments, burns, and cuts, leaving bathers’ skin feeling soft. The quiet, sunlit interior creates a soothing atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors. 

　■ Kawara Yu (河原湯) 

Kawara Yu, named for its original location on a riverbank, is one of the most popular bathhouses in Nozawa Onsen. It has a spacious interior with a comfortable atmosphere, and its mildly warm water is ideal for extended soaks.

This spring is also a calcium sulfate-saline sulfur spring, particularly beneficial for skin conditions. Kawara Yu provides a relaxed bathing experience, ideal for warming up slowly. The gentle feel of the water leaves the skin feeling soft, offering an opportunity to unwind and escape the busyness of everyday life.

　■ Matsuba Yu (松葉湯) 

Located in the heart of Nozawa Onsen, within the Matsuba Minshuku (guesthouse) area, Matsuba Yu is another beloved sotoyu. The name “Matsuba” is thought to have originated from a former archery field in the area, with “matoba” (archery field) evolving into “Matsuba.”

This two-story wooden bathhouse is known for its clean, well-maintained facilities. It has a laundry area on the first floor and a bathing area on the second floor, providing a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike. The water here, drawn from the Ogama source, is a calcium sulfate-saline sulfur spring, said to be effective for skin disorders, rheumatism, women’s health issues, and even lead and mercury poisoning. With moderate water temperatures, Matsuba Yu is accessible to beginners and those seeking a comfortable, easygoing bathing experience. 

　■ Nakao no Yu (中尾の湯) 

Nakao no Yu boasts the largest wooden bathhouse among the sotoyu in Nozawa Onsen and is located in a residential area away from the town center. It has a spacious bathing area with two separate baths, one hot and one lukewarm, allowing visitors to choose their preferred temperature.

Like Matsuba Yu, Nakao no Yu’s water is a calcium sulfate-saline sulfur spring drawn from the Ogama source, beneficial for skin conditions, rheumatism, and other health issues. The hot water here provides thorough warmth, making it especially suitable for those with cold sensitivity or those looking for a deeper warming experience.

【 Tips for Sotoyu Visits 】
・Operating Hours：
Hours vary by bathhouse, but they generally open from early morning until evening. Check for the latest information before visiting.

・Bathing Etiquette：
The sotoyu are public bathhouses shared by locals and visitors. Please be mindful of customs such as pouring hot water over yourself before entering the bath, and maintaining a quiet atmosphere.

・Changing Area：
Most sotoyu in Nozawa Onsen have compact, simple changing areas with minimal facilities. Avoid bringing valuables or large bags for a more comfortable experience.

・Donation：
Although the sotoyu are free, donations (sotoshi) for maintenance are welcome. You can place a contribution in the box at the entrance as a token of appreciation.

4. Highlights of Nozawa Onsen 

Nozawa Onsen, a historic hot spring village in northern Nagano Prefecture, offers a wealth of attractions that captivate visitors. Here are some of the must-visit spots in the area.

　■ Ogama (麻釜) 

Ogama is one of the most iconic hot spring sources in Nozawa Onsen, with waters reaching around 90°C. This source consists of five individual pools—“Oogama,” “Marugama,” “Yudegama,” “Takenoshigama,” and “Shimogama”—each with a unique temperature and purpose. Locals use this source as part of their daily lives, boiling vegetables, mountain greens, and local specialty plants such as Akebizuru to prepare the skin for peeling. The name "Ogama" (麻釜) originated from the past practice of soaking hemp (麻, “asa”) in the hot water to make it easier to peel.

Designated as a National Natural Monument, Ogama is off-limits to visitors for bathing but can be viewed from a safe distance, offering a fascinating glimpse into local life and culture.

　■ Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort 

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is one of Japan’s largest ski areas, with a variety of slopes catering to all levels, from beginner to advanced. The resort spans 297 hectares, with an elevation difference of 1,085 meters and a maximum run length of 10 km. About 40% of the 44 courses are suitable for beginners. The resort is also renowned for its fine powder snow, drawing large numbers of skiers during winter.

Facilities such as rental shops and restaurants are well-established, making the resort suitable for families and groups alike. 

　■ Japan Ski Museum 

Located near the base of the Isemiya slope, the Japan Ski Museum houses an extensive collection of ski-related materials from around the world. Inside, the exhibits are organized into six sections, covering the history of skiing from its origins to the present. The museum offers a unique perspective on Japanese skiing history as well as displays on the skiing traditions of Austria, China, Mongolia, and more, including items related to the Nagano Winter Olympics and Paralympics. 

　■ Dosojin Fire Festival 

Held annually on January 15, the Dosojin Fire Festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and attracts many visitors. This vibrant festival is celebrated to pray for good health and a bountiful harvest. Its highlight is the dramatic burning of a 17-meter-high wooden shrine.

In the festival's climax, men in their unlucky years attempt to protect the shrine while other participants try to set it alight with torches, creating a thrilling and powerful spectacle that captivates the audience. 

　■ Oborozukiyo no Yakata 

Oborozukiyo no Yakata, a memorial hall dedicated to Tatsuyuki Takano, the lyricist of Japanese classics such as "Furusato" and "Oborozukiyo," provides insight into his life and works. The hall displays original manuscripts and personal items, making it a must-visit for literature enthusiasts. The museum also hosts special exhibitions, events, and concerts, offering a rich cultural experience to visitors. 

　■ Yuzawa Shrine 

Yuzawa Shrine is a popular spot for those seeking blessings for safe skiing and snowboarding. Known as a guardian of winter sports, the shrine offers a panoramic view of Nozawa Onsen and its beautiful seasonal landscapes. In winter, the snow-covered scenery enhances the shrine's tranquil atmosphere, providing visitors with a serene and picturesque experience.

 In Conclusion 

Nozawa Onsen is a place of captivating charm, where traditional hot spring culture and abundant natural beauty create unforgettable experiences for visitors. From exploring the village’s unique public bathhouses and observing local customs at Ogama, to enjoying winter sports and witnessing the vibrant Dosojin Fire Festival, Nozawa Onsen offers a diverse range of attractions.

Take a break from daily life, immerse yourself in the historic hot springs, and savor the unique ambiance of Nozawa Onsen. We hope your time here will create cherished memories that you will carry with you long after your visit.