Are you searching for a picturesque winter holiday destination? The small scenic village of Nozawa Onsen in the Nagano prefecture is perfect.

Renowned across the globe as a feature-rich and beautiful ski-resort, Nozawa Onsen is the most popular mountain village that attracts thousands of tourists to its hot springs and other natural attractions. It is a year round destination so there is no shortage of accommodation in Nozawa Onsen. However, the vast availability can make things complicated for first-timers.

In today’s blog, we will discuss how to pick the best Nozawa onsen hotel, especially when you are planning to visit the beautiful town in the winter months.

Which is the most ideal location for winter accommodation in Nozawa Onsen?

Nozawa Onsen is a popular winter holiday destination because of its stunning ski resort. So make sure that your Nozawa onsen accommodation is in close proximity to the ski gondola. You may find plenty of attractive deals on hotels and hostels in the city center, but commuting in ski gear across the town can become difficult. So it is worth paying extra and enjoy your stay at a property within walking distance from the ski resort.

 What room sizes and amenities are suitable for winter accommodation?

Nozawa accommodation options are vast, depending on the preferences you can get both traditional tatami style rooms and contemporary architecture with all modern amenities. While traveling with families, consider choosing apartment style accommodations that have larger rooms suitable for families.

Couples or solo travelers can opt for smaller rooms with shared facilities like a laundry room, and kitchen. Winter vacations are obviously meant for a skiing adventure, so make sure to search for a place that has a dedicated and spacious store room for your ski gear and a lounge room with a fireplace would be a bonus to enjoy the winter evenings with your loved ones.

What should be your budget for Nozawa onsen accommodation?

If you have a budget, splurge a bit on the accommodation and book a private cabin or holiday home. The bliss of privacy and luxury is totally worth it, especially in winter when you want to take in the wonderful sights of snow-capped mountains from your room’s window.

Don’t worry if you are running short of money. Surprisingly, Nozawa Onsen is an affordable tourist destination, which means you don’t need to burn a hole in your pocket for a week-long winter holiday.

Prices may hike during the peak winter season, so make sure to determine your budget and make an advance booking. There are lots of apartment style accommodations as well as lodges and hostels for affordable rooms and amenities. Determine the budget based on your preferences and avoid overspending on accommodation because skiing itself is not cheap, you may want to save enough for skiing gear, lift tickets, ski lessons etc.

Is it worth spending on a ski-in ski-out resort?

Ski-in ski-out resorts are typically located at the base of the ski slopes. It eliminates the need to take a separate transport to reach the ski lifts. In other words, no need to stand in long queues or find space for parking your rental vehicles. You will be the first one to access the ski gondola by staying at a ski-in ski-out resort.

Which type of accommodations is best for winter in Nozawa Onsen?

Nozawa is a year round tourist destination, however, finding a room that offers the most stunning views of the mountains is truly a delight. Advanced bookings are recommended for ski-in ski-out resorts because everyone wants to stay in a room with a memorable view.

On the other hand, ryokans are best to experience authentic Japanese culture. These are quite intimate places featuring minimal architecture and traditional tatami mats and futons to sleep on.

Which booking websites are best for accommodation reviews?

Winter season is the peak holiday season in Nozawa Onsen, therefore online bookings are recommended for everything including accommodation and ski rentals. However, when it comes to online bookings, it is important to read the reviews first to make an informed decision.

Either search for a reputable travel agency, a touring guide or search for hotels and such services on booking websites like TripAdvisor. Rather than searching at third party websites, refer to the social media platforms or the official websites of touring agencies that have partnered with hotels and resorts at Nozawa Onsen. This way, you get to search for all styles of properties in one place and get to read the reviews to find a suitable match.

Conclusion

Nozawa Onsen is a year round tourist destination that attracts thousands of tourists. However, if you are planning to visit between December and April, make sure to follow the tips shared above and don’t forget to make bookings in advance to get the perfect Nozawa onsen accommodati on for a winter holiday. Explore the options available at Stay Nozawa, which is a trusted name to get the accommodation, ski gear, transfer and ski lessons sorted during your stay in this scenic mountain village.