Pack your bags and get on that flight to Tokyo to witness the mystical charm of Nozawa onsen village.

It is a quintessential mountain village that is renowned globally for being one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Japan. The ski slopes here are covered with powder snow and offer majestic views of the surroundings. Apart from being the top-rated skiing destination, this quaint little village is also known for mesmerizing cultural encounters. Be it the Nozawa onsen fire festival or the lantern festival, a vacation in this town is surely a delight.

In today’s post, we will discuss everything about the magical lantern festival. Find out the dates of the lantern festival and read interesting details about the festivities that happen during this event.

Why is the Nozawa Onsen Lantern Festival so popular?

The annual Toumyo Festival also known as Lantern Festival is a legendary celebration in Nozawa Onsen. The enjoyable evening is a key attraction for tourists from across the globe. The memorable festivities at the Lantern Festival include but are not limited to the following:

Lantern Festival is a night to remember. The ambience of soothing music, cheerful locals as well as tourists all mesmerized with the flare and fireworks are truly a sight to behold.

You must plan your trip during the Nozawa Onsen Lantern festival to witness beautiful cultural encounters. During this event, you will find locals dressed in festive attire and excited street vendors presenting authentic Japanese delicacies. It is definitely one of the biggest events of Nagano city that includes a magical flare run that lights up the ski slope. The event is held near the Hikage ski slope, and a lit up slope is definitely a moment to capture with your camera.

When is the Nozawa Onsen Lantern Festival held?

The peaceful mountain village comes alive in autumn during the Nozawa Onsen Lantern festival. It is an official celebration of the end of hot summers and therefore the event happens every year on 8th and 9th September. It is an annual lantern festival, so you can find all villagers coming out to celebrate peace and prosperity. Besides, the festivities and flare run down are apparently attractive to anyone around. So make sure to plan your trip around the lantern festival.

Don’t get disheartened if you are planning a ski trip in winter. If you are visiting Nozawa Onsen in January, you can witness the majestic annual fire festival. The Dosojin Fire Festival is held on the 15th of January each year. This is one of the biggest fire festivals in Japan and a must-have encounter if you are planning to explore more about Japanese culture.

Where to stay in Nozawa Onsen?

Nozawa is a year-round tourist destination. Skiers obviously like to visit this village during winter but the green season is no less beautiful in Nozawa Onsen. Depending on the time of the year you are visiting, you can pick a suitable accommodation in Nozawa Onsen.

While visiting for a skiing trip, it is ideal to find accommodation near the ski gondola so you can be the first one on the tracks. Plenty of accommodation options are available for the green season.

Nozawa is unbelievably affordable. Students and backpackers can find affordable hostel style rooms in this town, whereas families and groups who wish to splurge a little bit can find luxury accommodation in the form of guesthouses, vacation homes and private cabins.

The top-rated accommodation options are Dennojo, Iroha Nozawa, Kamoshika Ski Lodge, Kihachikan South, Nozawa Onsen Lodge, Oguma House, Schneider Hotel, and Tanuki Nozawa. Some of these properties are prominently located, some are suitable for those with a tight budget and some of these offer breathtaking views of the mountains from each room. Explore the options and you will be able to find traditional Japanese style rooms with all western facilities and showers at an unbelievable price.

Things to do during your stay in Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen attracts tourists all year long, hence you won’t be wrong if you assume that there is no shortage of activities throughout the year. Skiing and snowboarding on powder snow is definitely the key attraction. Apart from that you cannot miss attending the Lantern festival and fire festival. Moreover, Nozawa has some beautiful trails to go for mountain biking or slow paced strolls with loved ones. While in Nozawa, you must not miss the unique experience of taking a dip in an onsen also known as hot springs.

Final words

The Nozawa Onsen Lantern Festival is a special event when the entire village comes alive. If you want to witness the magical ambience of Nozawa Onsen then make reservations with the help of Stay Nozawa. The experts at Stay Nozawa have links with local businesses therefore they can be your Japan Onsen Guide.