Experience
Timeless Traditions & Unforgettable Moments
Experience a village where daily traditions meet breathtaking seasonal celebrations. Relax in 13 public hot springs, join artisan craft workshops, or embrace the winter spirit with peaceful New Year shrine visits and the legendary Dosojin Fire Festival. Your unforgettable Nozawa journey starts here.
13 Sotoyu: The Traditional Onsen Hopping
Slip into a yukata and experience the village's centuries-old bathing culture.
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Artisan Craft & Design Workshops
Discover local artistry and create your own beautifully designed keepsake.
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New Year's Traditions
Embrace the Japanese New Year with a peaceful shrine visit and a touch of celebratory fireworks.
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The Dosojin Fire Festival
Witness the raw energy of one of Japan’s three great fire festivals.
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13 Sotoyu: The Traditional Onsen Hopping
Wander through the winding streets in your yukata and wooden geta sandals to explore thirteen free public hot springs, known as "Sotoyu." Maintained by the local community for generations, these natural, free-flowing thermal baths offer a pure, authentic glimpse into the daily life and restorative traditions of Nozawa Onsen. To make your journey even more memorable, join the village's popular stamp collection activity—gather stamps at the bathhouses you visit to redeem an exquisite souvenir.
Artisan Craft & Design Workshops
Step into the inspiring space of a local craft shop, where traditional techniques meet modern branding and graphic design. Through guided hands-on workshops, you will explore the visual aesthetics and intricate packaging of Nozawa's artisan culture. Channel your creativity into crafting a unique, beautifully finished souvenir that captures the artistic spirit of your journey. Please note that these workshops are hosted on an irregular basis; kindly check the Instagram page for the latest schedule and available dates.
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New Year's Traditions
Welcome the New Year with a beautiful blend of serenity and celebration. Join the locals for Hatsumoude—the traditional first shrine visit of the year. Take a peaceful midnight stroll through the snow-draped village to pray for good fortune and health in the spiritual atmosphere. To complete the festive night, you can also enjoy the brilliant fireworks lighting up the winter sky over the ski slopes, creating an unforgettable and romantic start to your year.
The Dosojin Fire Festival
Every year on January 15th, the village erupts with unparalleled energy. To pray for good fortune and ward off evil, villagers engage in a fierce, spectacular battle with blazing torches to defend a massive wooden shrine before it is set ablaze. It is a breathtaking, immersive cultural spectacle that will leave you absolutely spellbound.