nozawasnow Location

nozawasnow is conveniently located within a 3 minute walk to the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort.

The village centre and main street in Nozawa Onsen is an 8 minute walk from nozawasnow along a flat, heated street. There are 13 public hot springs located throughout the village, as well as many places to eat, drink and relax.

Nozawa Onsen is a compact village, taking just 15 minutes to walk from one side of the village to the other.

nozawasnow map:

On Google Maps, it is displayed as “nozawasnow” (single character).

nozawasnow address:

English:
6636-1, Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen-mura, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano-ken, Japan 389-2502

Japanese:
〒389-2502　長野県下高井郡野沢温泉村大字豊郷6636-1

If coming by taxi, you can tell the driver ‘Tonkichi no mae’ (In front of Tonkichi restaurant) in Japanese.

nozawasnow location:

  • Nozawa Onsen ski resort chairlifts are a 3 minute walk (take this chairlift up and ski down to the Nagasaka gondola – the main gondola).
  • Nearest restaurant is 10 seconds walk (Tonkichi Okonomiyaki – located in front of Tonkichi).
  • Nearest cafe is a 2 minute walk (Swiss Bakery – open for breakfast).
  • Nozawa Onsen village centre is an 8 minute stroll along a flat heated street, 6 minutes for fast walkers.
  • Public onsen (hot spring) is a 2 minute walk. This onsen is called ‘Nakao no-yu’.
  • Ski rental shop is a 1 minute walk (Olive rental – located at the corner of the nearest intersection).
  • Supermarket is a 7 minute walk.
  • The Nakao bus stop for access to and from Iiyama station (Bullet Train to/from Tokyo) is a 7 minute walk
  • The Nozawa Onsen Chuo bus terminal for access to/from Tokyo or other ski resorts is a 10 minute walk
  • Ski school can be accessed by skiing or by a complimentary ski bus and snowmobile in 20 minutes. Bus stop is a 4 minute walk from nozawasnow (more info below).
  • Public car parking (paid) is located a 5 minutes walk from nozawasnow at the ski resort.

How to get to the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort and return to nozawasnow:

First time skiers:

Walk 3 minutes downhill to the Nakao bus stop (Be careful! The “Nakao” bus stop for The free ski resort shuttle bus and the “Nakao” bus stop for the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus are located at different locations).
Take the free Shuttle bus to the Nagasaka Gondola (5 minute ride).

Novice – Advanced skiers:

Walk 3 minutes to the ski resort chairlifts.
Take the Nagasaka link chairlift.
Ski down past the Nagasaka gondola (access to the entire ski resort).

There are two chairlifts located in this area (Karasawa) of the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. The first chairlift provides access to the Nagasaka gondola (access to the entire ski resort) via a cat track. Those with previous experience will be able to ski down to the gondola. There is also a powder course under this chairlift for more advanced skiers.The second chairlift is for the ‘Karasawa’ green run which is very wide, uncrowded, and perfect for beginners.

First time skiers can take the free ski resort shuttle bus which stops at the street above nozawasnow (4 minutes walk). The bus departs approximately every 10 minutes on weekends and every 20 minutes on weekdays. The ride to the Nagasaka gondola takes 2-3 minutes.

To return to nozawasnow, guests can ski all the way back to within a 3 minute walk from nozawasnow on a beginner course. Alternatively, the complementary ski bus departs from the Nagasaka gondola and will drop guests within a 4 minute walk from nozawasnow.

Nozawa Onsen Ski Map:

https://en.nozawaski.com/pdf/gelandemap2020-21_en.pdf

Walking to nozawasnow from Nozawa Onsen bus stops (Nakao, Shinden, Chuo terminal)

Walking to nozawasnow from “Nakao” bus stop (nearest bus stop) in Nozawa Onsen (7 minutes, 550 meters).

If you are coming to Nozawa Onsen by train, you will arrive at the closest station which is Iiyama Station. To get to nozawasnow from Iiyama Station, take the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus which is timed to depart shortly after the bullet train arrives. Please follow the steps below:

  1. Take the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus from Iiyama train station to the “Nakao” bus stop in Nozawa Onsen. Please press the stop button on the bus when the driver announces ‘Nakao’, or the screen on the bus shows ‘Nakao’ as the next stop.
  2. Continue walking in the same direction as the bus is heading.
  3. Continue Walking past the ENEOS petrol station.
  4. On the corner on the right side of the street you will see ‘Tommy’s restaurant’ and ‘NOZAWA PLAYCE’ (black and khaki building). turn right and walk up this street.
  5. Continue walking up the street and take the second street to the left. nozawasnow is located in front of ‘Tonkichi’ Okonomiyaki restaurant. Total walking time is around 7 minutes (550m).

If you miss the ‘Nakao’ bus stop, “Shinden” bus stop is the next stop and is almost the same walking distance. If you miss both stops, the final stop is the “Chuo terminal” bus stop which is also within a 10 minute walking distance of nozawasnow. Everything in Nozawa Onsen is within walking distance.

The bus to and from the Iiyama bullet train station (access to/from Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka) arrives and departs from the Nakao bus stop which is a 7 minute walk from nozawasnow (550 meters).

The free ski shuttle bus which runs between the village center and the Nagasaka gondola, departing from a stop that is a 4 minute walk from nozawasnow. This bus runs until 4:30 pm each day.

The Chuo (central) bus terminal is located 10 minutes walk (800 meters) from nozawasnow for access to the Nagano Snow Shuttle (the bus to/from Narita and Haneda Airport, Tokyo and between ski resorts such as Madarao, Myoko, Shiga Kogen and Hakuba).

Paid parking is within a 5 minute walk from nozawasnow at the ski resort.

Getting to Nozawa Onsen

How to get to Nozawa Onsen

There are 4 ways to get to Nozawa Onsen; by train, bus, taxi or in a rental car. The quickest way to get to Nozawa Onsen is by taking the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen “Hakutaka”.

  1. JR HOKURIKU SHINKANSEN (Bullet Train) is the fastest and most exciting way to get to Nozawa Onsen.
  2. Nagano Snow Shuttle (Bus) is the easiest way to get to Nozawa Onsen but it takes a long time. Nagano Snow Shuttle (Bus) to/ from Narita and Haneda Airport, Tokyo and between ski resorts such as Madarao, Myoko, Shiga Kogen and Hakuba.
  3. Chuo taxi is comfortable, but It is the same as the bus, it takes a long time to arrive. Chuo taxi to/ from Narita, Haneda Airport, Tokyo and Nozawa Onsen etc.
  4. Rental car is convenient only if you would like to do day trips while staying in Nozawa Onsen. The village is compact and easy to navigate on foot.

OPTION 1：JR HOKURIKU SHINKANSEN (Bullet Train)

There are two international airports servicing the city of Tokyo – Narita Airport located on the eastern coast of Japan, or Haneda Airport located closer to Tokyo city.

From Haneda or Narita Airports, travel to Tokyo Station. From Narita Airport, take the Narita Express or bus service to Tokyo Station.

From Tokyo station, take the “Hakutaka” Shinkansen on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line to ‘Iiyama’ Station. The trip from Tokyo station to Iiyama station takes less than 2 hours (slightly longer if you select a service which changes at Nagano Station). There are multiple Hakutaka services to choose from during the day, all offering comfort and style. The timetable can be viewed on the JR-East.  

From Iiyama Station, take one of the regular Nozawa Onsen Liner shuttle buses or a taxi for the 20-minute drive to Nozawa Onsen Village.

Most people who come to Nozawa Onsen take the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Iiyama Station and then arrange a private transfer, or take the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus to Nozawa Onsen Village.

The Nozawa Onsen Liner is a direct bus service to Nozawa from the Iiyama station, the bus service leaves approximately 10 minutes after the arrival of every bullet train (Tokyo to Iiyama Station bullet train) except the last train of the day. Please note that if you arrive on the last train from Tokyo you will need to take a Nozawa Onsen Taxi from the station to Nozawa as there is no other service.

During peak season ( New year holiday season, Chinese New Year, Japan public holidays), it is advisable to purchase your return shinkansen tickets in advance before you arrive in Nozawa Onsen, because they do sell out.

Information of Shinkansen and Nozawa Onsen Liner bus timetables are as follows: (note that timetables are subject to change by the relevant transportation companies)

JR SHINKANSEN (Bullet Train) Information

JR-EAST 
Train Information | JR-EAST
Hokuriku Shinkansen | Route Maps | JR-EAST

Nozawa Onsen Liner TIME TABLE (includes the Shinkansen timetable for Iiyama Station)
Click HERE for Nozawa Onsen Liner Timetable

Nozawa Onsen Taxi
Click HERE for Taxi information

For more information, including how to transfer, please see below.

From TOKYO (Narita / Haneda Airport) to Nozawa Onsen by Train
Getting from Narita Airport to Nozawa Onsen by train

It takes approximately 3-4 hours to get to Nozawa Onsen from Narita Airport by train/bus. You can purchase your train ticket from the Narita Airport ticket office right through to Iiyama station (station closest to Nozawa Onsen). 

  1. Take the Narita Express (NEX) train or the Keisei bus (easier with luggage) from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station – 1 hour.
  2. Change to the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Iiyama Station – 1 hour, 40 minutes.
  3. Change to the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus from Iiyama Station to Nozawa Onsen (cash only) – 20 minutes.
  4. Exit the bus at the NAKAO bus stop in Nozawa Onsen.
  5. Continue walking in the same direction as the bus is heading up the road.
  6. Continue walking past the ENEOS petrol station.
  7. On the corner on the right side of the street you will see Tommy’s restaurant’ and ‘NOZAWA PLAYCE’ (khaki / black building). Turn right and walk up this street.
  8. nozawasnow is located on the second street to the left, in front of Tonkichi Okonomiyaki restaurant.

Total walking distance to nozawasnow from the Nakao bus stop: 550 meters, 7 minutes.

If you miss the ‘Nakao’ bus stop, ‘Shinden’ is the next stop and is almost the same walking distance but in the opposite direction. If you miss both stops, the final stop is the ‘Chuo terminal’ which is also within a 10 minute walking distance of nozawasnow. Everything in Nozawa Onsen is within walking distance.

Total journey price: 12,350 yen (approx).

The Narita Express (NEX) train departs approximately every 30 minutes.

The Keisei bus departs every 20 minutes. 

You can send your luggage to nozawasnow when you arrive at the airport in Japan to make traveling easier. It generally takes two days for luggage to arrive.

Getting from Haneda Airport and Tokyo to Nozawa Onsen by train

It takes approximately 3 – 3 1/2 hours to get from Haneda Airport to Nozawa Onsen by bus/train or monorail/train. You can purchase your train ticket from the Haneda Airport train ticket office, right through to Iiyama station (station closest to Nozawa Onsen).

  1. a) Take the Airport Limousine bus from Haneda airport to Tokyo station – 1 hour (longer, but easier option with luggage).
    b) Alternatively, take the Monorail from Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho station, change to the JR Yamanote subway line to Tokyo Station – 30 minutes (faster, but more difficult changing trains with luggage).
  2. Change to the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Iiyama Station – 1 hour, 40 minutes.
  3. Change to the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus from Iiyama Station to Nozawa Onsen (cash only) – 20 minutes.
  4. Exit the bus at the NAKAO bus stop in Nozawa Onsen.
  5. Continue walking in the same direction as the bus is heading up the road.
  6. Continue walking past the ENEOS petrol station.
  7. On the corner on the right side of the street you will see Tommy’s restaurant’ and ‘NOZAWA PLAYCE’ (khaki / black building). Turn right and walk up this street.
  8. nozawasnow is located on the second street to the left, in front of Tonkichi Okonomiyaki restaurant.

Total walking distance from Nakao bus stop to nozawasnow: 550 meters, 7 minutes.

If you miss the ‘Nakao’ bus stop, ‘Shinden’ is the next stop and is almost the same walking distance but in the opposite direction. If you miss both stops, the final stop is the ‘Chuo terminal’ which is also within a 10 minute walking distance of nozawasnow. Everything in Nozawa Onsen is within walking distance.

Total journey price: 10,000 yen (approx).

The Airport Limousine bus departs approximately every 30 minutes.
The Monorail departs approximately every 5-10 minutes.

You can send your luggage to nozawasnow when you arrive at the airport in Japan to make traveling easier. It generally takes two days for luggage to arrive.

From OSAKA (Kansai Airport) / KYOTO to Nozawa Onsen by Train
Getting from Kansai Airport (KIX) and OSAKA to Nozawa Onsen by train

It takes 5 hours and 30 minutes from Kansai International Airport to Nozawa Onsen by train.

  1. Take the Haruka Airport express train to Shin-Osaka Station – 50 minutes.
  2. Change to the Thunderbird express train to Kanazawa Station – 2 hours, 40 minutes. (Currently, the Shinkansen is under construction from Kyoto to Kanazawa, so the details will change once the Shinkansen opens.)
  3. Change to the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) to Iiyama station – 1 hour, 20 minutes.
  4. Change to the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus from Iiyama Station to Nozawa Onsen (cash only) – 20 minutes.
  5. Exit the bus at the NAKAO bus stop in Nozawa Onsen.
  6. Continue walking in the same direction as the bus is heading up the road.
  7. Continue walking past the ENEOS petrol station.
  8. On the corner on the right side of the street you will see Tommy’s restaurant’ and ‘NOZAWA PLAYCE’ (khaki / black building). Turn right and walk up this street.
  9. nozawasnow is located on the second street to the left, in front of Tonkichi Okonomiyaki restaurant.

Total walking distance from Nakao bus stop to nozawasnow: 550 meters, 7 minutes.

If you miss the ‘Nakao’ bus stop, ‘Shinden’ is the next stop and is almost the same walking distance but in the opposite direction. If you miss both stops, the final stop is the ‘Chuo terminal’ which is also within a 10 minute walking distance of nozawasnow. Everything in Nozawa Onsen is within walking distance.

Total journey price: 16,720 yen (approx).

You can send your luggage to nozawasnow when you arrive at the airport in Japan to make traveling easier. It generally takes two days for luggage to arrive.

Getting from Kyoto to Nozawa Onsen by train

It takes 4 hours to get from Kyoto Station to Nozawa Onsen by train.

  1. Take the Thunderbird express train from Kyoto Station to Kanazawa Station – 2 hours, 15 minutes. (Currently, the Shinkansen is under construction from Kyoto to Kanazawa, so the details will change once the Shinkansen opens.)
  2. Change to the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) to Iiyama station – 1 hour, 20 minutes.
  3. Change to the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus from Iiyama Station to Nozawa Onsen (cash only) – 20 minutes.
  4. Exit the bus at the NAKAO bus stop in Nozawa Onsen.
  5. Continue walking in the same direction as the bus is heading up the road.
  6. Continue walking past the ENEOS petrol station.
  7. On the corner on the right side of the street you will see Tommy’s restaurant’ and ‘NOZAWA PLAYCE’ (khaki / black building). Turn right and walk up this street.
  8. nozawasnow is located on the second street to the left, in front of Tonkichi Okonomiyaki restaurant.

Total walking distance from Nakao bus stop to nozawasnow: 550 meters, 7 minutes.

If you miss the ‘Nakao’ bus stop, ‘Shinden’ is the next stop and is almost the same walking distance but in the opposite direction. If you miss both stops, the final stop is the ‘Chuo terminal’ which is also within a 10 minute walking distance of nozawasnow. Everything in Nozawa Onsen is within walking distance.

Total cost: 13,100 yen (approx)

How to buy shinkansen tickets to Nozawa Onsen online

Shinkansen tickets to Nozawa Onsen can be purchased online here. The closest train station to Nozawa Onsen is Iiyama (note: often mistaken as Liyama). Online tickets still need to be converted to physical tickets once in Japan. To pick up reserved and non-reserved tickets (incl. seats with oversized baggage spaces), you can go to several stations with your credit card, reservation, and identification number. For a full list of stations check the JR West website and also see their how-to guide for picking up tickets.

Note: Shinkansen tickets can usually only be bought one month in advance through official channels (mentioned above). However, through some travel agent websites you have the flexibility to buy tickets further in advance.

If you are traveling on a Japanese public holiday or busy Sunday afternoon (for example), it could be worth purchasing Shinkansen tickets online in advance. If you are traveling on a normal weekday, you can purchase tickets upon arrival to the station.

Ticket machines of The Nozawa Onsen Liner

The Nozawa Onsen Liner bus between Iiyama station and Nozawa Onsen is cash only. The ticket machines are located outside Iiyama Station, where the train departs. You can find it by exiting the station and walking to the left (towards Tsuruya). There are up to four buses at each departure time, so you don’t need to worry about being left behind (unless you’re late!). Taxis are also available from Iiyama Station.

Japan Rail Pass for Nozawa Onsen

If you are only visiting Nozawa Onsen, there is no benefit to having a JR Rail Pass. If you are traveling throughout Japan to many locations, it could be worth looking purchasing a JR rail pass. There have been recent price increases (May 2023).

OPTION 2 : Nagano Snow Shuttle (Bus)

The Easiest way to get from Tokyo to Nozawa Onsen is with the Nagano Snow Shuttle bus from Tokyo Airports. The Snow Shuttle bus includes a pick up at Narita Airport or Haneda Airport.

If you are flying to Narita or Haneda Airport and are arriving in the afternoon or evening, it is not necessary to stay the night in Tokyo. The Snow Shuttle will drop you directly at our door so you can ski or enjoy the village the following morning.

There are also direct bus transfers between Nozawa Onsen and other ski resorts such as Hakuba, Myoko, Madarao and Shiga Kogen.

The snow shuttle between Tokyo and Nozawa Onsen takes longer than the bullet train, however there are no transfers involved which makes traveling with luggage or children much easier.

Price: ¥12,000 – ¥13,200

The day time buses from Tokyo to Nozawa Onsen will drop you at the Nozawa Onsen Chuo bus terminal (10 minute walk from nozawasnow). The evening/night buses from Tokyo to Nozawa Onsen will drop you directly at the nozawasnow guesthouse entrance.

Book the Nagano Snow Shuttle HERE

Nagano Snow Shuttle
https://naganosnowshuttle.com/

OPTION 3 : Chuo taxi

Another option is to take the efficient Chuo Taxi service that offers buses from either Haneda or Narita Airport direct to Nozawa Onsen and is almost door-to-door.

For details on transportation costs, please search the Chuo Taxi web page.

This will take approximately just over 5.5 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions. To make a reservation, fill in the English reservation form at or email otoiawase@chuotaxi.co.jp.

There is the English speaking assistant at Chuo Taxi, Ph. (Japan): +81 262 82 7777. Cancellation policies apply.

Book the Chuo Taxi HERE

Chuo Taxi
https://chuotaxi.co.jp/english/

OPTION 4 : Rental car

Driving to Nozawa Onsen is possible via the expressways across Japan. However, it will often cost more and be more difficult than catching the train. Icy conditions in winter also make it dangerous to drive.

If you are planning to drive please exercise caution and respect the local road laws.

Please note that parking is limited in town and your accommodation might not have any car parking available.

If you are considering coming to nozawasnow by car, please contact us in advance.

Notes:
All prices listed on this page are estimates at adult rates unless otherwise stated.

Reference sites

https://en.nozawaski.com/

6636 – 1 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen,
Nagano, Japan 389 – 2502