SOTOYU at Nozawa Onsen is Amazing !
Introducing my favorite SOTOYU (The Public Onsen Bath House) at NOZAWA ONSEN SNOW RESORT, the best historical and traditional Japanese snow resort.
Why Nozawa?
Do you know Nozawa Onsen, the best historical and traditional Japanese snow resort?
The fire festival of Nozawa Onsen, which has a long history, is designated as an intangible cultural heritage of Japan.
I couldn't talk about my snow life without experiencing Nozawa Onsen. At Nozawa Onsen, you can enjoy emotional experiences that you cannot experience in Niseko or Hakuba. There is nothing like combining light Japanese powder snow with a rich cultural experience and a deep soaking onsen.
Nozawa Onsen is recommended by the Michelin Green Guide with a star rating. Nozawa-onsen village is located in the north of Nagano prefecture, and has been designated a part of Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park thanks to its beautiful scenery.
Nozawa Onsen is a historic hot spring town that has established itself as one of Japan’s most popular snow resorts. The village is said to date back to 8th century but has been renowned for it’s hot springs and traditional inns since the Edo period.
More recently Nozawa has gained popularity as a snow area that features a great variety of terrain and amazing snow that’s hard to match.
Operating from December into the May, Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort draws visitors from all over the world, who come to enjoy its typically fantastic powder, great mix of terrain and lively village.
The town really comes alive in winter when visitors arrive to enjoy the town's excellent ski resort. One of Japan’s best resorts for nightlife, Nozawa has it all and is loved by many!
The combination of a traditional village feel and a great ski hill makes Nozawa a good choice for your ski trip to Japan. Start by checking out the information.
On this page you will find the following information:
Restaurants in the southwestern part of the Nozawa onsen village.
Recommended information sites of Nozawa Onsen
- Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Official Site
https://en.nozawaski.com/ - Nozawa Onsen Tourist Information Association Official Website
https://nozawakanko.jp/en/ - Nozawa Onsen Guide by Nozawa Holidays
https://nozawa-onsen.com/ - SNOW MONKEY RESORTS
25 Things To Do Around Nozawa Onsen & Where To Stay
https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/smr/nozawa/things-to-do-in-around-nozawa-onsen-town/ - Cultural Heritage Online
https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/199746
Onsen at Nozawa
Today Nozawa onsen is a popular hot-spring health resort thanks to efforts of the local villagers in developing the town and its springs for all of us to enjoy.
In the village’s Onsen district there are thirteen unique public bathhouses called “SOTOYU” and visitors can sample any or all of them on a relaxing onsen pilgrimage.
野沢温泉の温泉 Nozawa Onsen hot spring
野沢温泉での楽しみは、ゆったりとした時間の中で、温泉街に点在している13の外湯をめぐり、心身ともリフレッシュすることです。
江戸時代から湯仲間という制度によって守られてきた外湯（SOTOYU）は、村の人たちの共有財産。天然温泉100％かけ流しです。管理がきちんとなされ、温泉はいつも清潔。毎日使う村人達も、訪れたゲストの人たちも気持ちよく使えます。各共同浴場には村人とゲストのあたたかなふれあいがあります。ゆったり温泉に浸かって今日一日の出来事を語り合いましょう。
また大湯には薬師三尊を、その他の湯には十二の神将を奉り、野沢温泉の湯まもり仏としています。
ちなみに、個人的にはシャワーが設置されている「ふるさとの湯」もおすすめです。
https://goo.gl/maps/v2Bi2d2JoYRGjfbBA
What is SOTOYU?
外湯の説明 Description of SOTOYU
ご利用のご案内
■ 源泉は弱アルカリ性。100%の天然温泉です。
30余の源泉（40℃〜90℃）から引湯する良質の天然温泉は多くのお客様に喜ばれています。
■ 地域住民の大切な財産です。
外湯は古くから地域住民の生活の共同の場所として毎日利用されています。
■ 地域住民で維持管理しています。
それぞれの外湯は、その周辺の住民が「湯仲間」という制度をつくり、管理、維持をしています。
電気料や水道料の負担、当番制で毎日の掃除をしています。
■ エチケットを守って入浴しましょう。
共同の場所です。お互いに気持ちよく入浴できるようエチケットを守りましょう。
■ 深夜の入浴はできません。
防犯等のため、入浴時間が設定されておりますので、宿でご確認ください。
My favorite SOTOYU Ranking!
1 Nakao no yu (中尾の湯) Largest SOTOYU!
2 Ohyu (大湯) Tradition and hot water temperature are high!
3 Shin yu (新湯) The new SOTOYU!
4 Taki no yu (滝の湯) Rare SOTOYU that are hard to find!
5 Kuma no te arai yu (熊の手洗い湯) The temperature of the hot water is the lowest, this SOTOYU where bears wash their hands.
