Introducing the charms of Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort | Special passes for both summer and winter are now on sale

STEEP is currently selling a special package called " GO GREEN + SNOW PASS " which includes summer activities and winter lift tickets . Here, we'll take a leisurely look at the summer attractions of Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, one of the participating resorts in this project.

Fluffy powder snow, massive slopes, and a charming hot spring town shrouded in steam... Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort continues to attract skiers and snowboarders from all over Japan and the world. But how many people have visited in the summer? Enjoy the nature that can only be found in summer, hike the mountains, and savor the village. The experience of discovering the terrain, nature, and charm of the village that you couldn't see in winter will surely make you look forward to the next time you stand on the snow more than ever

The ski slopes without snow were more refreshing than I had imagined

Summer at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort begins with boarding the Nagasaka Gondola

In winter, the gondola is simply a means of transportation to ski, something you board without giving it much thought. But in summer, it transforms into an exciting aerial stroll. Below you lies a vast expanse of green, a beautiful gradient of colors

As I recall my winter memories, I am amazed to see how the field, which was simply white in winter, is now covered in such a lush forest

As the gondola ascends, the scale of the mountains surrounding the hot spring town becomes even more vivid. The mountain range of the Five Peaks of Northern Shinshu—Mt. Myoko, Mt. Kurohime, Mt. Togakushi, Mt. Madarao, and Mt. Iizuna—comes into view. On a clear day, you can even see Shiga Kogen and the Northern Alps, creating a truly magnificent 360-degree panorama

In the summer, the Nagasaka Gondola has only two gondolas with a transparent bottom, making them a real "lucky find." From the moment you board, the forest unfolds below, and you can see the slopes of the ski course. As you thrillingly enjoy the sheer scale of the Nozawa Mountains, you'll probably think to yourself, "So this is where people ski in the winter!"

People often say, "It's completely different from winter!" Many people are surprised when they ride the Nagasaka Gondola and see how beautiful it is even without snow. And then there's the amount of snow. In winter, road signs are within reach on top of the mountain, but in summer they're towering high up. You really get a sense of just how much snow there was!

Sales staff member Yamazaki spoke to me with a smile

The road sign is located at the top station of the Nagasaka Gondola. It's a moment when you can truly feel, not just in terms of numbers, how deep the snow is in Nozawa Onsen during winter. If you're a frequent visitor to Nozawa Onsen, you'll want to take a commemorative photo without hesitation

And what's truly striking is the tranquility. In stark contrast to the vibrant winter scenery filled with guests from all over the world, all you see is a vast blue sky and lush greenery. The only sounds you hear are the mountain wind, the chirping of birds, and the laughter of children..

Summer is such a leisurely time. Those who know Nozawa in winter will surely be pleasantly surprised, thinking, "It's the same place, yet it's so different!"

Furthermore, the coolness experienced when visiting in the height of summer is like being in another world. A cool breeze, typical of highlands, blows across the Uenotaira Plateau, and it feels incredibly refreshing. Even if the village is hot and humid, the Uenotaira Plateau is always cool. It's worth taking the Nagasaka Gondola just to cool off while enjoying the spectacular summer scenery

Discover the true face of the ski slopes and enjoy summer at Uenohira Plateau

This special ticket includes a round-trip ticket for the Nagasaka Gondola and a one-day lift ticket. Let's take a quick look at what kind of fun awaits you in the summer from the Nagasaka Gondola's summit station

trekking

Several trekking courses are available from Uenohira. Choose one based on your desired destination and the difficulty level of the hike. The summit area of ​​Mt. Kenashi and the Kokenashi Observatory appear quite far away in winter, but the snow may be misleading in terms of distance. In summer, it "looks surprisingly easy to hike," so start walking upwards

However, while the Yamabiko ski slope is a place where you can ski down at high speed in winter, the impression is completely different when you try to climb it on foot. "I didn't realize it was this steep!" you might exclaim, out of breath

On the other hand, as you make your way along, the topography that you didn't notice when it was covered in snow—the undulations of the ridges, the way the streams enter, the depth of the valleys—becomes apparent, and you start to see the origins of each course, thinking, "So that's what the terrain was like." This is a fresh and enjoyable feeling for a skier. Summer trekking is not only about enjoying mountain walking, but also a time to "check your answers" about your home ski resort

The slopes you see in winter are completely different in shape and gradient from the slopes you see in summer when there's no snow. The mountain's appearance is also different. The beech trees at Yamabiko, where we enjoy tree skiing in winter, are broad-leaved trees, so in summer their lush green leaves make the forest a deep green. Trekking at Yamabiko allows you to walk through this beech forest, and the shade of the trees is incredibly pleasant

That's what Yamazaki-san said

Beech forests are also known as forests that nurture snow, as they retain moisture and store snow. Walking through a lush beech forest in summer is not only about cooling off in the shade, but also about getting to know the forest that cultivates the powder snow of winter. In this way, the charm of "the mountain itself," which is not visible when only skiing, comes much closer in the summer

Uenohira Picnic Garden

In winter, the Uenohira ski slope is a gentle and peaceful course for beginners, but in summer, it transforms into the "Uenohira Picnic Garden," where more than 600 kinds of alpine plants and wildflowers bloom

As you stroll through the park, adorned with seasonal flowers such as edelweiss and thyme, you'll be struck by the refreshing realization that such rich nature thrives beneath those pristine white ski slopes. Sitting on the lawn or the "Komorebi Terrace" and feeling the breeze is a luxury unique to this place

Mountain bike (MTB)

Once the snow melts, the ski slopes transform into a mountain biking field in the summer. A downhill course of approximately 10km in length (beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels) is available, and rentals are provided to suit all skill levels

The exhilarating feeling of riding a mountain bike down the slopes you traversed in winter on skis or snowboards is exceptional. Riding along the undulating courses that wind through the forest, you'll realize just how rich the terrain is, confirming the fun of playing in the winter landscape

The joy of riding a mountain bike while feeling the terrain is somehow similar to riding on snow. That's why mountain biking can be just as addictive as skiing or snowboarding. If you get to know the terrain in the summer, your perspective on the courses will naturally change in the winter, and you might find yourself enjoying each run in a completely different way

Mountain Bikes | Open: July 18th (Sat) - October 25th (Sun) *Closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from August 25th to September 17th

Ski resort gourmet food is also something you can only enjoy in the summer

In winter, meals tend to be eaten quickly so as skiers can ski as much as possible. Furthermore, "Rest House Yamabiko" and "Kitchen Seabos" are always extremely crowded, making it difficult to even find a seat

But it's different in the summer. You can settle into a spacious table and leisurely savor the seasonal menu. Colorful dishes made with plenty of local summer vegetables, freshly baked pizza, homemade herbal tea... and you can even enjoy a BBQ. Enjoying a meal while gazing at the beautiful mountain ranges of northern Shinshu is a luxury only available during the green season. Steak rice and pizza topped with Nozawana pickles are also famous dishes that have won numerous awards at the "Shinshu Ski Resort Food Battle." Of course, in the summer you can enjoy them at your own pace without worrying about the time

Lake Staka

Nestled quietly at an altitude of approximately 1,300m deep within the Kaminohira Plateau, Lake Sutaka is a special place that sleeps beneath the snow in winter. Surrounded by beech and birch forests, the lakeshore is bathed in crisp air, and a peaceful time awaits, where only the chirping of wild birds can be heard

The refreshing mornings and evenings in the highlands are cool enough to feel chilly even in the middle of summer, a world away from the scorching heat. Camping in bungalows or tents is a lot of fun in the summer. Enjoy outdoor cooking and BBQs as the night deepens. Look up and you'll see a sky full of stars

Because Nozawa Onsen is so strongly associated with snowy landscapes, the contrast with this tranquil lakeside scenery is particularly moving. You'll feel the profound embrace of Nozawa Onsen's nature and become even more captivated by it

Campsite | Open: July 4th (Sat) - September 27th (Sun), 2026　

In the summer, you can experience what it's like to be a villager and enjoy the "village" atmosphere

The charm of Nozawa Onsen can't be described solely by its ski slopes, but in winter, you might just soak in the hot springs and stroll around the town, right? But summer is different. You have more time because you're not skiing

The morning market held every Sunday (during the summer) on Oyu Street is lined with freshly picked vegetables, wild plants, pickles, handmade processed goods, and other seasonal local products

After a refreshing morning bath, if you stroll through the morning market, the villagers—uncles and aunts—will call out to you, "These wild vegetables are incredibly delicious! Try some!"

Such heartwarming interactions with the villagers are one of the unique pleasures of Nozawa Onsen Village. Spending time in this "village where people live" during the summer makes you feel like you're one of the villagers, which is a wonderful feeling

Visiting the public baths – experiencing the true essence of Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen is known for its 13 public bathhouses, which are a symbol of the village. Unlike winter, the green season is the perfect time to leisurely enjoy visiting the baths without worrying about the time. The public bathhouses, which are always crowded in winter, are often empty, and it's not uncommon to have them all to yourself

Immerse yourself in the hot springs, stroll through the cobblestone streets of the hot spring town in a yukata (light cotton kimono). When you get thirsty, stop by a cafe, then head to the next public bath. This luxurious way of spending time is the very essence of the Nozawa Onsen experience. By immersing yourself in the hot spring culture itself, your affection for this village will deepen even further

Making soft-boiled eggs – a small pleasure unique to the off-season

One of the symbols of Nozawa Onsen is "Asagama," the village's hot spring source. Making your own hot spring eggs here is a unique pleasure to enjoy during the off-season

In winter, Asagama is completely covered in snow, and there's always someone from the village busy boiling greens or soft-boiled eggs. It's hard to approach, but in summer, the atmosphere changes completely. It's enveloped in a calm and relaxed mood

So, you put a raw egg in a net and submerge it in the hot spring water, then wait 12 to 13 minutes. And there you have it—a piping hot onsen egg.You can enjoy this delicious, perfectly soft-boiled onsen egg that you boiled yourself, while sitting on a bench by the footbath and gazing at the mountains of Shinshu. This is surely the true essence of Nozawa Onsen.

Sparina - Water activities that can only be enjoyed in summer

Located at the entrance to the hot spring town, "Sparina" is a facility equipped with an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, and hot springs that utilize the hot spring water, making it a must-visit summer spot for families. On hot days, take a dip in the waters at "Sparina."

Nozawa Onsen Roadside Station - Take home the essence of Nozawa

A roadside station is the perfect place to end your trip. Here you'll find a wide variety of local specialties, including freshly picked highland vegetables and wild plants, seasonal fruits like apples and peaches, as well as Nozawa pickles, local sake, jams, and seasonings. Choosing souvenirs is part of the fun of traveling. Enjoying the flavors of Nozawa even after returning home will naturally make you look forward to the next snowy season

Now, when should we go? — Yuzawa Shrine Annual Festival, Mushroom Festival, Autumn Leaves

Nozawa Onsen offers plenty to enjoy even during the green season, so when should I go? Visiting to coincide with seasonal village events would likely add even more to the experience

In September, the annual festival of Yuzawa Shrine takes place, featuring a procession of people carrying blazing torches through the hot spring town and a dance performance by Sarutahiko. In autumn, the "Mushroom Festival" allows visitors to enjoy a feast of seasonal mushrooms. The mountains are painted in vibrant reds and yellows, creating a picturesque scene that is a stark contrast to the snowy landscape of winter

Knowing summer and autumn makes winter even more interesting

Nozawa Onsen in summer is a delightful place to compare your winter memories with those of the past. Why not visit again and again, experiencing the changing seasons from summer to autumn?

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A message from the staff of Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

If you've only ever visited in winter, I highly recommend you come in the summer first. That's the perfect first step. If you stroll through Nozawa Onsen in summer or autumn, you'll truly feel the warmth of the village and its people, and the richness of its nature. I hope you'll also experience the deliciousness of the spring water from the three locations in the village, and the joy of making your own hot spring eggs. Accommodation is also easier to find than in winter, so please consider staying overnight and relaxing!

If you experience Nozawa Onsen in summer and autumn, you'll love it even more. This winter, your social media posts might change from "I came to ski at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort" to "I've returned to this village again."

Information

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

Official website:https://nozawaski.com/
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