2025 Shimotakai District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Nozawa Onsen might be more developed now, with its fair share of tourists and modern cafes popping up, but it still holds onto a unique charm that sets it apart from other ski towns. Beneath the buzz, there’s a strong sense of tradition that runs through the village—from the narrow alleyways to the historic bathhouses where locals and visitors alike come to unwind. The skiing was great, but what I appreciated most was the atmosphere. Despite the growing crowds, you can still feel the soul of an authentic Japanese onsen village—especially when wandering past the temple, catching the scent of sulphur in the steam, or soaking in one of the many soto-yu public baths after a long day on the slopes. Nozawa may be evolving, but its character hasn’t been lost. For anyone looking for a ski trip with both action and a touch of old Japan, it’s still worth the trip.

A complete guide to family skiing in Shiga Kogen for your first New Year trip🏂 For their first New Year trip, they finally made it to the long-awaited Nagano Shiga Kogen. Upon returning, they couldn't stop talking about the beautiful scenery. After calculating the expenses, I found it to be quite cost-effective. Here's a reference for those who are planning to go. 💰Overall Expenses ✈️Airfare: 4,000 for one adult and one child 🚄Shinkansen: Tokyo-Nagano 600 for one adult and one child 🚌Bus: Nagano Station-near the hotel 200 for one adult and one child 🏨Accommodation: Half board (breakfast and dinner) 600 🛍️Other expenses: 1,000 Total cost: Around 3,500💰 per person ❓Transportation Beijing-Tokyo Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano Station Transfer to a special bus to Shiga Kogen ❓Accommodation If you want to ski on different slopes on the east and west sides, it is recommended to stay in a hotel around the Shiga Kogen Grand Ski Area. Choose according to your budget. This time, they booked a hotel with friends, including half board (breakfast and dinner), which was cost-effective, but the environment was just average. ❓Ski Resort This time, they checked in at the Yakushiyama Ski Resort and the Yokoteyama Ski Resort. Dad 👨 said that if you only choose one ski resort, he strongly recommends Yokoteyama. The scenery is 💯. ❓Nearby Attractions Jigokudani Monkey Park, watch 🐒 bathe

Shibu Onsen in Nagano Prefecture is a healing spot where you can enjoy the snowy scenery and atmosphere of the hot spring town that is unique to winter. The "Kyuto Meguri" tour of nine outdoor baths is especially popular, and you can warm your body from the inside out with the beneficial hot springs. One of the pleasures is walking through the quaint stone-paved streets with a Yumeguri handprint in hand. Winter is especially recommended. The snow-covered streets and the steam from the hot springs are fantastic. A great place to stop by after skiing or snowboarding. ※About the Kuto Meguri tour. ✔︎ Only available to those who stay at Shibu Onsen. ✔︎ Only available to those who stay at Shibu Onsen. For day trips, you can only use the 9th bath, Oyu. 📍Shibu Onsen 📮Heijo, Yamanouchi-cho, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture 🚌 About 10 minutes by bus from Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Electric Railway. #Shibu Onsen#Snowscape #Hot Spring Trip #Nagano Tourism #Hot Spring Trip #Hot Spring Tour #Nagano Trip #Hot Spring Tour #Hot Spring #0 Yen Trip January 2025

In winter, the cobblestone streets of Shibu Onsenkyo in Nagano Prefecture, with steam rising from the hot springs, create a fantastic atmosphere❄️. The best part is strolling around the hot spring town wrapped in snowy scenery in a yukata and enjoying a tour of the nine outdoor baths♨️. Each bath is rich in medicinal properties and will warm up your cold body✨. The historic wooden architecture, long-established inns, and local gourmet food are also attractive! After enjoying the hot springs, take a break with a foot bath and warm amazake😊. Why not enjoy a winter trip to heal your mind and body in a traditional Japanese hot spring town? 📸 #ShibuOnsenkyo #WinterHotSpringTrip #OutdoorBathTour #SnowSceneryAndHotSteam #DomesticTrip

❄️ Ryuoo Ski Park ❄️ 📍Address: 11700 Yomase, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0405 Japan 🏖️Environment: A ski resort located on a mountain in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It opens ski slopes in winter from December to February every year. It has the most snowboarding in Japan as it was one of the first resorts in the country to allow snowboarding. It is also one of the mountains with the largest vertical drop in Nagano at 1,080 meters. The ski slopes are divided into three sections: beginner trails, intermediate and advanced trails, and the top trail, Sky Land, which can be reached by lift from the top of the Ropeway to the summit for advanced skiers. There are also two snow parks here: Dragon Park, a park with complete rides for children, and Cherry Park, a smaller park with a gentle slope for beginners. 🕰️bOpening hours: 08:00-17:00 💰Average price per person: 5,000 yen #Snow travel #RyuooSkiPark #Nagano ski resort #Travel in Japan

Nozawa onsen, a city with 13 hot springs, we can stay at any hotel and walk to any hot spring. There are few foreigners. The view and the village road are very good. The air is good. There are clothes to wear to walk to the hot springs. It is recommended to eat local food, but I recommend people who rent a car to go. I recommend people who rent a car to go. Really good recommendation

⁡⁡Ski Resorts "Nagano Prefecture / Nozawa to Shiga Kogen Area" ⁡ 5 Recommended Places ☃️⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ The ski resorts in each area can be reached in about 10 to 70 minutes, so if you are staying for multiple nights, try organizing your trip according to your preferences 🚗⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ --------------------------------------⁡⁡ ⁡⁡⁡ 【 #Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort 】⁡⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ A vast slope that can be comfortably taken to the top by two gondolas😆You can enjoy both powder and groomed runs🎵There is also a ski jizo statue and a stylish restaurant, so if you want to go sightseeing, it's also possible to stay at a hot spring inn and ski for two days👍️⁡⁡ ⁡⁡⁡ ⁡⁡⁡ ◼️Address: 7653 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District⁡⁡ ◼️ TEL: 0269-85-3166⁡⁡ ◼️Business hours: 8:00-16:30⁡⁡ ◼️Parking fee: Free⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ ◼️Scheduled business hours: 11/25-5/6⁡⁡ ◼️Parking: Available (check period)⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ -------------------------------------⁡⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ 【 #YomaseOnsenSkiResort 】⁡⁡ ⁡⁡⁡ Takai Fuji Toyomase Onsen is a ski resort located inside Mt. KOSHA, and you can ski at both ski resorts with one lift ticket. The "Ottamage" route between the two ski resorts is a gentle slope that passes through a golf course and forest, but the atmosphere is not a forest road or a tree run, it's a really nice atmosphere like skiing on a road in a snowy country, so be sure to try it out👍️⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ ◼️Address: 7078 Yomanose, Yamanouchi-cho, Shimotakai-gun⁡⁡ ◼️TEL: 0269-33-2377⁡⁡ ◼️Business hours: 8:30-16:30⁡⁡ ◼️Parking: Free⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ ◼️Scheduled business hours: 12/26-3/20⁡⁡ ◼️Parking: None⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ -------------------------------------⁡⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ 【 X-JAM #Takai Fuji 】⁡⁡ ⁡ The highlight of Takai Fuji is the huge kicker in the main park⛰️There is also a half pipe, and intermediate to advanced skiers can enjoy the park only with a dedicated lift💯Beginners can enjoy playing Poco Jump and Jib in the Challenge Park, so there is high satisfaction regardless of level❗⁡⁡ ⁡⁡⁡ ⁡⁡⁡ ◼️Address: Kitashiga Kogen, Yamanouchi-cho, Shimotakai-gun 12713-94⁡⁡ ◼️TEL: 0269-33-6252⁡⁡ ◼️Business hours: 8:30-16:30⁡⁡ ◼️Parking: Free⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ ◼️Scheduled business hours: 12/28-3/20⁡⁡ ◼️Parking: Yes (check period)⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ ------------------------------------⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ 【 #ShigaKogen #YakebitaiyamaSkiResort 】⁡⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ This is a slope located deep inside Shiga Kogen where you can enjoy the finest powder🏂️You can stay at the Prince Hotel and ski only at Yakebitaiyama, or you can use the "Shiga Kogen All 18 Ski Resorts Common Lift Ticket" to visit all the ski resorts✋⁡⁡ ⁡⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ ◼️Address: Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama, Yamanouchi-cho, Shimotakai-gun⁡⁡ ◼️TEL: 0269-34-3117⁡⁡ ◼️Business hours: 8:30-16:00⁡⁡ ◼️Parking fee: Free⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ ◼️Scheduled business hours: 12/2-5/6⁡⁡ ◼️Parking: None⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ -------------------------------------⁡⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ 【 #Togari Onsen Ski Resort 】⁡⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ A fun slope with a permanent banked course that you can ski on for a long time😆For ski resort food, we recommend the "Hoshifuru Restaurant" where you can enjoy authentic Asian cuisine in a stylish restaurant that you wouldn't expect on a slope✨⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ ◼️Address: 6356-2 Toyoda, Iiyama City⁡⁡ ◼️TEL: 0269-65-2 359⁡⁡ ◼️Business hours: 8:30-16:30⁡⁡ ◼️Parking fee: Free⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ ◼️Scheduled business hours: 12/24-3/24⁡⁡ ◼️Parking: Available (check the period)⁡⁡ ⁡⁡ -------------------------------------⁡⁡⁡⁡ #domestictrip #skiresort #naganotrip #naganosightseeing #skitrip

A shooting gallery with a charming Showa retro atmosphere in Nagano. I didn't get anything, but it was fun and a memorable experience I got a strange doll🧸! 【INFORMATION】 Shibu Onsen Club 📮 2185 Heijo, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture 🕐10:00-22:60 Opening hours are subject to change. #NaganoTrip #0YenTrip

An izakaya recommended by the innkeeper. 📍Ishokutei Komadori An izakaya run by the owner alone🏮 Everything on the menu is delicious. There are about three tables and counter seats. All seats are smoking seats🚬 The meat dishes, Chinese dishes, and hotpots are all delicious, and the prices are very reasonable! A restaurant I'd like to visit again☺️ [INFORMATION] Ishokutei Komadori 📮 4109-30 Heijo, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture 🕐18:00-0:00 🗓️Closed on Mondays #NaganoTrip #NaganoGourmet #0YenTrip

#NaganoTourism Manten View Terrace is an observation deck located in Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture, at an altitude of 2,400 meters. This observation deck is located about 30 minutes walk from the center of Kamikochi, and is a great spot to get a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and beautiful natural scenery. Many tourists visit the observation deck in particular because they can enjoy the fresh greenery and alpine plants in the summer and the autumn leaves in the fall. From the observation deck, you can see mountains such as Jonen-dake, Yari-ga-take, and the Hotaka mountain range, and the magnificent scenery fascinates visitors. Manten View Terrace is also known for its stargazing at night. Due to the high altitude and the surrounding natural environment, the sky is very clear and many stars can be seen shining. In particular, astronomical observations such as constellations and meteor showers are conducted, which is a valuable experience for stargazing lovers and photography enthusiasts. Manten View Terrace is one of the must-see spots for tourists visiting Nagano Prefecture, as it is a place where you can fully enjoy the beauty of nature and the charm of the starry sky.

I thought people would gather because it's at a high altitude and has a nice view💦 Even though I love bread, it's a good bakery that's delicious✨✨ The photo shows two types of sets (for two people) You can choose a drink for each of them☕ We're usually coffee lovers, but this time we were attracted to the lineup of teas😍 The large mugs are filling🍀 Even big eaters like us can enjoy the stew😋 Maybe they forgot that there was no meat in the borsch? ? I was worried (lol) I was very satisfied with the view and the air🌈🌈 Access: Drive to Yokoteyama and take the lift (about 2000 yen round trip) to the top at the lift station. In the summer, we walked along the side road while earthing. When the lift is not running, there is a shuttle bus and a meal and shuttle set for 3000 yen per person Tourist attractions: Depending on the time of day, you can see the sea of ​​clouds. Even when there is no sea of ​​clouds, the view is spectacular and there are many dragonflies✨✨ Hotel: It is also a sunrise and sea of ​​clouds spot, so there are apparently accommodations available. Food & Restaurant: In addition to eating in, they also sell bread for takeaway. But if you don't come in the morning, they'll be almost all gone. #besttrip2023 #seaofclouds #bakery #greatview #shibutouge #earthing

Looking for a skiing adventure in the north of Japan? Then Nozawa Onsen Village is the place for you. Located on the ridge of Mount Kenashi in Nagano Prefecture, this charming village combines history, culture, and most importantly, ski resorts. The resort gained worldwide recognition as one of the venues for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Famous for its abundant natural hot springs, you can soothe yourself in the hot springs scattered throughout the village after an exhilarating day on the slopes. ♨ There are slopes for every level of skier, from beginner to advanced. Whether you're looking for gentle slopes to hone your technique or challenging runs to test your skills, this ski resort has it all. Breathtaking views, pristine snow, and perfectly groomed slopes make Nozawa Onsen a must-visit for ski lovers.

Fancy a skiing adventure in the north of Japan? If so, look no further than Nozawa Onsen Village. 🏠 Nestled on the ridge of Mt. Kenashi in Nagano Prefecture, this charming village offers a blend of history, culture, and, most importantly, ski slopes. The resort gained worldwide recognition as one of the host venues of the Nagano Winter Olympic Games in 1998.❄ It's renowned for its abundant natural hot springs, so after an exhilarating day on the slopes, visitors can recover in one of the many hot spring baths scattered throughout the village.♨ There are ski slopes for all abilities, from beginner to expert. Whether you're seeking gentle slopes to perfect your technique or challenging runs to test your skills, this ski resort has it all. The breathtaking views, pristine snow, and perfectly maintained slopes make Nozawa Onsen a must-visit destination for ski enthusiasts.

This is a ski resort that beginners and intermediate skiers can enjoy! The ratio of skiers to snowboarders is about 2:8. When I went in late February, there were a lot of students, and not many families or locals. The teacher for the 2-hour lesson was very kind, so I recommend it for those who are trying snowboarding and skiing for the first time! The first photo is the view from the first slope! If the weather is good, it's incredibly beautiful✨I was lucky that it was a sunny day👼 The fourth photo is from the second slope! This place is just so photogenic👏Winner🏆 The fifth and sixth photos are the menu of the main cafeteria! I shared a Margherita pizza with a friend who came with me🍕It was quite filling, so I was satisfied! (Sorry for no photos of the pizza 🥲) [Address] 11494 Yomase, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano By car → About 15km from Shinshu Nakano IC By train → About 30 minutes by taxi from Iiyama Station About 15 minutes by taxi from Yudanaka Station I went on an Orion Tour bus tour departing from Tokyo!! [Slopes] The first lift and first slope are wide slopes with gentle slopes at the base, perfect for learning to ski and you can also enjoy night skiing. The second lift slope is for beginners and intermediate skiers, and the third lift slope is for advanced skiers, and is a long course with a variety of courses with a total length of 1,250m. (From the official website) There are also rails and makeup platforms, so I think it's a place that even intermediate and above can enjoy!! [Average price] One-day adult lift ticket: 3,800 yen Ski set and snowboard set rental: 3,000 yen Locker: 500 yen 2-hour lesson: 3,600 yen Budget per person: 10,000-15,000 yen Rating: ★★★☆☆ #Kitashiga Komaruyama Ski Resort #Snowboard #Ski #Ski Resort #Student Trip #Spring Break #Nagano #Instagrammable