Winter Wonderland in Nozawa Onsen, Japan
Located in the Nagano prefecture, Japan, Nozawa Onsen is a charming, laid back hot spring village located at the foot of Kenashi-yama Mountain. A village which dates back to the 8th Century, this is the quintessential Japanese experience. A much more low key, and local Japanese village, it makes for a much more authentic experience then the tourist hot spots like Hokaido’s, Niseko. The traditional village feel and great range of terrain and powder snow, makes Nozawa Onsen a must do in winter. Only a short distance from Tokyo this is my new favourite mountain escape.
Famous not just for its snow resort, the rustic village, traditional ryokans, food, festivals and onsen makes for the perfect Japanese snow experience. Throughout the village there are about thirty different type of hot springs and fourteen public hot spring baths to soak away your tired muscles after a long day snowboarding on the mountain.
I felt super lucky to have experienced perfect blue bird days, as well as getting a 70cm dump in 24 hrs. For a travel photographer, this is a stunning as it gets. Absolutely loved capturing the snow covered trees, mountain vista’s and the locals around the village, and I cant wait to go back for more next season.
