Nozawa Onsen - First Impressions

Wow. Every now and then you come across a place you just know you will fall in love with before you actually do. This is such a place.

Narrow cobblestone streets, the constant sound of running water, the occasional whiff of sulfur from a hot spring, beautiful traditional Japanese architecture, sweeping vistas to the Japanese Alps, vending machines on every corner, wide ski runs, tall pine trees, everything comes together to make this place what it is. Oh, and the snow! As far as the eye can see.

We took the opportunity this afternoon to have a look around, originally thinking we would be gone for an hour or so, we got back to our lodge about 4 hours later. Despite being such a small village there is so much to see and do (before even getting to the skiing).

The towns traditions appear to be very much in tact. I look forward to exploring more of what this wonderful place has to offer over the coming week.Read more