Nozawa Onsen × Stays Popular For Snow-View BathsHighly rated Hotel·Ryokan

It may sound a bit exaggerated, but it felt like going back to my family home—catching up on how things have been lately and, if the mood struck, stopping by places I was recommended. Meals were unpretentious, and bathing felt just like soaking in our own tub at home. I was able to truly relax.

After winding through narrow alleys, we arrived at the Ryokan. From the Room we were shown to, we could see the Asagama kiln up close. Since we arrived a little early, we headed into the Onsen town with a hand-drawn map made by the proprietress. After visiting three public baths, we stopped by a shop that brews craft beer and enjoyed a drink with edamame. The seasonal breeze felt wonderfully refreshing. These public baths are maintained by local residents, and visitors use them by placing a voluntary contribution in a donation box. Both the changing area and the bath itself are small, but it didn’t bother us at all. It was wonderful to see that these traditional communal baths are still part of everyday life here. The Ryokan is an older building, but it is well cared for and very clean. When I opened the window in my Room and read, I could hear people passing outside and birdsong carried on a pleasant breeze. In contrast to many Ryokan that feel shut off from the outside world, this sense of connection was especially comforting. What left the strongest impression was the food: dishes made mainly with local ingredients were not flashy, but beautifully seasoned—I found myself thinking how refined the chef’s palate must be. Breakfast was similar: simple rather than extravagant, yet deeply satisfying by the end. The couple who run the Ryokan were also very welcoming, making our stay comfortable from start to finish. This visit reminded me of what makes Nozawa Onsen so special as a town: narrow streets and old-fashioned shops remain; communal baths are protected by local residents; and its unique Onsen-town culture continues without being swept away by showy development. Soak in an Onsen, stroll through town, enjoy a beer, return to your Accommodation and read while feeling the atmosphere outside—then savor a delicious meal. It was a trip where such ordinary moments felt truly rich. I’d love to visit Nozawa Onsen again in another season.

I stayed at Naraya Ryokan before moving overseas in November. I won’t be back for a while, but I’m glad I had the chance to stay at such a wonderful Ryokan. The Room, meals, and Onsen were all excellent.

Nozawa Onsen has few accommodations that allow pets. Among them, we had an excellent stay in a spacious log house room, enjoying a relaxing onsen experience. They provided a parking pass for visiting the public baths in town and even allowed us to use the onsen after the trail race the next day. The attentive service was truly appreciated. We look forward to staying here again when we participate in the race next year.

The view from the Room was great, and the large public bath was also excellent. Because it was a quiet location, I was able to relax and spend time in the property. Dinner and breakfast were delicious.

Although there is only one type of spring source—our favorite sulfur Onsen—we enjoyed how the water color differed between the indoor bath and the open-air bath. The open-air bath also offered beautiful fresh green maple leaves, and we would love to visit again during the autumn foliage season. The meals were a satisfying amount for enjoying drinks, with seasonal items as well. The asparagus tempura in particular was outstanding. The building is old, but the Room had been renovated and was clean. From the Room, we enjoyed the garden flowers and fresh greenery.