Nozawa Onsen — Ski Village with 13 Public Bathhouses

Nozawa Onsen (野沢温泉) is a 700-year-old hot spring village that doubles as one of Japan's premier ski resorts. The village is built around 13 free public bathhouses (外湯, sotoyu) fed by natural hot springs reaching 90°C at the source. Each bathhouse has distinct character and water temperature, and locals still use them for daily bathing. The village's narrow cobblestone streets, traditional wooden ryokan, and steaming vents create an atmospheric Edo-period townscape.

In winter, Nozawa transforms into a major ski destination — Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort offers 50+ runs, 1,085m vertical drop, and powder snow from Siberian weather systems. The village's unique appeal is the combination: ski all day, then soak in outdoor hot springs while snow falls. Non-skiers visit year-round for onsen culture and nozawana (pickled mustard greens, a local specialty).