As one of Japan’s oldest onsen towns, Nozawa Onsen combines beautiful scenery, warm hospitality, authentic Japanese cuisine, and an overall remarkable experience. Visit this onsen town during the winter season and witness how the snow simply makes the surroundings look breathtaking.

With a history of over a thousand years, you can definitely feel true Japanese culture with the building structures, hot springs, and natural beauty. You will also likely stay for a few more days to get a glimpse of everything, so here are our top recommendations of the most beautiful ryokans in Nozawa Onsen.

1. Nakajima Ryokan

One of the most rustic-looking ryokans is Nakajima Ryokan, a five-minute walk from the main street. Lush greeneries surround this ryokan’s exterior during the warm days, and you’ll love it even more in winter. Each corner of this accommodation is covered in snow – a live Winter Wonderland in Nozawa Onsen!

Nakajima Ryokan has public onsens suitable for both genders. Additionally, we suggest paying an extra fee to enjoy an authentic Japanese dinner in the dining room. Nakajima Ryokan is on a secluded street, so you don’t have to worry about the crowds.

Book it Here: Nakajima Ryokan

2. Tanuki Nozawa

Next on our list is Tanuki Nozawa, a traditional ryokan with tatami floors in Japanese-style rooms. Besides a relaxing fireplace and a local hot spring for rejuvenation, Tanuki Nozawa is also famous because it’s near the main street. You can quickly get to different bars, restaurants, and cafes.

However, if you want to relax and unwind, we recommend trying out the on-site restaurants. Dine at Tanuki Restaurant for an authentic kaiseki meal or taste Tanuki Teppanyaki’s best-selling Shinshu beef. This ryokan also has the Tanuki Bar for boutique alcohol and Japanese whiskey and the Tanuki Cafe for coffee and tea.

Book it Here: Tanuki Nozawa

3. Kawamotoya

Kawamotoya features a modern yet luxurious stay in Nozawa Onsen. This Japanese living experience features beautiful mountain and valley views, perfect for a serene vacation. Besides the usual amenities you’ll likely expect from a traditional ryokan, Kawamotoya also has a theater and a fitness center.

Kawamotoya has 8 apartments available for reservation. You can book two private hot baths in advance for a more peaceful experience. A massage room is also available, where you can ask the Ryokan staff for spa treatments and therapy.

Book it Here: Kawamotoya

4. Shirakaba

Another price-worthy Nozawa Onsen ryokan is Shirakaba, more commonly known as the White Birch Hotel. Its timber-built entrance and quaint exteriors make it easily one of Nozawa’s most famous Japanese-style inns.

Shirakaba has an on-site onsen open for all guests and a full kaiseki meal for breakfast and dinner. This ryokan is also the best location to reach the Nozawa ski fields. Plus, all rooms have beautiful views of the surrounding hills, which appear even more breathtaking as winter approaches.

Book it Here: Shirakaba

5. Hatoguruma Kawabata

Hatoguruma Kawabata sits right in Nozawa Onsen’s central district. It’s not as luxurious as Shirakaba and Kawamotoya, but this two-star traditional ryokan is one of the most budget-friendly inns around the area. Hatoguruma Kawabata has an onsite public bath, open daily from 3 to 9 pm.

All rooms have Japanese futon bedding and tatami floors. Hatoguruma Kawabata also serves breakfast and dinner, but all are vegetarian dishes. If you want meat options, this ryokan is near several Japanese restaurants. Thinking of an outdoor activity? Hatoguruma Kawabata is near the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort.

Book it Here: Hatoguruma Kawabata

6. Toemu Nozawa

Remember the catchphrase, “Old but gold?” Toemue Nozawa definitely suits the description. It’s cozy yet historical, featuring old-school vibes you’ll feel as you enter the ryokan. Rooms have sliding doors coated with shoji wallpaper, while the tatami-covered floors complete the Japanese aesthetic.

Toemu Nozawa also has a public onsen bath open for all guests. It’s an excellent way to relax and chill after roaming around Nozawa Onsen on a long, cold day! Another fun fact about this place is that it’s right at the center of Nozawa Onsen’s 13 communal hot springs baths!

Book it Here: Toemu Nozawa

7. Chitosekan

Another ryokan near the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is Chitosekan, known for its cozy atmosphere, Japanese meals, and hot spring baths. This ryokan is near the common train station and several public hot spring baths in Nozawa Onsen.

Rooms at Chitosekan feature old-style woodwork and traditional design. Doors have sliding paper screens, and all guestrooms have woven-straw floors and Japanese futon bedding. Feel free to pay extra to experience a Japanese set menu for breakfast and dinner. Moreover, you can also rent different ski equipment in this ryokan.

Book it Here: Chitosekan

8. Nozawa Dream Central

Nozawa Dream Central offers a budget-friendly ryokan experience. Like the previous selections, it’s located in the main onsen area, close to a wide range of onsen baths, restaurants, and bars.

One thing to note about Nozawa Dream Central is that rooms don’t have private bathrooms. It has a shared lounge where you can speak with other guests. Guests are loyal to this ryokan because the rooms are spacious and bigger than the typical ryokan guestrooms. You can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet.

Book it Here: Nozawa Dream Central

9. Chouchinya

Chouchinya is a two-star ryokan located minutes from Nozawa’s central onsen area. The rooms look traditional, with tatami mats and Japanese futon bedding. Moreover, sliding doors feature the old Japanese style, making you feel like you’re living in the past.

This cozy retreat is also a well-known sports facility, especially skiing. Its prime location makes it famous among adventure enthusiasts because famous ski slopes are easily accessible. Additionally, you can learn how to ski with on-site professional instructors. Hikers would also be pleased to know that Chouchinya has hiking trails that are perfect for all levels.

Book it Here: Chouchinya

10. Nozawa Onsen Azegamikan

Nozawa Onsen Azegamikan is an authentic ryokan accommodation that prioritizes comfort, space, and cleanliness. Like Nozawa Dream Central, the rooms are more spacious, making it one of the go-to Japanese inns among families and group travelers. Tatami mats are well-maintained, and the interior features traditional Japanese furniture.

Nozawa Onsen Azegamikan is near Nozawa Onsen’s famous Ogama Hot Spring, the Takinoyu Onsen and Yu Road to reach the gondola. You can also reserve the private onsen or experience the luxurious buffet breakfast. That is if you’re willing to pay an additional hefty price.

Book it Here: Nozawa Onsen Azegamikan

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We hope our list helped you decide where to stay when visiting Nozawa Onsen. As a popular tourist destination during winter, explore the entire Nozawa Onsen by staying at the nearby ryokans we shortlisted in this guide!

Got other ryokan suggestions? Let us know in the comments below! We’d also love to hear about your experience staying at any of our recommendations.

You can find more recommended ryokans in Nagano prefecture here!