Hotels near Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort from AU$35

Snow on rooftops, steam in the air, and the clip-clop of ski boots on stone. That’s Nozawa Onsen. This Nagano mountain village has been pouring warmth into its hot springs for centuries, long before skis carved the slopes. These days, it draws powder hounds, families on snow holidays, and anyone keen to thaw out while flakes keep falling outside. When winter fades, the rhythm changes. Trails cut through green valleys, bikes rattle over gravel, and lanterns swing above the narrow lanes during summer festivals. Stays here follow the seasons too, from futon-and-onsen ryokan to slope-side lodges and easy bases close to the lifts.

Where to stay in Nozawaonsen

• Village centre: Cobbled streets, steaming bathhouses and izakaya on every corner. Stay here if you want everything from lifts to nightlife within a snowball’s throw.
• Near the Nagasaka Gondola: Ski-in, ski-out (or just-steps-away) heaven. Roll out of bed, onto the lift, and glide back home for lunch. Perfect for those die-hard snow fiends.
• Ryokan district (onsen side): Steam curling from bathhouses, futons on tatami floors, kaiseki dinners that go course after course, and the joy of slipping from table to tub.
• Iiyama (off-mountain)L About 25 minutes down the road by shuttle bus. More about those affordable stays and local eateries. An easy base if you’re mixing Nozawa with other Nagano resorts.

How much is Nozawaonsen accommodation?

Prices here swing with the weather. In winter (Dec–March), slopeside beds vanish fast and average stays land around the AU$250 a night mark. Come summer, rooms are easier to snag and often half that price. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) sit somewhere in between. Whatever the budget, you’ll find something with Traveloka.

• Hostels and backpacker lodges: From AU$40 per night. Shared dorms or simple privates, loud common rooms and a crowd of ski-mates by day two. Our picks: Lodge Nagano, Nozawa Onsen Lodge
• Self-contained apartments: From AU$120 per night. Kitchens, lounges and drying racks for gear. These are golden for families or groups who want independence. Our picks: Nozawa Central Apartments, The Ridge Apartments Nozawa
• Traditional ryokan and minshuku: From AU$180 per night. Tatami floors. Futons rolled out after dinner. A soak in the hot spring before bed. The full alpine-Japan ritual. Our picks: Ryokan Sakaya, Naraya Ryokan
• Mid-range hotels and ski lodges: From AU$200 per night. Western beds, buffet brekkie, and you’re close enough to wander to the lifts without breaking a sweat. Our picks: Tokiwaya Ryokan

Top-rated hotels in Nozawaonsen

• Ryokan Sakaya: The village’s benchmark stay. Traditional tatami rooms, kaiseki dinners that feel like a feast, and a steaming onsen to melt away ski legs.
• Tokiwaya Ryokan: Right in the heart of the village, with a classic alpine feel. Known for its hearty meals, cosy rooms, and easy stroll to the lifts.
• The Ridge Apartments Nozawa: Self-contained apartments that suit families and groups. Modern kitchens, drying rooms, and more space than most lodges offer in town.
• Nozawa Central Apartments: Affordable but well-set-up apartments in the middle of the action. Handy for self-caterers and anyone wanting more independence without losing location.

Tips for finding the perfect accommodation in Nozawaonsen

• Lock in a booking early for winter stays: December to March is peak powder season, and slopeside stays near Nagasaka Gondola sell out months ahead. Families and ski-in die-hards should book well before Christmas.
• Compare your options with filters: On Traveloka, tick boxes for ski-in/ski-out, family rooms, onsen access or self-contained apartments. Cuts the scroll time and gets you straight to your style of stay.
• Think beyond the ski village: If beds are tight or pricey, look at Iiyama. Affordable stays, easy trains, and quick shuttles mean you won’t miss first lifts.
• Play with the seasons: Prices can halve in spring or summer. Swap skis for bikes or hikes, enjoy the same cosy ryokan or apartments, just without the winter rush.