Nozawa Onsen, as the name suggests, is renowned for its onsens - a public bath filled by the hot mineral springs running through the town, set in an ancient wooden building (photo below). Our ryokan had a shared onsen for guests (no ensuites). The Japanese communal bathing tradition can be confronting for anyone who likes their privacy, so we had checked when booking that there was a shower with a door.
This turned out to be the general onsen room, with 5 hand-held showers fixed at knee height, next to little wooden stools, for washing thoroughly before getting in to soak - but it wasn't hard to find a time when it was empty. Tony and I loved our daily soak in the hot bath, and it really helped with après ski recovery.
It is a charming town, and peaceful with very few cars on the steep, narrow roads, which are heated so they are free of snow. It is small enough to go everywhere on foot, and there are lots of dining options. We've left for Tokyo now - from small town to huge city.
This turned out to be the general onsen room, with 5 hand-held showers fixed at knee height, next to little wooden stools, for washing thoroughly before getting in to soak - but it wasn't hard to find a time when it was empty. Tony and I loved our daily soak in the hot bath, and it really helped with après ski recovery.
It is a charming town, and peaceful with very few cars on the steep, narrow roads, which are heated so they are free of snow. It is small enough to go everywhere on foot, and there are lots of dining options. We've left for Tokyo now - from small town to huge city.
Love the blog Judy. So different to the snow experience we are having! Can't wait to see Tokyo pics. Chrs, Kate W.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate, you were my inspiration! We've been loving you blog too.
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