Key facts
- Nozawa Onsen in Nagano prefecture is implementing measures to curb large-scale property development.
- The municipal government aims to restrict investments focused on short-term returns.
- Strong inbound tourism demand has enticed a number of projects to build hotels in the village.
The ski resort village of Nozawa Onsen, located in Japan's Nagano prefecture, is taking steps to limit extensive property development. The municipality is seeking to attract developers with a long-term perspective, aiming to curb investments that prioritize short-term gains. This move comes amid strong inbound tourism demand, which has spurred interest in building new hotels within the village.
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, which opened over eighty years ago, spans three main areas above the village. It offers over fifty kilometers of trails across 297 hectares of skiing surface, with terrain suitable for various skill levels, including beginner-friendly pistes, challenging mogul runs, and off-piste powder opportunities. The resort also features a terrain park and family-friendly facilities, including a kids' park and a daycare service.
Beyond skiing, Nozawa Onsen is renowned for its traditional village atmosphere, hot springs (onsen), food, and festivals. The village boasts about thirty different types of hot springs and thirteen public hot spring baths, with Oyu and Ogama being notable examples. Ogama, the hottest spring, is a natural monument and is used by the village to boil food.