Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen · Nagano · Japan
1,085m
Vertical Drop
36
Runs
20
Lifts
297 ha
Skiable Area
1,200 cm
Avg Snowfall
Nov 2025 – May 2026
Season
Nearby town
Where workers live near Nozawa Onsen
Closest first — click to see jobs & living info.
About
A traditional hot spring village with over 1,300 years of history, combined with a modern ski resort spanning from 565m to 1,650m. Nozawa Onsen is renowned for its 13 free public onsens maintained by the community, charming narrow streets lined with ryokans, and the spectacular Dosojin Fire Festival every January 15th. The ski area offers excellent powder, tree skiing, and long cruising runs with far fewer crowds than Hakuba or Niseko.
Terrain & Mountain Profile
Run Breakdown
Summit
1,650m
Base
565m
Vertical Drop
1,085m
Lift Breakdown
1
Gondolas
15
Chairlifts
4
Surface Lifts
Employment & Recruitment
Estimated Seasonal Staff
400–700
Main Employers
- Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort (resort operations)
- Nozawa Holidays (accommodation & tours)
- Lodge Nagano
- Kaiya Nozawa
- Nozawa Central Apartments
- Nozawa Onsen Ski School
- Village ryokans, restaurants, and bars
Common Seasonal Jobs
Languages Required
- Visa Requirements
- Working Holiday Visa available for many nationalities including Australians, Canadians, British, and New Zealanders. Japanese language is very helpful for village life and interacting with local employers. English-speaking roles available in international lodges and ski school.
- Recruitment Timeline
- International lodges and ski schools begin hiring in August–September. Local Japanese businesses hire later, October–November. The village community is welcoming but values workers who make an effort with Japanese language.
Worker Amenities & Living
Staff Housing Available
- Cost of Living
- JPY ¥12,000–¥20,000 (food, transport, basics)
- Public Transport
- Nozawa Onsen is accessible by bus from Iiyama Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen (25 min from village). Shinkansen to Tokyo takes approximately 2 hours. Free village shuttle bus to ski lifts. Limited local buses to surrounding areas.
Staff Perks
- Discounted season pass
- Free public onsen access (13 bathhouses)
- Staff meals at some employers
- Subsidized accommodation
- Pro deals on gear
- Cultural immersion in traditional village life
Local Life & Community
- Après & Nightlife
- Unique blend of traditional and modern. The 13 free public onsens are the heart of après-ski culture — Ogama is the most famous, used for communal egg and vegetable boiling. Popular bars include Stay Bar (international hangout), Kaiya Bar, and Zig Zag Bar. Traditional izakayas along the village streets serve nabe (hot pot), oyaki dumplings, and local sake. The Dosojin Fire Festival in January is one of Japan's most spectacular fire festivals.
- Healthcare
- Nozawa Onsen has a small village clinic. Iiyama Hospital (25 min by bus) for more serious needs. Nagano City hospitals (1 hr by shinkansen) for major emergencies. National health insurance or travel insurance recommended.
- Shops & Services
- Small village shops, Ogama market, a few convenience stores. Limited grocery shopping — many workers stock up in Iiyama. Rental shops and gear stores in the village. Unique craft shops and traditional sweet shops along narrow streets.
- International Community
- Medium — a growing but still modest international community, smaller than Hakuba or Niseko. Predominantly Australian, with some Europeans and North Americans. The village's traditional character attracts workers seeking a more cultural experience.
Outdoor Activities (Non-Ski)
Nearby Towns
Nozawa Onsen Village
0 km awayA charming traditional onsen village where the ski runs end right in town. Famous for its 13 free public hot springs and the Dosojin Fire Festival. One of Japan's most atmospheric ski towns.
Open Positions
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Browse all jobs at Nozawa Onsen →Season
Nov 2025 – May 2026
Climate & Snow
- Winter Temps
- -10°C to -2°C
- Snow Reliability
- high
- Snowmaking
- 3% of runs
- Avg Snowfall
- 1,200 cm/yr
Location
36.9236°N, 138.6353°E
Nearest town: Nozawa Onsen