Ski Slope　Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort

Enjoy a round ofpublic bathing just like the local folks.

In Nozawa Onsen, there are a total of 13 public hot-spring baths known as “Sotoyu” which are a common asset of the local villagers and have been preserved under a kind of hot-spring fraternity known as “Yu-nakama” for centuries since the Edo Period. Without doubt, the hot waters of these public baths are 100% fresh and natural. Become a local villager yourself and make the rounds of the Sotoyu.

Rules for enjoying Sotoyu
・Behave like the local folks. Good manners are appreciated.
・At Nozawa Onsen, “hot” waters are a part of life.
・Rinsing yourself before entering the tub is an important bit of etiquette.
・Never dilute the freshness of thermal waters.
・Dry yourself thoroughly before returning to the dressing room so as not to wet the floor.
・Make sure to drink enough water after bathing.

Information about Bath Houses

Thirteen bath houses in this hot-spring resort village have been maintained as community properties jointly owned by the villagers and protected by an organization called Yu-nakama--meaning friends of the hot-spa--since the Edo Period. These bath houses use 100% natural hot-spring water, which is not recycled. Properly maintained and always clean, the bath houses are open to the public and can be enjoyed by short-term visitors as well as the villagers who use them every day. Experience the heartwarming human relationship that exists between villagers and guests at each bath house. Relaxing and soaking in the hot water, this is the time to talk about and listen to what each of us has discovered and experienced during the day. Yakushi Sanzon--a triad comprising the Buddha of healing and medicine and his two attendant bodhisattvas--is enshrined at the Ooyu bath house, while his 12 heavenly guardians are enshrined at the other bath houses. Together, this group of Buddhist deities protect Nozawa hot spring resort.