Nozawa Hospitality

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I cancel my lesson due to emergency

Cancellation queries are observed case by case, please refer to your booking link for our booking policies.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
Is lunch included in my lesson?

Lunch is not covered in the lesson fee. Please make sure to bring money for lunch during your full-day lesson.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
Does the lesson price include my lift ticket

Lift tickets are not included in our ski lessons. We will advise which ticket to purchase during the booking process. Lift tickets can be purchased directly from the front desk (service fee included)

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
What's there to do outside of Nozawa Onsen?

Please email us, or ask your front desk for information. There are several exceptional restaurants within easy driving distance from the village. There are wineries and sake breweries within easy driving distance too. Obuse is a historic market town a short drive away, with a museum of Hokusai prints, good restaurants and souvenir shops, and a sake brewery.

Others
I don't ski/the snow condition is bad. Is there anything else to do in the village?

Try an onsen. Visit the ski museum. Have another onsen. Go hiking. Take an onsen. Visit the snow monkeys. Bathe.Take a soba-making class. Go to the onsen. Sit in one of the many cafes and read a book. Go back to the onsen. 

Your front desk staff will have plenty of suggestions for you!

Others
Can we hire a babysitter?

Yes, subject to availability. Please email us at least a week before your arrival if you need a babysitter. 

Others
Are there any childcare services?

Yes. There is a day-creche run by the ski resort, at Hikage base station. Please book at least three days in advance.

If you require assistance in booking, please email us at least a week before your arrival with the necessary information (e.g. child's name, age, allergies, things to take note of, potty trained, dates and etc.)

Others
Can I hire a baby cot?

Yes, for JPY 2,500 per night.

Others
Are there laundry facilities in Nozawa Onsen?

Most of our properties offer free guest laundry facilities for use. Detergent is provided free-of-charge as well.

Others
Are there emergency services?

Yes, the emergency number can be found in the information booklet in your accommodation. The nearest hospital is in Iiyama city, a 20-minute drive.

Others
Are there non-smoking/smoking rooms?

All our properties are non-smoking.

Others
Is there free Wifi in the village?

Yes, and in the gondola stations, although coverage isn’t universal.

Others
Is there free Wifi in the property?

All our properties have free Wifi.

Others
Do you serve meals?

It depends on the type of accommodation you’re staying in. For apartments or self-contained lodges that come with a kitchen, no meals will be provided, though we do provide simple breakfast ingredients or a welcome basket for some houses. 

Others
Where is Nozawa Onsen?

Nozawa Onsen is 258km north of Tokyo, roughly 3.5 hours’ drive, or a little over 2 hours by public transport.

Others
What should I bring for the activities/lessons/workshops?

Just yourself and your camera. The host will provide everything else needed for the class.

Services
How long are the activities/lessons/workshops?

Depends on the difficulty level. Soba-making is about an hour, while Japanese handicraft can go up to three hours.

Services
When are the activities/lessons/workshops available?

Please check with the front desk for the schedules.

Services
Should I book the activities/lessons/workshops in advance or decide when I arrive?

You should book at least a day in advance. Note that most lessons need at least two guests.

Services
DIY Activities/Lessons/Workshops Cancellation

At least three days’ notice for cancellation

The local artists spend time and effort preparing for the lessons in advance.

Services
What type of flowers are there?

- Roses

- Omakase – ‘Red’, ‘Pink’ or ‘Yellow’

Services
How long in advance should I order the flowers?

Please order at least five days in advance. If you’ve only remembered your wife’s birthday on the day, ordering flowers is the least of your worries.

Services
It’s my anniversary. Can I order some flowers for my wife?

Yes. Rates begin from JPY 3,000 + delivery fee JPY 1,200.

Services
What type of cakes are there?

- Letter cake

- Photo cake

- Strawberry cake

- Chocolate strawberry cake

- Fruit tart

- Gluten-free/Egg-free/Dairy-free cake (unavailable over certain weekends)

 

Rates begin from JPY 2,500 + delivery fee JPY 1,200.

Services
I have a back problem. Will yoga worsen my back?

Please let the yoga instructor know about your back problem during class. She will select poses that do not hurt your back and soothe out the back aches.

Services
I’m not flexible. Am I still able to do yoga?

Our yoga instructor will be happy to help with your flexibility.

Services
What should I wear for the yoga lesson?

Please wear comfortable clothing.

Services
Do I need my own yoga mat?

No. Sanitised yoga mats and other equipment will be provided.

Services
When are the yoga lessons available?

The schedule should be available at the front desk.

Services
How long are the yoga lessons?

1 hour per lesson.

Services
Should I book yoga lessons in advance?

Yes. Please book at least a day in advance. For more information, please approach the front desk.

Services
What should I bring for the snow monkey tour?

It’s an outdoor tour, with a couple of kilometres of rough trail hiking, so please consider your clothing and footwear.

Services
How long is the snow monkey tour?

It’s a half day tour from 1pm to 5pm.

Services
Should I book the snow monkey tour in advance?

You should book at least one day in advance. For more details, please check with the front desk.

Services
Are there waxing or tuning services?

Yes.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
Can I buy gear at the rental shop?

Yes.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
Can I change my gear during the rental period?

Yes.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
Is there any ski storage space up at the lifts or do we bring it back to the hotel?

Most rental shops on the home slopes offer overnight storage for your equipment. If you have your own equipment, or have rented in the village, please speak to your relevant front desk for information on ski storage options. Please note that rental lockers based at the gondolas are not overnight and you will be required to take your gear back to your accommodation.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
I have really huge feet. Are there boots available?

Generally, yes. If you’re really concerned, please email us and we’ll check for you.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
Should I bring my own gear or hire?

Up to you. There are good courier services (usually delivering within 24 hours) from the airport to the village so you don’t need to carry your skis on the train. However, rental equipment is of good quality.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
How much is ski/snowboard hire?

It depends on what grade you’re looking to hire – Standard, Latest Model, Premium.

Rates usually begin from JPY 4,000 per person per day. Rates are usually available from November onwards. You may email us to check on the rates. 

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
Should I rent in advance or do I get them when I arrive?

There’s no need to book in advance. If you want high-specification pro gear you can reserve this at most rental shops a day before. If you wish to rent in advance, please reach out to your relevant front desk.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
What are their opening hours?

Generally from 8am to 5pm. You may double check with the front desk staff before you go to the shop. 

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
Where can I rent ski gear?

There are many ski rental shops in the village. We recommend using those close to the home slopes as they generally have storage facilities (so you don’t have to carry your equipment to and from your accommodation).

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
What are the cancellation policies for lift passes?

Once you’ve exchanged for lift passes or used the lift passes, there’s no refund.

You have up till the start date of your pass to cancel.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
What are the payment policies for lift passes?

Cash payment at the front desk when you arrive.

There will be an additional service fee for both credit card and cash payments.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
I bought a 6-day lift pass. Can I take a break on the 4th day or are my passes on consecutive days?

Yes. The lift pass will expire 10 days after the start date.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
Do you sell more than 3-day lift passes?

We sell up to 6-day lift passes.

However, the resort currently can only issue a maximum of 3 days on one pass. If you’ve ordered a longer pass, you’ll need to exchange the voucher every three days at a lift ticket counter.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
How do I purchase lift passes?

You can order your lift passes from November onwards via email. You may make payment at the front desk with cash or credit card (subject to a service fee).

Alternatively you can buy lift passes at the resort (with cash or a credit card).

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
Should I book snowshoeing in advance or do I book when I arrive?

Either is fine; if you book after you’ve arrived, please give us a day’s notice.

Ski Related
Can children and elderly snowshoe?

Anyone who can hike, can snowshoe.

Ski Related
What is snowshoeing?

You strap small platforms to the bottom of your regular walking boots, that allows you to walk on snow without sinking in. You can then enjoy hiking on snow.

Ski Related
I have never done snow sports before. Should I start with skiing or snowboarding?

It’s up to you. Some people say that surfers/skateboarders find snowboarding easier, while skaters and rollerbladers find skiing easier. Snowboarding is quite physical while skiing can be less physically challenging. And the fashion style is different!

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
I have never skied before. Should I book private lessons or group lesson? Full day or half day?

It’s up to you, and how you like to learn. A lot of your competence will come from practicing what your instructor has taught you so you may not need to be with an instructor the whole time.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
There are a mix of skill levels in our group. Can we have lessons together?

You can book a private lesson together. However, lessons work better if everyone is roughly the same level and so you might want to consider separate lessons for part of your day, and then ski/board together after your lessons.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
There are a mix of skiers and snowboarders in our group. Can we have lessons together?

Currently, Nozawa Hospitality Ski School is only offering ski lessons. However, we may be able to request it as a private lesson; we do not recommend it as the techniques are very different and few instructors can teach both.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
There are a mix of adult and children in our group. Can we have lessons together?

You can book a private lesson together. Note that private lessons work better if everyone is roughly the same level.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
Should I book lessons in advance or do I book when I arrive?

You can book ski lessons at the same time as your accommodation. Alternatively, your front desk staff can book for you, with three days’ notice.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
Are there any Mandarin-speaking instructors?

We can usually find a Mandarin-speaking instructor but please let us know your request at the time of booking your accommodation.

Ski Related
Are there any English-speaking instructors?

Yes. If you’d like to engage an instructor, please let us know at the time of booking your accommodation. 

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
How do I get to Nagasaka ski area from Hikage ski area?

Go to the ski school building at Hikage ski area. A public snowmobile shuttle will ferry passengers to and fro every 10-15 minutes for free. Feel free to ask the front desk staff for directions.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
Where should I meet my instructor?

Instructors will meet you at your accommodation within Nozawa Onsen or at the gondola. Please note - afternoon lessons, will be at either Address Nagasaka or Schuss at Hikage as previously arranged with your instructor.

Ski Related
How do I book ski lessons?

You can book your ski lessons at Nozawa Hospitality Ski school here: or enquire directly at ski@nozawahospitality.com

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School
How far is the hotel to the slopes?

The distance varies depending on which accomodation you are staying at. Please approach the front desk staff for directions.

Ski Related
Can I bring my towel to cover up in the onsen?

You can bring a small onsen towel with you to the onsen. You must not bring it with you into the bathwater though.

Onsen
Can I wear swimwear in the onsen?

No, you bathe naked. Only at Sparena, swimwear is required.

Onsen
Do I have to pay for the onsen?

Furusato no Yu, and Sparena, charge for entrance. All other onsen are free, although you may make a donation to their upkeep in the donation box at the entrance if you like.

Onsen
Is there a foot onsen?

There are several foot onsen dotted around the village. Please ask your front desk for directions.

Onsen
Is there mixed gender onsen?

Yes, at Sparena - swimwear is required. Feel free to ask the front desk for directions to the onsen.

Onsen
Is there a private onsen?

Some hotels like Residence Yasushi have private-use onsen, usually exclusive to hotel guests only.

Onsen
Is there a supermarket in the village?

Yes, there is a simple supermarket in the village. There are much bigger supermarkets in Iiyama where the Shinkansen station is. Please feel free to ask the front desk for directions.

Restaurants
I’m allergic to gluten/nut. Are there any options for me?

Yes, but please advise us at the time you reserve your accommodation.

Restaurants
Do we need a car to get around Nozawa Onsen?

Not necessary. It is a small village and everything is within walking distance. 

Transport
Is there parking available?

Yes, we have limited parking at some hotels and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please inform us that you need a parking space at the same time as you reserve your accommodation. If there are no parking lots left available, we will guide you to the nearest public parking.

Transport
Can you organise private transport for our group?

Yes, we can. We need at least two weeks’ notice. Please email us with the necessary details (e.g. pick-up location, travel date, arrival time, no. of people, no. of baggage & etc).

Transport
Should I get the JR Pass instead?

The JR pass is very good value if you are travelling on multiple long-distance trains. There are several options, please click here to see if it would make sense for you. 

If you are certain that you need a JR pass, you must apply for it before you arrive in Japan, and collect your pass at the first station that you want to use it.

Transport
How do I book a taxi from Iiyama station to Nozawa Onsen & vice-versa?

From Iiyama Station to Nozawa Onsen, if you have a reserved seat on the Shinkansen, please email us at least three days in advance with the train number and time of arrival at Iiyama Station, and we will book a taxi for you. If not, there are often taxis waiting at the train station's taxi stand.

If you would like to book a taxi from Nozawa Onsen to Iiyama Station, please let the front desk know at least two days in advance, especially if it is over the weekend.

Transport
How do I book the bus from Iiyama station to Nozawa Onsen & vice-versa?

You do not need to book it unless you are arriving in a group of 20 or more. At peak periods, if one departure is full, the bus operator will automatically provide another bus to match demand.

Transport
How do I book Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket in advance?

You can book a reserved seat up to one month before the departure date, at any JR main station or here.

Note that all Shinkansen that stop at Iiyama also have unreserved seats that you do not need to book. Ticket vending machines have an English menu and sell both reserved and unreserved seats; they take JPY cash, and local credit cards; if you want to use a foreign credit card, you should go to the counter.

Transport
How do I book airport taxi transfer?

Please email us at least a week in advance with the following information:

Your Name:

Booking ID of your reservation:

No. of adults:

No. of children (aged 12 and below):

Flight Arrival/Departure date:

Flight Arrival/Departure time:

Airport:

No. of luggage/ski bags:

Transport
How do I book airport bus transfer?

You may book the Nagano Snow Shuttle using this link.

Transport
Where can I find the Nozawa Liner bus schedule?

The Nozawa Liner bus schedule is available at the front desk. Alternatively, you could go to this website.

Transport
Where can I find the train schedule?

The train schedule is available at the front desk. Alternatively, you could try this website.

Transport
How much does the luggage courier cost?

It depends on your luggage size and weight. It is usually between JPY 2500 - JPY 4000 per luggage.

Arrival & Departure
Can you send my luggage/ski bag to the airport/a hotel in Japan?

Yes, you can send your luggage in advance. Please let the front desk know when you check-in that you would like to send your luggage and they will advise further.

To the airport, you would need to send your luggage at least 48 hours before your flight. To other places in Japan, it will take 24 hours.

Arrival & Departure
Can I send my luggage/ski bag to you in advance?

Yes, and we would encourage you to do so. 

Recommended courier company: Kuroneko Yamato (the logo is a black cat with a yellow background)

Simply present the accommodation address in Japanese to the courier staff at the airport, and they will handle the paperwork for you. Your luggage should arrive at the hotel in 24 hours. If you are sending your luggage more than three days before your arrival, please let us know.

Arrival & Departure
Can I use the facilities even after check-out?

Yes, you can use the facilities after you have checked out, for that day.

Arrival & Departure
Can I leave my luggage at the reception?

Yes, we will look after your luggage for you after you have checked out, for that day.

Arrival & Departure
I will arrive past midnight/past reception hours. How can I check in?

Please let us know at least 2 days before your arrival. We will send you the door code (if applicable to your hotel) and check-in instructions, so when you arrive, you may collect your keys at the front desk, and deal with the check-in formalities in the morning. Please bring along your passports for check-in.

If you are staying at Paradise Chalet, please note that you must check in at Address Nozawa between 11:00  and 14:00 JPY. Any later than 14:00, you may miss the last gondola that will take you to Paradise Chalet. In winter, there is no other way to go up to the mountains other than taking the gondola.

Arrival & Departure
Do you speak Japanese?

Yes, we will have at least one bilingual staff who is fluent in English and Japanese in every property to assist in reservations and simple translations.

Others
Do you speak English?

Yes, we will have at least one bilingual staff who is fluent in English and Japanese in every property to assist in explanations and simple translations.


Others
It’s my friend’s birthday. Can I order a cake?

Yes. Please order at least a week in advance or use this link.

Services
How do I book the inter-resort shuttle?

No need to book. You can simply head to Chuo Bus terminal and wait for the inter-resort shuttle. Prices start from JPY 6,200 per person. Check with the front desk for the bus schedules and directions to the bus terminal.

Nozawa Hospitality Ski School

If you still have a specific question that hasn't' been answered by our FAQ, please get in touch