Summer in Nozawa Onsen is a time to stay cool high on the mountain, in and around the areas lakes or down low in the river valleys. The locals are deep into the farming season and its a quiet time to be in the village other than the Obon holidays (mid-August). The gondola is open until August 28 for mountain biking and hiking and you can also camp up at Lake Sutako until the end of August. The night Gondola runs through Aug. 25
If you want to come up for some summer festivals, the Chikuma Riverside Fireworks are on August 14 this year and Madarao has its annual Madarao Kogen Summer Festival on Aug. 13. Music lovers shouldn’t miss the Sawagosa Festival Aug. 24-25 across the river in Togari. Check out our What’s On page for more details and links.
If you are looking for some peace and quiet and to escape the stifling heat in Japan’s cities, escape to Nozawa Onsen for some hiking, cycling, hot springs and fresh mountain air.
