5-Minute Walk
to the Nagasaka Gondola,
Nozawa Onsen
Snow in the morning, onsen at night.
Maruken Sanso is a traditional minshuku nestled in the quiet mountain village of Nozawa Onsen, Nagano. For years we have welcomed skiers and onsen lovers with genuine warmth and home-cooked hospitality.
Just a 5-minute walk from the Nagasaka Gondola — the main entrance to Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. Families with children and solo travellers alike can walk straight to the slopes with their gear in hand. After a day on the mountain, hop between the outdoor communal baths and take an evening stroll through the onsen village.
A room for every
kind of journey.
11 rooms, all with breakfast.
From standard twin and traditional Japanese tatami rooms to deluxe Japanese rooms with private facilities, and Japanese-Western combination suites. All 11 rooms include breakfast.
Twin Room
2 beds / Toilet & washbasin: shared
TV / Heating / Towels / Toothbrush
Japanese Room
Tatami room / Toilet & washbasin: shared
TV / Heating / Towels / Toothbrush
Japanese Room with Private Facilities
Tatami room / Toilet & washbasin: en suite
TV / Heating / Towels / Toothbrush
Japanese-Western Suite with Private Facilities
Tatami + bedroom / Toilet & washbasin: en suite
TV / Heating / Towels / Toothbrush
— All rooms include breakfast —
Eat well
before the slopes.
A warm meal before hitting the slopes.
Mornings in Nozawa Onsen are quiet and crisp. We serve a traditional Japanese breakfast in our dining room.
Fuel up properly before heading out. A warm, home-style meal to set you up for a full day on the mountain.
— Breakfast-included plans only.
— We are unable to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-related dietary requests.
— Guests are welcome to bring their own food and use the dining room (please be considerate of strong odours).
Large Baths (Men's & Women's)
Spacious baths to unwind after a long day on the slopes.
Changing Rooms
Separate, clean changing areas for men and women.
Laundry / Ski Lockers
Dry out your gear properly. Perfect for extended stays.
Dining Room
A relaxed space to enjoy your morning breakfast.
Common Area
Microwave, kettle, and vending machine available.
Shared Washbasins
Clean and well-maintained shared facilities.
Hair Dryers Available
Available on the second-floor common area.
— The entire property is non-smoking (outdoor smoking area available).
— Front desk closes at 10:00 PM. Premises locked at 11:00 PM.
7776-2 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen-mura,
Shimotagami-gun, Nagano 389-2502, Japan
Check-in: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
8 spaces (free of charge)
Take the direct "Nozawa Onsen Liner" bus from JR Iiyama Station (approx. 25 min). Alight at the Nozawa Onsen bus stop and walk approx. 10 minutes.
⚠ There is no public transport from Kamisakai or Togari-Nozawaonsen stations to Nozawa Onsen. Please use the bus from JR Iiyama Station or travel by car.
Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC → Rt. 353 → Rt. 117 → Pref. Rt. 38 → approx. 90 min
Toyota-Iiyama IC → Rt. 353 → Rt. 117 → Pref. Rt. 38 → approx. 60 min
⚠ In winter, the road directly in front of the ski resort may be closed to traffic. Navigation systems may direct you to turn right before the village centre toward the gondola and car parks — please disregard this and continue straight into the village.
The Joy of Nozawa —
Bath-Hopping Through the Village
Nozawa Onsen is home to 13 soto-yu (communal outdoor baths), lovingly maintained by the village for generations.
Open to all free of charge, each bath has its own distinct character and mineral composition.
Follow the drifting steam from the wooden bathhouses and step into a world that feels like a living onsen painting.
Oyu — The Grand Bath
The proud centrepiece of Nozawa Onsen.
The imposing traditional bathhouse and billowing steam are truly breathtaking.
Its intensely hot water is the very essence of Nozawa's legendary bath culture.
Kuma-no-teaurai-yu
A legendary bath said to have once healed the wounds of bears. The gentle water temperature makes it ideal for a long soak — a soothing stop on any journey.
Shin-yu
A beautifully crafted bathhouse with silky, mild water. Popular with locals and long treasured for its gentle, welcoming character.
Taki-no-yu
A hidden gem tucked deep in the village. Characterised by vigorously flowing hot water from the spout — a lively and invigorating soak.
Nakao-no-yu
Spacious and open, with a large bathhouse and airy atmosphere. The water runs quite hot — ideal for those who want to warm up thoroughly.
Kamitera-yu
A homey bath beloved by locals. The direct-source hot water warms you from the inside out, exactly as a mountain bath should.
Matsuba-no-yu
A tucked-away retreat on a quiet residential street. The soft, gentle water invites you to simply breathe and let the day go.
Akiba-no-yu
A cosy little bathhouse where you can feel the rhythm of local life. Slightly hot water makes it perfect for a refreshing post-ski dip.
Kawahara-yu
A bath that retains the atmosphere of old Japan's healing tradition. Nozawa's characteristically hot water will have you glowing in minutes.
Juodo-no-yu
A tranquil community bath beside the Juodo shrine. The gentle water soothes body and mind — a peaceful pause amid the village bustle.
Asagama-no-yu
A storied outdoor bath near the Ogama hot spring source. The intensely hot water delivers the quintessential, unforgettable Nozawa experience.
Shinden-no-yu
Clean and welcoming — a great first soto-yu for newcomers. The comfortable temperature makes it family-friendly too.
Yokouchi-no-yu
A down-to-earth neighbourhood bath with a simple, unpretentious charm. A milder temperature makes it an easy and inviting soak for all.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots
Within Nozawa Onsen
The onsen village is dotted with sights you can explore entirely on foot.
The Ogama hot spring source, souvenir shops and street food along the main street, temples and historic townscapes —
you can fully savour the charms of Nozawa Onsen without ever needing a car.
Yakuozan Kenmeiji Temple
A venerable temple deeply entwined with the history of Nozawa Onsen. The tranquil grounds offer changing scenery with every season — especially spectacular in autumn foliage. Climbing the stone steps, you enter an atmosphere of quiet calm far removed from the everyday. A serene pause during your village stroll.
Uenodaira Plateau
A nature-rich plateau at around 1,400 m, easily reached by gondola. In summer, cool breezes and hiking through beech forests are a popular pastime. A completely different side of Nozawa Onsen from the winter resort experience. Perfect for those wanting to simply breathe in the mountains.
Oboro Tsukiyo Museum (Hanzan Bunko)
A literary museum dedicated to Tatsunosuke Takano, lyricist of the beloved folk song "Oboro Tsukiyo." A refined, contemplative space where the culture and history of Nozawa Onsen come alive. The perfect stop for a thoughtful afternoon away from the slopes.
Yuzawa Shrine
A serene shrine perched on a hill overlooking the onsen village. Climbing the long stone stairway, you find a stillness and clarity of air that restore the spirit. A perfect morning walk or post-bath stroll for those seeking a moment of quiet.
Dosojin Fire Festival Grounds
The site of the Dosojin Fire Festival, one of Japan's Three Great Fire Festivals. Quiet most of the year, but knowing the history of this extraordinary event deepens your appreciation of Nozawa's living culture. A worthwhile visit in any season.
Nearby Attractions
Venture a little further and discover the natural scenery of the Kita-Shinshu region.
Highland walks in the green season, dramatic snowscapes in winter — every season brings its own character.
Obuse Town
The charming town of Obuse, famous for chestnuts and Hokusai. Stroll atmospheric streets, sample chestnut confections, and visit art galleries. A beloved destination for couples and food culture enthusiasts — a rewarding detour from Nozawa Onsen.
Jigokudani Monkey Park
The world-famous home of the "Snow Monkeys." Watching Japanese macaques bathe in the hot spring is a sight found nowhere else on earth — hugely popular with international visitors. Magical in winter, yet spectacular in every season.
Iiyama Nanohana Park
In spring, a vast field of bright yellow rapeseed flowers blooms against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains — a stunning landscape for photography. Easily accessible and well worth a visit during a spring stay.
House Rules
- Payment is required in advance at the time of booking.
- QR code payments and IC card payments are not accepted on-site.
- Breakfast-included plans only.
- We are unable to accommodate allergy, vegetarian, or special dietary requests.
- Guests are welcome to bring their own food and use the dining room.
- Please be considerate of strong food odours out of respect for other guests.
- The entire property is non-smoking (outdoor smoking area available).
- Front desk closes at 10:00 PM. Main entrance is locked at 11:00 PM.
Cancellation Policy
| 30 days prior or more | 30% of room rate |
|---|---|
| 14 days prior or more | 50% of room rate |
| 3 days prior – day of arrival | 100% of room rate |
| No-show / Walk-out | 100% of room rate |
* To cancel, please contact us by phone or through your booking platform.