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ACCOMMODATION AREAS
This is an introduction to the major areas for accommodation, the characteristics of each area, and the different types of accommodation available within the Shinetsu Shizenkyo region.
Area
Myoko | Nozawa Onsen| Shiga Highlands | Kita-Shiga Highlands | Yudanaka/Shibu Onsenkyo | Togari Onsen
English spoken
C/Card
Wi-Fi (lobby)
Wi-Fi (guest room)
Vegetarian menu available
Halal menu available
Transfer service from nearest station
Hot spring
Open air bathing area
Private bathing area
Day visitor bathing
Accessibility
Nozawa Onsen
Historically renowned as an onsen region, in winter Nozawa welcomes both local and foreign visitors with a festive atmosphere. Why not wander the onsen village, soak up the distinctly Japanese ambiance, grab a bite at a local eatery and stay at a ryokan or minshuku? With an altitude of 1000m, the slopes not only offer good skiing but also opportunities for snowshoe walking, and to visit the snowfields by snowmobile. With English speaking staff readily available, you are sure to enjoy a relaxed and hassle-free time in Nozawa Onsen.
Access: 25 min by bus from JR Iiyama Station
Shiga Highlands
Surrounded by 2000m-tall mountains and hosting 19 ski resorts, Shiga Highlands's pride lies in its colossal ski runs, its many hotels and Ryokans, some of which even have their own private onsen. As well as skiing and snowboarding, the area also hosts snowshoe walking; and from late February, back country tours. In its green season, it offers trekking trails around the 70 unique lakes that dot the scenery.
Access: Nagaden bus from JR Iiyama Station
Kita-Shiga Highlands
Kita-Shiga Highlands offers four Ski Resorts (X-JAM Takai Fuji, Komaruyama, Ryuuo Ski Park, Yomase Onsen), as well as multiple accommodation facilities such as pensions and minshukus. The traditional Sugakawa Soba is a local specialty - you could even learn how to make it yourself under the instruction of a Soba making Master. Nemagaridake Bamboo crafts have a long history in the region. They are popularly used as interior decorations and accessory holders.
Access: Bus from JR Iiyama Station.
Yudanaka/Shibu Onsenkyo
At the base of Shiga Highlands, nine onsen villages converge in the Yudanaka/Shibu Onsenkyo Area. The many bountiful springs and the water's healing properties are responsible for the area's historical fame as a recuperating retreat, and many ryokan line the streets. As each spring has different properties, it is highly recommended to wander the cobblestone streets, wearing traditional yukata robes and geta sandals to visit each different onsen. Pressed for time? Not to worry onsen foot baths are easily accessible outside the Yudanaka Station and within the city center. This area is also especially conveniently close by the famed onsen-bathing snow monkeys.
Access: 45 min on the Nagano Dentetsu Tokkyu from Nagano Station, and a short walk from Yudanaka Station or by "Kanbayashi Onsen" Bus
Togari Onsen
The Togari Onsen Ski Slope is surrounded by many Minshuku with agricultural means. The city area offers two day-use onsen facilities, restaurants, and snowshoe walking experiences. Touring the eateries around the ski run is also a recommended activity. At night, unwind at your minshuku with a serving of local sake to complement the local cuisine. Shinanodaira, famed for its Kamakura (igloo) town that pops up in February, is only a ten minute drive away.
Access: 20 min by bus from JR Iiyama Station
Madarao Highlands
The Madarao Highlands area sits at an altitude of 1000m, and boasts quality powder snow at the Madarao Ski Resort, relaxation time at the Madarao Onsen, and many hotels and "pensions". At the visitor center, "Madarao Highlands, Yama no ie", you can experience Soba noodle making and different crafts. There are also instructors available for snowshoe walking in winter, and trekking across spring to autumn. Madarao Highlands also marks the starting point of the 80km Shinetsu Trail, spanning the boundary between Niigata and Nagano.
Access: 30 min by bus from JR Iiyama Station
Other Area
