TRAVEL TO JAPAN
Japan is an island nation in East Asia, made up of four main islands and thousands of smaller ones, stretching from the snowy north of Hokkaido to the subtropical south of Okinawa. It has a population of around 125 million people and world-class infrastructure, including major international airports, excellent medical facilities and hospitals, banking facilities (including ATMs, though cash is still widely used), extensive wifi coverage, and one of the best rail networks in the world.
Travel within Japan is fast and reliable — the shinkansen (bullet train) connects major cities at speeds of up to 300kph, and local trains and buses reach even small mountain villages.
TRAVEL TO NOZAWA ONSEN
Nozawa Onsen is a traditional hot spring village nestled in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, on Japan's main island of Honshu. Famous for its thirteen free public bathhouses, cobblestone lanes, and centuries-old onsen culture, the village has retained the charm and rhythm of old Japan. It is compact and wonderfully walkable — everything from bathhouses to restaurants, temples, and mountain trails is within easy reach on foot.
The village sits at the base of Mount Kenashi and is surrounded by forest, rice fields, and alpine scenery. While Nozawa is best known internationally as a winter ski destination, the green season reveals a quieter side — misty mountains, hiking trails, local produce, and steaming onsen waters year round. Japan has excellent infrastructure throughout, including reliable public transport, good medical facilities, ATMs, and widespread wifi coverage.
TOURIST VISA:
If travelling from overseas, visa requirements are different for every country and every person and can change intermittently. Australian passport holders can currently enter Japan visa-free for short-term tourist stays. For the most recent information on visas for your trip, please visit Smart Traveller.
GETTING TO NOZAWA ONSEN:
Nearest international airport.
Tokyo — Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT).
Shinkansen (bullet train).
Iiyama is the nearest station on the line from Tokyo. The journey from Tokyo or Ueno to Iiyama takes about 90 to 120 minutes, with a train roughly every one to two hours.
Iiyama to Nozawa Onsen.
From Iiyama Station, the Nozawa Onsen Liner runs directly to the central bus stop in the village; ¥600 per person, and the hotel is a 5 to 10 minute walk from there. The Liner departs to the left of the station exit.
Private transfer or taxi.
A private transfer from Iiyama to the hotel can be arranged, ¥6,000 to ¥7,000; let us know in advance if you'd like it booked.
Driving.
Tokyo to Nozawa is 4 to 5 hours on the tollway, with tolls around ¥10,000. The highway speed limit is usually 100kph; watch for exceptions. Japan has zero tolerance for drink-driving. Free village parking is available in the green season; let us know in advance if you'll need a space.
DEPARTING:
Please allow plenty of time for your return journey to Tokyo when booking your departing flight — we recommend booking an evening flight on the last day of the retreat, or staying a night in Tokyo before flying home. If you'd like to arrive a day early or extend your stay, please let us know and we can help arrange this.
FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS:
A reminder that your flights and transfers to and from Nozawa Onsen are NOT included in your package.
A private transfer from Iiyama Station to the hotel can be arranged (¥6,000–¥7,000). Please let us know in advance if you'd like this booked for you.
PASSPORT & VISAS:
If travelling from overseas, please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you intend to return home. It's also a good idea to carry a digital copy of your passport photo in case you need a replacement passport overseas. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a tourist visa — check your government's travel advice for current requirements.
CURRENCY:
The currency is the Japanese Yen (¥ / JPY). Japan is still a largely cash-based society, particularly in smaller villages like Nozawa Onsen — many bathhouses, small restaurants, and local shops accept cash only. We recommend withdrawing yen at the airport or a 7-Eleven ATM (which reliably accept international cards) before travelling to the village.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Please note, even if you have private health insurance in Australia or your respective country of residence, it is unlikely that this insurance will cover overseas trips such as the retreats offered by Haum Space. It is your responsibility to organise suitable travel and health insurance. Although we strongly encourage you to do so, you acknowledge that Haum Space is not in the business of providing insurance products and cannot be held liable if your failure to arrange suitable insurance coverage leaves you exposed, medically, financially or otherwise.
FITNESS:
Whilst it is not a marathon, an average fitness level is required for Asana. Nozawa Onsen is a hillside village with cobblestone lanes and gentle slopes, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. If you plan to join a mountain walk or forest hike, a pair of sneakers or light hiking shoes will come in handy.
AMENITIES:
Your stay will include amenities. Towels and basic toiletries are provided at the hotel, and yukata (light cotton robes) are traditionally provided for wearing to and from the onsen.
ONSEN BATHING
What is an onsen?
An onsen is a natural hot spring bath, and Nozawa Onsen is home to thirteen free public bathhouses (soto-yu) scattered throughout the village, each fed by different mineral-rich springs. Bathing in the onsen is a central part of village life and a beautiful daily ritual to embrace during your stay.
Onsen etiquette:
Onsen are enjoyed unclothed, with men's and women's baths separated. Wash and rinse thoroughly at the washing stations before entering the bath, keep your small towel out of the water, and tie long hair up. Please note that some onsen in Japan do not permit visible tattoos — let us know if you have any questions and we can point you to the most welcoming baths.
PACKING:
Nozawa Onsen in the green season is mild during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings, so layers are your key essentials. Yoga mats and props are all provided by us.
Please bring your own toiletries and any medications you need, along with a reusable water bottle, and any chargers or adapters for your devices — Japan uses Type A power outlets (the same two flat pins as the US), so Australian travellers will need an adapter.
Below is a list that may help with your packing:
Comfortable yoga / movement clothing
Layers — a warm jumper or fleece for cool mornings and evenings
Light rain jacket
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
Swimwear (for any mixed or private baths — most onsen are enjoyed unclothed)
A small quick-dry towel for the onsen
Hat & sunglasses
Sunscreen
Personal articles & toiletries
Cash (yen) for bathhouses, local restaurants and shops
Power adapter (Type A)
Reusable water bottle
Note pad + pen/journal
Reading book
What is the weather like in Nozawa Onsen?
In the green season, Nozawa Onsen enjoys mild, fresh mountain weather — daytime temperatures are typically comfortable for walking and practice, while mornings and evenings are cool. Occasional rain showers are part of the mountain climate and only add to the atmosphere, so a light rain jacket is worth packing.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES / ADD ONS
Massage from ¥12,000-¥20,000p/p
Nozawa onsen hotspring crawl w/ stamp booklet ¥500p/p (self guided w/ map- Visit all onsens and shrine to collect all the stamps in booklet)
Buy a Yukata for each guest to wear to the onsens ~¥3000-¥8000p/p
Nozawa onsen town walk/tour 1-2 hour (Day 1 or 2) w/ Rowie ¥25,000
Sake tasting at local sake bar- ¥1000-¥4000p/p
Nozawa onsen Gin distillery tasting & tour ~¥1000p/p
(Winter only) Group snow shoe/nature walk. (Day 3 or weather/snow condition dependant) ¥10,000p/p inc guide, snow shoe & pole rental & gondola tickets) or ¥45,000 per day up to 8 participants 4 hours., snowshoe + pole rental: ¥2000p/p
(Summer only) E-bike to the lake or up the mountain ¥4000-¥5000
Outdoor picnic on the mountain or by the lake (summer and winter) ¥3000p/p
Snow Monkey Tour (usually departs Nozawa at 1pm, returns ~5pm) ~¥8000p/p or Private: micro bus or Hi ace van ¥88,000
Cooking class (soba or okayai buns ~¥6600p/p)
Japanese tea ceremony - ¥11,000p/p
Private or small group ski/snowboard lessons ~¥25,000p/p
Togakushi Private transport: (~4hours) Hi ace ¥87,800 / Micro bus ¥97,300 + lunch add ~¥2500p/p
FOOD
What meals are included?
Nozawa Onsen is also known for its wonderful local food culture — soba noodles, nozawana (the village's famous pickled greens), oyaki dumplings, and onsen tamago (eggs slow-cooked in the hot spring waters). There are plenty of small family-run restaurants and izakaya within walking distance of the hotel for any meals not included in your package.
*Please let us know your specific dietary requirements, allergies, and intolerances, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
