Nozawa Onsen restaurant introduction

Along with the great restaurants up on the ski resort, there are so many eating-places and quaint bars in the Nozawa village. We cannot list them all in here, but we would like to introduce you to some of our favourite options. 

When dining out in Nozawa Onsen during busy season, it can often be difficult to find a space in the popular spots. We recommend getting in early – most people eat around 7pm so head to that restaurant you’ve been thinking about at 5:30-6:00pm instead.

Many restaurants in Nozawa Onsen are small & rely on walk-ins due to frequent no-shows or late arrivals. In-person reservations often work best, if they see you face to face they know you are coming. On your first evening in Nozawa, consider walking around the compact village after dinner to make bookings (not just the ones on the main street!)

1. Akari House Swiss Bakery/Cafe

Located a 1 minute walk from Nozawa Peaks; espresso coffee, baked goods, comfortable wooden decor, becomes a Pizza restaurant at night.

2. Organic Coffee Stand Shizenya

Not your typical coffee shop, they are mostly vegan offering so no cows milk, also no espresso coffee (drip only). For eats, Shizenya offer vegan pancakes and other delicious pastries including take-out.

3. Nappa Cafe

Also known as (78 Café) known for its laid-back atmosphere, quirky antique Japanese toys. Coffees, teas, smoothies and light meals. Don’t miss their Taco rice and home-made cakes.

4. Cafe Melia

Local family run café located in the village centre. Bagels, vegan cupcakes, and pancakes they also sell skateboarding gear and locally made jewellery.

5. Winterland

Choose from western big breakfast, veggie breakfast, breakfast burrito (veggie and vegan options available) and more. Espresso from 7am daily.

Shabu-shabu available at Wagyu-tei (above stay bar), & Sooyu restaurants, Nozawa Onsen

Most visitors to Nozawa have lunch at the ski resort, there is a large range of options, we recommend trying them all. Buna (located on “paradise” ski run) is a favourite, it can get very busy so go early or later.

Olive (next to the ski school at Hikage area) serves waffles which can be popular for the kids.

Restaurants in the village usually open for lunch from 12-2pm.

Nearest Dinner options to Nozawa Peaks

The following restaurants are conveniently located within 1-4 minute walk from Nozawa Peaks.

1. Tonkichi

Okonomiyaki and Izakaya style restaurant (delicious small dishes). Located next-door. We can help reserve, max 2 weeks in advance.

2. Akari House bakery/pizza

Located 1 minute walk from Nozawa Peaks; becomes a Pizza restaurant at night (takeout ok).

3. Rotus root

Bar/restaurant for adults only. Popular with locals. Located above Olive rental.

4. Trattoria Bivacco

Japanese run Italian restaurant, 1 minute walk. Online reservation only.

5. Best burger (BB) factory

BB factory is located just down the road from Nozawa Peaks. They can get very busy, we recommend going early. @bbfactory_nozawa.

Convenient options (First night/ large groups)

1. Kongo Night Food Market

Kongo food hall is housed in a converted steel factory, it features six vendors serving Ramen, Soba, bbq, Thai and more. With a kids’ corner and seating for about 100, it’s a vibrant, spacious spot even during peak season.

2. Chantel at SPArena

Chantel offers Japanese & western options in a basic, cafeteria-style setting. Located in the Sparena Onsen complex, it’s a nice quiet option for families and groups who want a relaxing afternoon/evening. It closes earlier than most restaurants, so be sure to arrive before 7pm.

Soba noodles are a specialty of Nagano Prefecture. You can try them at many restaurants, however we recommend the famous Daimon soba (walk-ins only) or Yoshimi Soba. 

The following list are a mix of Japanese and western owned establishments. Most, but not all Japanese owned restaurants only take reservation by phone, western options often take online/social media reservations too.

1. Sooyu

Hot pot and grilled options. Book here.

2. Winterland

Gyoza/taproom. Kid’s Space so parents and kids all have a great time. Book here.

3. Suminoya

Yakiniku restaurant (bbq meat). Book here.

4. Kahu

Local beef, fish, vegetable, or sashimi set menu, pre order. +81 90–9431–3791. WhatsApp to book (english ok).

5. Wagyutei

Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki Wagyu beef. Good for larger groups. Book here.

6. Gochisou Pizza

Handmade pizzas with classic and unique Japanese toppings, very good bar setup. Book via instagram @gochisoupizza

7. Trattoria Bivacco

Japanese run Italian restaurant. Book here. 

8. Juntos Mexican

Cosy little Mexican inspired bar and restaurant. Book here. Or
+81 80-7218-6280

9. Tanuki

Modern Japanese fusion. Produce from around this region. Book here.

10. Tengu sushi

Traditional Edo style sushi. Set course meals ideal for special occasions. Book here.

11. Teppanyaki

Tanuki also have a Teppanyaki restaurant. Ideal for special occasions. Book here.

12. Genki burger

Large Australian style burgers with some Japanese flavours in the heart of town. Book here.

Our favourite restaurants are Izakaya, they could be described as similar to a tapas restaurant (small, delicious plates). Officially described as “informal Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and snacks”. Here are a few of our favourites, along with other restaurants we really like. Nagano is famous for Soba, steam buns and apples.

Important: Please avoid last-minute cancellations. Unfortunately many foreign visitors to Nozawa cancel at the last minute, which is considered very disrespectful in Japan and can result in financial loss for the hosts. If you’re unsure whether you can commit, please don’t book. Instead, you can always try your luck at Kongo Night Market, grab a takeaway pizza from Akari or Gochisou, enjoy a burger from Genki, find a kebab or Oyaki bun from the street vendors if needed. When calling a number from outside Japan, add +81 at the start and take off the first 0.

1.Neo Bar

A local favourite restaurant/bar, run by local snowboard crew. Best après spot/crepes. 0269-67-0109

2. Daimon soba

The family at Daimon are 3rd generation soba makers. Very popular. Walk-ins only.

3. Wakagiri

Great selection of Japanese food. 0269-85-2040 (bookings available up to 7 days in advance, cannot book further out).

4. Kuan

A cosy little izakaya style bar/restaurant a great range of small share dishes. 090-4161-7221

5. Minato

Traditional Japanese dishes with tatami seating and a fireplace in the centre. 0269-85-2609.

6. Tsukushinbo

Underground Izakaya with large variety of small, delicious Japanese dishes. 0269-85-3565

7. Yoshimi soba

Delicious soba and rice dishes such as katsudon. Next door to an onsen too. Walk-in only.

8. Jiyu Gekijo

Serve yourself, grill your own food restaurant. Also grab your own drinks. 0269-85-5115

9. Toyo ramen

Ramen, stir-fry & gyoya dishes. Located under Tokiwaya ryokan. 
0269-85-3363.

10. Deesuke ramen

It is a great ramen restaurant with tasty broths. Lots of side dishes.
080-7813-1465

11. Ikemistu

Homely Izakaya with a range of typical dishes from ramen to curry to potato wedges. 0269-85-2161

12. Sumo-nabe

Nabe (hot pot) restaurant. A great way to get a healthy dish full of vegetables. 090-8871-4553

13. St. Anton

This is a tough one to book, however it's worth it (try booking in-person & not on weekends). Chef Kens set-course meals use local produce and are top notch. As local as it gets. 

13. Kaiseki ryokan course meals

These course meals are available at Ryokan such as Ryokan Tokiwaya, Ryokan Sakaya, Kiriya and more. Most guests staying at these Ryokan will also eat there, so spaces for non-guests are extremely limited. It's tough to recommend these options as they are difficult to book, however they are very special so worth adding to our list. 

Supermarkets

Alcohol is not sold in the supermarket, there are numerous bottle shops in the village centre.

1.Rainbow supermarket - The largest supermarket in Nozawa & closest to Nozawa Peaks. They sell most essentials from bread and milk to fruit, vegetables and snacks. 
Located down by the Nakao bus stop, open 8:30 - 18:00.

2. Uoyasu - On the main street, similar selection to rainbow supermarket. Opposite St. Anton cafe, open 8:30 - 20:30.

Butcher

Washino meat shop - Good range of meat, eggs, snacks, some prepared fried food snacks. Located just down the hill from Nozawa Peaks. Open 8:30 - 18:00. 

They also have a small restaurant on the side.