Nozawaonsen and Haus St. Anton: A Thousand Years of History

Located in northern Nagano Prefecture, Nozawaonsen Village consists of over a thousand years of history. Once a flourishing hot spring retreat, the village has long offered healing and rejuvenation to locals and travelers alike. During the Edo period, its waters earned fame as a “medicinal hot spring.” In the Meiji era, Nozawaonsen also became a known ski resort.

Today, it draws visitors from around the world, attracting skiers and onsen (hot spring) lovers through every season.

At the heart of this historic village stands Haus St. Anton, a café and hotel that has been a valued Allpress partner for many years.

The café’s menu features house-made gelato, fresh jams made from local fruits, and traditional oyaki dumplings – an especially popular Nagano specialty. Beloved for their warm hospitality, Haus St. Anton serves as space that welcomes visitors and locals alike.

The adjoining hotel is among the most prominent in Nozawaonsen. Each of its thirteen guest rooms has a unique design, incorporating beautifully aged reclaimed wood throughout. From the handcrafted interior touches to the Allpress drip coffee bags waiting in each room, every detail is thoughtfully curated.

A Village Tradition: The Yuzawa Shrine Festival and Nozawaonsen Lantern Festival

Held every year on September 8th and 9th, the Yuzawa Shrine Festival and Nozawaonsen Lantern Festival are traditions that bring the entire village together. The celebrations, which date back centuries, gives thanks for a bountiful harvest and offers prayers to the mountain deities. They're deeply intertwined with the rhythm of local life, and shaped by the blessings of nature, namely snow, clean water, mountain produce, and the hot springs.

The festivals are organized by the village men who are 42-years-old and in their yakudoshi, one of the so-called “unlucky years,” according to Japanese tradition. This year was particularly special for Haus St. Anton, as its owner, Ken, served as the leader of konseikai, the group of 42-year-old men responsible for overseeing the festivities.

On the night of the 8th, the streets of this hot spring village came to life with rows of food stalls, laughter, and music. Visitors fill the town, including the café at Haus St. Anton, to relish in the lively atmosphere. At the heart of the celebration, on the shrine grounds, sacred dances are performed one after another. There’s the Sarutahiko (the dance to pray for safety, abundant harvests, and good health), the Shishimai (the lion dance), the Sanjuroku Kasen Mai (the dance of the thirty-six immortal poets), and many more. These traditional performances, continuing from dusk until late at night, are breathtakingly beautiful.

On the 9th, the festival reaches its peak. The rhythmic beat of taiko drums and powerful chants echo through the streets as villagers hoist the mikoshi (portable shrine) high above their shoulders. The sight of the shrine being carried through the hot spring town, the energy and emotion palpable, never fails to stir the hearts of all who watch.

Two Days Immersed in the Culture of Nozawaonsen

This festival is, at its core, a celebration by and for the local community. However, our Allpress team was deeply moved by the warmth and openness of the villagers and the Haus St. Anton team, who welcomed us and other visitors to join in and share in the joy of the occasion.

The Yuzawa Shrine Festival and Nozawaonsen Lantern Festival take place every September, so if this peaks your interest we highly recommend visiting next year to experience the magic for yourself. The lantern-lit streets, the mesmerizing dances continuing deep into the night, and the powerful energy of the mikoshi procession will be unforgettable.

And when you do, we invite you to stay with our partner, Haus St. Anton - where friendly faces and exceptional coffee await you.