Togakushi

Togakushi

A Sacred Place Where Tradition Lives On

Key features

Shinto Shrines
Hiking
Outdoor Activities
Nature
Iconic Photography
Autumn Leaves
Soba
Tours
Ninja Experience
Local Craft
Camping
Ski Resort

Public Transport

Nagano Station	<60 mins by bus

Popular Attractions

Togakushi Ski Resort	<10 mins drive
Zenko-ji Temple	<60 mins by bus
Jigokudani Monkey Park	120 mins by bus/train

A Sacred Place Where Tradition Lives On

Key features

Shinto Shrines
Hiking
Outdoor Activities
Nature
Iconic Photography
Autumn Leaves
Soba
Tours
Ninja Experience
Local Craft
Camping
Ski Resort

Sitting quietly in the mountains bordering Nagano City and within the larger Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Togakushi is home to some of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines set among a beautiful forested landscape. The five major shrines that make-up the Togakushi complex are spaced-out at intervals through the forest and against the dramatic background of mountains rising above. Accessible via well-maintained walking tracks, Togakushi continues to draw Shinto practitioners and nature enthusiasts who revel in its tranquillity, beauty, and purity. On the literal doorstep of the city, Togkuashi is also home to the Togakure ninja school, Togakushi Ski Resort and famous for its ‘soba’ (buckwheat noodles), traditional bamboo craft and stunning autumn leaves making it an ideal destination when planning a day-trip from Nagano.

Togakushi can be accessed using public buses running from Nagano Station with its most popular attractions located in and around the middle and upper shrines. The Togakure Ninja Museum showcases the origin and traditions of the local school of ninja long practiced in Togakushi while the nearby Kids Ninja Village includes dress-up costumes and obstacle courses for younger would-be ninjas. Numerous soba restaurants serve the region’s famous noodles – known for their purity of taste – always hand-made with appreciative owners welcoming guests to their restaurants. Through the warmer months of the year, Togakushi offers camping while autumn turns the landscape a stunning mosaic of yellow, red, amber, and gold as the leaves turn. Finally, the winter takes hold and the landscape turns white with the Togakushi Ski Resort opening in December and offering the closet ski runs to Nagano City.

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Recommended Highlights from Snow Monkey Resorts

Discover One of Japan’s Most Sacred Shinto Landscapes

Located just outside Nagano City, Togakushi is home to some of the country’s most important Shinto shrines and pilgramage trails.

Try Togakushi’s Renowned Soba

Soba noodles are found throughout Japan. The people of Nagano will tell you that Togakushi’s soba is the best in the country.

Release Your Inner Ninja

Home to the Togakure school of Ninja, Togkakushi is the perfect place to drop your smoke bombs and disappear into the past.

Join a Guided Tour to Togakushi

Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we offer private tours to Togakushi and plenty of other great destinations led by locally-based guides.

News / Info

How To Get To Togakushi

Located just outside Nagano City, Togakushi is accessible using public transport, taxi or private car.

Stay & Enjoy Togakushi: Recommended Seasonal Activities

Whether you are visiting in winter, spring, summer or autumn, Togakushi lures visitors throughout the year with its ever-changing beauty and seasonal …

Togakushi Ski Resort

Offering the nearest ski fields to Nagano City, Togakushi Ski Resort is popular with locals and retains a distinctly Japanese character.

Destinations & Attractions Nearby Togakushi

Less than an hour from the centre of Nagano City, a visit to Togakushi can easily be combined with many nearby destinations.

Nearby Recommendations

Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park

Discover Everything the Park has to Offer!

Togakushi is located in the southern half of the larger Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park and all within easy reach of Nagano Station.

Zenko-ji Temple

Nagano's Spiritual Heart

Established in 642, Zenko-ji is one of Japan's oldest and most important Buddhist temples and welcomes visitors of any faith or background.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Visit Nagano's Famous Monkeys

Accessible from Togakushi via Nagano Station, the monkey park is a must-do activity while in Nagano.

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

Bigger, Higher, Better!

As Japan's largest and highest ski resort, Shiga Kogen is blessed with Nagano's longest season and great powder.

Joshinetsu Kogen National Park

Perfect Destination for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Shiga Kogen is just one part of the larger Joshinetsu National Park. Blessed with many hiking trails, this is an ideal destination for hikers and natu…

Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen

Historic Hot Spring Towns Nearby the Monkeys

Offering numerous 'ryokan' (traditional guesthouses) with their own onsen, these quaint towns boast fascinating histories.

Explore Obuse

Easy & Enjoyable Half-Day Destination

Famous for its chestnut confectionaries, Obuse is home to the Hokusai museum along with sake and miso breweries.

Hokusai Museum

Discover Japan's Most Celebrated Artist

Having resided in Obuse in some of his final years, the town is now home to the Hokusai Museum profiling the life and work of Japan's most celebrated …