Located just outside Nagano City in the beautiful region of Togakushi, Kagami-ike or Lake Kagami is a renowned nature spot known for its beauty and tranquility. Translating as ‘mirror lake’, Kagami-ike is named for the beautiful reflection of Mount Togakushi and surrounding forests seen on its surface on clear and calm days. On the right day, the reflection appears near perfect – a sight you are most likely to catch in the morning.  

— Where is Togakushi?

— How to Enjoy Kagami-ike

— Join a Tour or Charter to Togakushi

While Togakushi offers many reasons to visit, for nature lovers Kagami-ike may be one of the most persuasive. Read on to see just how to make the most of your visit.

WHERE IS TOGAKUSHI?

Located only around 20-30 kilometers to the north of Nagano City, Togakushi is one of the best spots to see amazing nature without traveling too far. Part of the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, there are a number of mountains, hiking trails, historical sites, and ski fields in the area, offering something for ever traveler. Access is easiest done by car, but public buses also run frequently allowing for visits by public transport. Alternatively, taking a tour to the area is a good way to take the hassle out of trying to catch the right public bus. Regardless of how you get there, once there you will find an expansive mountainous region which stretches towards the Sea of Japan and Niigata in the north.

HOW TO ENJOY KAGAMI-IKE

The lake can be accessed by car – with parking and café situated a short walk from the lake – or along walking trails that criss-cross the Togakushi area running through the forests to its famous Shinto shrines and nearby Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden. Part of the larger Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, this is a beautiful pocket of Central Japan where natural and cultural significance overlap.

Kagami-ike reflects the seasonal beauty of the surrounding landscape with spring, summer, autumn and winter each providing their own reasons to visit. Through spring and the summer the surrounding forest is green and lush, with birdlife and animals frequently spotted along the waking trails around the lake.

Autumn is perhaps the most spectacular as the forests burst into colour with some of Central Japan’s most spectacular autumn leaves before they fall from the trees and the snow of winter arrives. The lake freezes over during winter and can be walked on using snowshoes. Visitors heading there in winter will have to do so on-foot as roads leading to the lake will be snowed-in.  

JOIN A TOUR OR CHARTER TO TOGAKUSHI

Based in Central Japan and operating in July, August, September, October and November, we offer a highly entertaining group-tour of Togakushi that is sure to please! All tours are led by locally-based guides and combine a visit to several places-of-interest in Togakushi, including a hands-on soba noodle crafting experience, ninja village trick house, and a visit to an ancient Shinto shrine hidden within the avenue of giant cedars! Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner or button below.

1 Day Tour

1-Day Togakushi Legends Tour: Hands-on Soba Noodles, Ninja Village, and Hidden Shrines
Period	July to November
Time	09:35 – 17:20
Meeting Place	Nagano Station Information Board
Adult Rate	¥19,800
Child Rate	¥11,000

Of course, we also offer private tours and transport in and around the Togakushi area, and other regional destinations. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going. 

We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more! Got a question about visiting Togakushi or the general Nagano area? Click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below to contact us and let’s get planning together!