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Destinations & Attractions Nearby Togakushi

Destinations & Attractions Nearby Togakushi

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Located just outside of Nagano City, it’s easy to combine your visit to Togakushi with other nearby destinations and there’s no better place to start than Nagnao, near-1400 year old Zenko-ji Temple. Said to house the first known Buddhist statue ever to be brought to Japan from Korea, Zenko-ji can lay claim to being the most important cultural and spiritual site in the region.

Zenko-ji temple in Nagano city

The story of the temple is fundamental to the history of Nagano and to this day, retains its importance for the daily lives of Nagano’s residents.

From Nagano Station, it’s easy to head to Matsumoto and its famous castle. One of the few remaining original castles in Japan and boasting a lively arts and food scene, a visit to Matsumoto makes for an enjoyable day-trip from Nagano.

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The Jigokudani Monkey Park is also within easy reach – by bus or train – from Nagano Station. Home to the region’s famous hot spring-bathing monkeys, a visit to the park is pretty much a necessity for any visitor to Nagano.

The monkeys come to the park all year round. While most popular in winter, the monkeys are just are reliable in summer when visitor numbers are much lower. Each season provides its own special reason to visit so rest assured, it’s always a good time to visit the world’s most famous monkeys!

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As host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano’s winter credentials are well-known and visitors in winter are spoiled for choice when it comes to skiing and snowboarding. Located only 30 minutes drive from the monkey park and accessible by public bus, Shiga Kogen is Japan’s largest and highest ski resort, known for its long season and reliability of its snow.

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Made-up of 18 different ski areas, the resort offers 79 ski runs serviced by more than 50 chairlifts and gondolas covered by an all-mountain pass. Shiga Kogen is our recommendation when combing a visit to the monkeys with your ski adventure in Nagano.

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Shiga is just as enticing outside of winter, offering visitors outstanding hiking and nature photography. Sitting in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, the mountain peaks and forested valleys that make-up this sprawling alpine landscape are home to important species of flora and fauna. Recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981, the months of spring to autumn offer the chance to explore this special realm – an enticing destination for nature photographers and enthusiasts!

Just down the hill from the park, the traditional hot spring towns of Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen boast numerous accommodation options, most with their own natural onsen. Shibu Onsen in particular is a historically important town dating back approximately 1300 years which retains much of its traditional character through its narrow lane ways and many ‘ryokan’ (traditional guesthouses).

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Visitors coming to the park by train might like to stop at Obuse, another historically important town midway between Yudanaka and Nagano Stations. An important Edo Period merchant town, Obuse is now famous for its chestnut confectionaries, sake breweries, and the Hokusai Museum – dedicated to Japan’s most important and famous artist, Katsushika Hokusai.

Hokusai houou, Obuse

The small and enjoyable museum showcases his life and work, with regularly rotating exhibitions to justify multiple visits through the year. Nearby Gansho-in Temple is adorned with Hokusai’s last – and largest remaining – masterpiece on its ceiling. A huge painted phoenix whose gaze follows you as you move around the temple – a breath-taking and internationally important artwork.

Want to experience the Legends of Togakushi for yourself?


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.

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 or contact us and let’s get planning together!

BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR


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Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator. We have the local knowledge of where to go, when to go and what to do when you’re there to make sure you get the most out of your adventure in Central Japan! As a registered travel agent, we can arrange adventure experiences and tours, transport, accommodation and inclusive packages. So, no matter what you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered including getting you to the best outdoor destinations and events in the region including Togakushi and its many fantastic attractions and experiences.

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For guests wanting to access these destinations in the comfort of their own transport, we can arrange a private tour or charter customised to fit your needs, starting and ending at any destination in the region. 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 fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.

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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!

Why choose us?

Awarded a 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano and Central Japan.

Got a question about visiting Togakushi and Central Japan? Contact us and let’s get planning together!