Located less than an hour from Nagano Station, Togakushi Ski Resort is a small but highly enjoyable ski area popular with locals. Consisting of 19 ski runs serviced by 7 chairlifts – a total of around 58 hectares of piste and 550 metres of vertical – Togakushi is indeed relatively small but unlike the larger resorts of Hakuba, it retains its Japanese character.

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

Mostly frequented by Japanese, you won’t encounter the crowds and hugely international profile of the Hakuba resorts. Weekdays are likely to be quiet and when the snow is good, this is a highly entertaining resort that you’ll wish you discovered earlier! The resort remains heavily focused on skiers with snowboarders a relative rarity and those that are there usually know what they’re doing. The lack of snowboard newbies at Togakushi is a positive, as the ski runs are uncluttered by first-timers allowing intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders to go about their business without hindrance.

— Where is Togakushi Ski Resort?

— Togakushi Ski Resort: Nagano’s Hidden Gem

— Japan Ski Resorts: Everything You Need to Know

— Tours and Charters to Togakushi

Togakushi can’t boast the massive snowfall of others resorts in Nagano. Indeed its season average of less than 8 metres seems somewhat disappointing however the quality of its powder is good. Togakushi also experiences significantly colder temperatures than other resorts meaning that the snow stays in better condition for longer.

WHERE IS TOGAKUSHI SKI RESORT?

Togakushi Ski Resort is located only around 20km north of Nagano Station, and is actually administered as a part of Nagano City. It is nearby to other famous ski resorts such as Hakuba, Nozawa, and Shiga Kogen, but it maintains a more laid back and local character than those larger resorts. Located around 250 km away from Tokyo, it is nonetheless easy to reach thanks to the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) service connecting Tokyo and Nagano Station. From there, bus services provide easy access to Togakushi Ski Resort, with bus 70 providing the most convenient service and taking a little over an hour to arrive. Alternatively, hiring a taxi will allow for a shorter travel time at just under 50 minutes. For more information on how to reach the area, please see our ‘How to Get to Togakushi‘ page.

TOGAKUSHI SKI RESORT: NAGANO’S HIDDEN GEM

Togakushi very much flies under the radar for international visitors with very few ever venturing to this distinctively local and decent little resort. Actually located within the boundaries of Nagano City, Togakushi Ski Resort can be accessed from Nagano Station using local bus services or a taxi. Popular with local families, the resort can be busy on weekends and holidays but should you make it there during the week, you are likely to have it largely to yourself. One of the more picturesque resorts in the region – on clear days you’ll have fantastic views of the surrounding mountains – Togakushi is well-suited to visitors wanting to escape the international feel and crowds of Hakuba and enjoy a distinctly Japanese winter adventure.

Operating Dates & Times

Dependent on snow conditions, the resort is typically open from mid-December until late-March or early-April. Lifts operate daily from 08:30 to 16:30. Togakushi does not have night-skiing.

Ski Runs

Togakushi offers a total of 58ha of terrain accessed via 19 ski runs and  7 chairlifts. Courses breakdown as: beginner 30% / intermediate 40% / advanced 30%. The resort sits between 1300 to 1749 metres with a modest 548 metres of vertical and actually offers some steep black runs which when full of powder, are left ungroomed and a lot of fun.

Highlights

Togakushi is largely unknown by international visitors however given its close proximity to Nagano Station and typically quiet ski runs, it has quite a lot of going for it. There’s a nice mix of terrain suitable for all levels with some gentle and wide runs perfect for beginners, while multiple black runs will keep advanced riders entertained. The black runs on the back side of the resort are steep and left ungroomed. Most people don’t venture down them on days of heavy snow meaning that you can find some truly awesome powder there on days of heavy snow. On clear days, the resort offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

Tickets & Passes

A day-pass will cost: Adults JPY5000 / Children JPY3000 / Seniors (50+) JPY4500 while a half-day pass will cost: Adults JPY4000 / Children JPY2500 / Seniors (50+) JPY3500.

Rental & Ski School

Togakushi has a good rental shop offering both ski and snowboard gear, located behind the resort’s main building. There is also a ski school located directly across from the main building however instruction is only available in Japanese.

Backcountry

The resort does not permit backcountry and sidecountry is very limited. This will likely frustrate advanced skiers and snowboarders looking to get off-piste. If that’s you, Togakushi might not be the best fit.

Kids & Families

There is a good-sized kids activity area located directly across from the resorts main building, which on fine days also has great views of the surrounding mountains. There are no day-care services at Togakushi.

Accommodation & Village Info

The area around the ski resort is home to multiple ski lodges. Most are family-run and offer homely experiences including dinner and breakfast. However, visitors headed to Togakushialso might want to consider some more unique in the form of the many ‘shukubo’ (temple lodgings) and ‘ryokan’ (traditional guesthouses) that are associated with the important Shinto shrine complex nearby the resort. For acommodation listings in the area, see our ‘Togakushi Area’ hotel page. Alternatively, the area is within easy reach of Nagano City allowing you to also stay there and then make the journey up and down by local bus or taxi. For accommodation listings in Nagano, see our ‘Nagano City Area’ hotel page.

JAPAN SKI RESORTS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Did you know that Togakushi is just one of the more than eighty ski resorts in Nagano and more than five hundred in Japan? Needless to say, when you choose Nagano for your winter getaway you are spoiled for choice! Our ‘Japan Ski Resorts’ page has everything you need to know to start planning your ski and snowboard adventure including: LATEST NEWS & DEALS, THE BEST RESORTS IN NAGANO & JAPAN, FAQs and of course OUR SKI PACKAGES, ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT & TOURS.

TOURS AND CHARTERS TO TOGAKUSHI

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.

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!