How To Get To Togakushi
Upon arriving in Togakushi, first-time visitors will be surprised just how close it is to Nagano City. Accessible using public buses running from Nagano Station, Togakushi and the surrounding Myoko-Togakushi National Park is quick and easy to get to. On this page you will find the following information:
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 |
— 15 Things to Do in Togakushi & Where to Stay
— Explore Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park
— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
Taking between 45 to 70-minutes to reach by public bus from Nagano Station, the forested mountains of Togakushi offer lots of enticing reasons to visit. Home to some of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, the area plays a role in the creation myths of Japan itself; while its relative seclusion and deep forests were the birthplace of the Togakure school of ninja.
Nestled within the larger Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Togakushi is a place of special importance and one that will tempt you to go a little slower and explore deeper as you move into the true heart of Japan. As a registered travel agent and Nagano’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator, we offer both group and private tours, ski and travel packages, accommodation, private charters and more! For further details, scroll to the bottom of the page. Let’s start with the obvious question:
WHERE IS TOGAKUSHI?
Togakushi is a heavily forested alpine area that takes its name from Mount Togakushi (1904m), which rises above the surrounding area and village. That area is quite a wide region covering many attractions but in order to get your bearings, let’s consider the centre of Togakushi to be the Togakushi Tourist Information Center. Located in the upper village, it is around 20KM / 40-minutes drive from Nagano Station. Local bus services operate from Nagano Station to various points in Togakushi, taking 45 to 70-minutes depending on your exact destination. Togakushi village has an average elevation of around 1200 metres above sea level, blessing it with a cool climate through spring, summer and autumn, and very cold winter. Nestled within the larger Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Togakushi covers a wide area and boasts some of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, beautiful walking trails, abundant flora and fauna along with the nearest ski resort to Nagano Station, Togakushi Ski Resort.
HOW TO GET TO TOGAKUSHI
In this section you will find information on how to reach Togakushi from the following starting points:
NAGANO STATION — JIGOKUNDANI MONKEY PARK — SHIGA KOGEN — HAKUBA — NOZAWA ONSEN — MATSUMOTO — TOKYO — NARITA AIRPORT — HANEDA AIRPORT — KANAZAWA — KARUIZAWA — NAGOYA — KYOTO & OSAKA
We endeavour to keep this information as up-to-date as possible and in recognition that most international visitors will be using the train network to move around Japan, most directions are for using the trains. If there is alternative option i.e. express or local bus, that is notably faster or economical, we also include that information.
FROM NAGANO STATION / approx. 45 to 60 minutes
Exit Nagano Station via the Zenkoji Exit and head to your left to the crossing (there is a large video display on the other side of the road). Walk across the road and again go to your left. You will shortly come to the Alpico bus stand (pictured below). There are several buses headed for Togakushi however the No.70 is the most convenient.
As you arrive at Togakushi, you can disembark at Togaksuhi-Hokosha (Lower Shrine) – approx.. 50 mins / JPY1150 one-way – or keep going to Togakushi-Chusha (Middle Shrine) – approx. 60 mins / JPY1250 one-way. For visitors wanting to go straight to the Okusha (Upper Shrine) – approx. 65 mins / JPy1350 one-way – just stay on the bus a little longer and for all stops, simply listen for the drivers announcement. Tickets are purchased on the bus (cash only). Discounted return trip tickets are also available from Nagano to Togakushi-Hokosha – JPY2100 – and Nagano to Togakushi-Chusha – JPY2250.
FROM THE JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK / approx. 1.5 hours
There is no direct transport between the Jigokudani Monkey Park and Togakushi. The easiest option is to return to Nagano Station using the Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) train line or Nagaden Express Bus service. For visitors using the train, Yudanaka Station is the nearest to the park. You can use both limited express or local services to Nagano Station but we recommend using the limited express trains. Once back in Nagano, follow the directions above to the Alpico bus stand.
FROM SHIGA KOGEN / approx. 2 to 2.5 hours
From Shiga Kogen, take the Nagaden Express Bus to Nagano Station. The journey takes approx. 70-90 minutes and costs JPY1800-2100 per person depending where in Shiga you want to get-off. Once at Nagano, follow the directions above onto Togakushi.
FROM HAKUBA / approx. 2.5 hours
From Hakuba, visitors can use the bus to head to Nagano Station before transferring to the local bus headed for Togakushi. The Alpico bus service from the Hakuba to Nagano takes approximately 75 minutes, an easy and convenient way to make the journey from the station. The bus operates from the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal with tickets available for purchase at the counter – please refer to the following page for information including the timetable and ticket prices.
FROM NOZAWA ONSEN / approx. 1.5 to 2 hours
From Nozawa Onsen, make your way to Iiyama Station using the Nozawa Onsen Liner express bus service or private taxi. Once at the station, head to Nagano Station using the local train service – approx. 45 mins – or Hokuriku Shinkansen – approx. 10 mins. Once at Nagano Station, follow the directions above to the Alpico bus stand.
FROM MATSUMOTO
Matsumoto is another of Central Japan’s most historic and enjoyable cities. From Matsumoto Station, take the Limited Express Shinano to Nagano Station. There are many services every day including the Limited Express Shinano – taking around 50 minutes – and local services – taking around 1.5 hours. Once in Nagano, follow the directions above.
FROM TOKYO / approx. 2.5 to 3 hours
If you’re visiting Japan from abroad, chances are you’ll be spending some time in Tokyo. Traveling to Togakushi from Tokyo Station is simple. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen – see the above link – from Tokyo or Ueno Stations to Nagano Station. Once in Nagano, follow the directions above to the Alpico bus stand.
FROM NARITA AIRPORT / approx. 3.5 to 4 hours
Togakushi can be reached in a three-stage journey from Narita via Tokyo and Nagano. Two rapid train services connect Narita Airport to central Tokyo, from where you can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen onto Nagano.
1 / the Narita Express (NEX) runs from Narita to Tokyo Station. It takes 55 minutes to reach Tokyo Station (depending on the service) and costs JPY3070 with trains departing every 30 to 60 minutes. Once at Tokyo Station, follow the directions above.
2 / the Keisei Skyliner runs from Narita to Ueno Station. It takes between 40 to 55 minutes to reach Ueno Station and costs JPY2520 with trains departing every 30 to 40 minutes. Once at Ueno Station, transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Nagano.
FROM HANEDA AIRPORT / approx. 3 to 3.5 hours
Togakushi can be reached in a three-stage journey from Haneda via Tokyo and Nagano. Two train services connect Haneda Airport to central Tokyo, from where you can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen onto Nagano.
1 / the Tokyo Monorail connects the airport to Tokyo Station via Hamamatsucho Station in around 30 minutes. From the airport take the monorail to Hamamatsucho Station (20 min/JPY170) and then switch to the JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku/Negishi Line Rapid bound for Tokyo Station (5 min/JPY160) – a total journey of around 30-minutes / JPY660 one-way. Once at Tokyo Station, follow the directions above.
2 / the Keikyu Railway connects the airport to Tokyo Station via Shinagawa Station. Take the Keikyu Airport bound to Shinagawa Station (approx.11 min/JPY300) and transfer to the Yamanote Line bound for Osaki to reach Tokyo Station- 13 min / JPY170 or a total journey of around 30 min / JPY470. Once at Tokyo Station, follow the directions above.
FROM KANAZAWA / 2 to 2.5 hours
Located on Japan’s north coast, Kanazawa is a popular destination for many international visitors and as the northern terminus of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, the journey from Kanazawa Station to Nagano Station is easy. There are four services on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line – the Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Asama and Tsurugi – however only the Kagayaki and Hakuata services connect Kanazawa and Nagano. Using the Kagayaki, the journey from Kanazawa to Nagano takes 65 minutes / JPY8920 or 85 to 90 minutes / JPY8590 using the Hakutaka. Once in Nagano, follow the directions above to reach Togakushi.
FROM KARUIZAWA / approx. 1.5 hours
One of Japan’s best-known mountain resort towns, Karuizawa and Nagano are within easy reach of each other. Both Nagano Station and Karuizawa Station are stops on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, meaning that getting from one to the other is quick and easy – taking only 30 min / JPY3210. Once in Nagano, follow the directions above to reach Togakushi.
FROM NAGOYA / approx. 4 to 4.5 hours
Nagoya is the largest city in Central Japan and while located quite some distance from Togakushi, it’s an easy place from which to reach Togakushi From Nagoya Station, take the Limited Express Shinano to Nagano Station. Once in Nagano, follow the directions above to the Alpico bus stand.
FROM KYOTO & OSAKA / approx. 5 to 5.5 hours
Reaching Togakushi from both Kyoto and Osaka takes a little effort but is straightforward. The first step is reaching Nagano. There are no direct train services but instead three options, all of which take around the same amount of time:
1 / take the Tokaido Shinkansen back to Tokyo and then switch to the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Nagano
2 / take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya and then switch to the Limited Express Shinano bound for Nagano
3 / take the Limited Express Thunderbird service to Kanazawa and then switch to the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Nagano.
Once at Nagano Station, follow the directions above to the Alpico bus stand.
15 THINGS TO DO IN TOGAKUSHI & WHERE TO STAY
Around an hour from Nagano Station using local bus services, Togakushi remains something hidden gem for many international visitors. Boasting some of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, a local school of ninja, renowned ‘soba’ and bamboo craft, and the nearest ski resort to Nagano City, don’t expect Togakushi to remain secret for too much longer. Our ’15 Things To Do In Togakushi & Where To Stay’ page has some great suggestions of what’s on offer once you’re there.
EXPLORE MYOKO-TOGAKUSHI RENZAN NATIONAL PARK
Located around 1200 metres above sea level, Togkaushi is nestled within the larger Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park. The park is densely-packed mountainous area of forests, waterways, ski resorts and important mix natural and cultural sites. Among its multiple peaks Mount Hiuchi is the tallest at 2,462 metres above sea level while the park takes its names from the peaks of Mount Myoko and Mount Togakushi. Extending into Niigata and the ski resorts surrounding Mount Myoko, the national park is a destination to itself that can be enjoyed throughout the year. For more information, see our ‘Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park’ page.
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 or contact us and let’s get planning together!
BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are the region’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.
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.
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? Click on the INQUIRY button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
