Onbashira Festival in Nagano

Onbashira Festival details

If you think the Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival is crazy, well then mark your diaries for 2016 and head for the Onbashira Festival (御柱) in Suwa, Nagano. Being one of the “Big Three Strange Festivals” in all of Japan, the festival is held every six years and is something that definitely shouldn’t be missed. The purpose of the festival is to symbolically renew the Suwa Taisha or Suwa Grand Shrine. “Onbashira” can be literally translated as “the honored pillars”. Every six years in April and May, huge logs are selected from trees in mountain forests in the Lake Suwa region and transported by hand to the smaller shrines of Suwa Taisha. The Onbashira festival is reputed to have continued, uninterrupted, for 1200 years. The festival is held once every six years, in the years of the Monkey and the Tiger in the Chinese zodiac, however the locals may say “once in seven years,” because of the traditional Japanese custom of including the current year when counting a length of time. Onbashira lasts several months, and consists of two segments, Yamadashi and Satobiki. Yamadashi traditionally takes place in April, and Satobiki takes place in May.

Part of the journey includes Kiotoshi, where local men climb aboard the logs and endeavour to stay on as they slide down the steep mountainside. Injuries and deaths have occurred during the festival in past years, though being killed by one of the trees is considered to be an honourable death.

“Yamadashi” literally means “coming out of the mountains.” Before this portion of the festival, huge trees are cut down in a Shinto ceremony using axes and adzes specially manufactured for this single use. The logs are decorated in red and white regalia, the traditional colors of Shinto ceremonies, and ropes are attached. During Yamadashi, Teams of men drag the logs down the mountain towards the four shrines of Suwa Taisha. The course of the logs goes over rough terrain, and at certain points the logs must be skidded or dropped down steep slopes. Young men prove their bravery by riding the logs down the hill in a ceremony known as “Ki-otoshi.”

“Satobiki” festival involves the symbolic placement of the new logs to support the foundation of the shrine buildings. The logs are raised by hand, with a ceremonial group of log bearers who ride the log as it is being raised and sing from the top of the log to announce the successful raising. After two festivals, there is an important event “Building of Hoden”. This event isn’t generally famous, and few people know that the event is held even among people who live nearby and participate in Yamadashi and Satobiki. The end of this event marks the end of Onbashira.

Onbashira Festival videos

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The charming Togakushi Village is popular year round destination close to Nagano City. The village nestles amongst 900 year old cedars featuring an easy hike to famous Togakushi Shrine.

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Zenkoji Temple Nagano is the main tourist attraction of Nagano City. A visit to the Nagano area would not be complete without seeing this renowned Buddhist temple.

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Togakushi Village and the nearby Togakushi Shrine are situated in the north of Nagano within the Joshinetsu National Park – just 45 minutes drive from Myokokogen, Nozawa Onsen or Nagano City. This volcanic area has an altitude of 1,200m and is located at the foot of the two volcanoes, Togakushi and Iizuna.

Togakushi Village, Togakushi Shrine

About Togakushi Village, Togakushi Shrine, Nagano

Togakushi Village nestles amongst 900 year old cedars and is not only a beautiful place to visit but it’s delicious soba noodles are also famous throughout Japan. There is also a small reproduction ninja village and school open in the warmer months whilst in winter there is a great ski resort with lots of the renowned Japanese powder. Why not try a short stopover in this ancient Japanese village?

Togakushi Village was formerly known as the village of Togakure which some consider to be the birthplace of Togakure Ryu Ninpo – a school of ninjutsu founded eight hundred years ago by Daisuke Nishina (Togakure). Daisuke became the first Soke (family head) of one of the arts now known as ninjutsu. The name Togakure or Toh Gakure, means “Concealing Door” and refers to the myth of the door which sealed the cave that the sun goddess, Amaterasu had hidden in.

See a Google Map of Togakushi Village

Togakushi Weather

Togakushi Ninja Village

The local Togakushi Ninja Village (Togakushi Ninja Yashiki or Chibikko Ninja Mura) is not an actual village full of ninja or a place to study ninjutsu (see below) but rather a fun and popular place to visit with a ninja theme. It’s open 9am-5pm (late April – late November) and closed Thursdays (except mid-July to late August). Admission for adults is 450yen and children (over 4) 200yen. Some group packages are available. There is another attraction nearby named Togakushi Ninja Karakuri Yashiki (Ninja Trick House) which is quite fun, although a bit more geared toward adults or older children. It’s also open 9am-5pm. To get there catch the bus to Chusha-miya-mae and walk about 15 minutes (more directions below).

Togakushi Ninja Museum

There is also a ninja museum in the village. Togakushiryu Ninpo Shiryokan is a former ninjutsu building now established as an annex to the Togakushi Minzokukan (see below). It’s exhibits include 500 items related to ninjutsu and two hundred picture panels of ninjutsu practices.

Togakushi Shrine

Togakushi-jinja (Shrine) stands in the midst of a wood with cedar trees that are over a hundred years old, just at the foot of the precipice of Mt. Togakushi. It consists of three shrines – the lower shrine is Hoko-sha (Treasure of Light), the second Chu-sha (Middle Shrine) and the third Oku-sha (Deep Sanctuary). They were built at intervals of roughly two kilometers (see Togakushi Shrine map or Togakushi Google map). These shrines are dedicated to mythological gods and each has a long history. The approaches to each shrine are unique and it is customary to clap twice when worshiping at shrines to awaken the gods before praying. The approach to the upper shrine (see photo at top) is known for its natural beauty, lined with over three hundred majestic old Sugi trees. Check out the official website here (Japanese), as well as the video below.

Togakushi Museum (a.k.a. Togakushi Minzokukan)

Togakushiryu Minzokukan has many different items (over 2,000) on display which help to show what life was once like in the Togakushi area.

Ninjitsu Training

For kids and adults alike who want a bit more reality in their ninjutsu, there is an actual Togakure Ryu Ninpo teacher available. The teacher has a gift shop at the foot of the Chu Sha, the “middle shrine” of the three great shrines of Togakushi. Lessons are Sunday nights from 8pm, and if one would like to try an introductory lesson, you can go into the gift shop and ask for Matsuhashi-sensei. He doesn’t speak English, but there are a couple of students who can interpret for any would be ninja. Most students are only passing through, but there are three locals (two of which speak English) that learn regularly.

Togakushi Soba Noodles

Togakushi village is famous throughout Japan for it’s soba (buckwheat noodles) which come in a variety of sizes and are defined by how much buckwheat flour is used in their making. At least 30% buckwheat flour must be used in order for noodles to gain the trademark of soba. Higher buckwheat content makes sobamuch more desirable to the discerning public. It started its history there as sustenance for monks during their severely austere religious training; these monks ate soba powder dissolved in water, or took grilled soba powder into the mountains when they went for training. Today it’s still used in Togakushi’s harvest festival – and in Spring you can see fields of soba flowers, which are used to produce the flour for making soba. There are as many as thirty soba shops boasting the superior taste of their hand-made soba that line the long road leading to Togakushi shrine. Accordingly, the area is a favored destination for soba lovers from throughout Japan and overseas. For a sample check out this local soba restaurant and menu.   You can also check out the Togakushi Soba Museum (open 9am-4.30pm) where you can make your own buckwheat soba noodles under the guidance of a master chef or just enjoy watching noodles made by an expert. The ‘A’ Course (instructional) is 3,000 yen, whilst the ‘B’ Course (cook and eat!) is only 700 yen. Both include admission to the museum as well. Courses run daily between 10am-3pm and reservations are recommended.

Togakushi Ski World

Togakushi Snow World (戸隠スキー場), a.k.a. Toga kushi Ski Menou, enjoys a wonderful position at the foot of Mount Menou. Togakushi Snow World is only is a medium sized ski area but still offers skiers and snowboarders a respectable 548 metres (1798 feet) of vertical descent with good powder conditions often available. Togakushi offers fewer crowds than the other better known Nagano resorts like Hakuba and Shiga-Kogen. Please refer to the Togakushi ski and snowboard page (English) or go the Togakushi Snow World website (Japanese only). A resort map can be downloaded here. Live cams can be seen below or here on our webcam pages.

Onsen

Many of the good hotels in the area have onsen (hot springs) plus there are several fine public onsen. These include Iizuna Resort Onsen Tengu no Yakata (phone 026-253-3740) which is three minutes by car from Iizuna Resort. It’s open 10:00 – 21:00 (closed every 3rd Tuesday) and the cost is ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for children. Nearby Togakushi Snow World at the end of the road by Togakushi Shrine is Togakushi Kamitsuge Onsen Yukokan (phone 026-254-1126) It’s open 9:00 – 21:00, but be warned they have irregular closing days. Adults are ¥600 and children ¥300. Local town onsen are also available and quite inexpensive but usually consist of only one smallish bath.   Check our onsen page for further details

Shopping

Togakushi bamboo craft work has been produced via traditional skills in the village since the Edo period. They are now highly-rated as fine art. You will find these sold in a number of local gift shops and artisan quarters   As well as it’s famous soba noodles, the local area has numerous roadside stalls and farmers’ markets where you can buy great local produce for just a fraction of the price you would pay in Tokyo or Osaka. The tomatoes and peaches are renowned and the region grows blueberries, apples, pears, corn, edamame(green soybeans) and dozens of other fruits and vegetables. You will also discover all sorts of local specialties such as Scotch thistle preserve, walnut jam and aloe vera honey.

Events & Festivals

The Togakushi Soba Festival is held during the fall equinox, Shūbun no hi. This time also celebrates the buckwheat harvest, without which there would be no soba. People buy small sake cups on the eve of the festival and eat soba at any (or all!) of the twenty one participating restaurants. Admission is free.

Togakushi videos: (1) Togakushi Ninja Village House

Togakushi videos: (2) Togakushi Shrine in snow

Birdwatching in Togakushi

More than one hundred kinds of wild birds inhabit the nearby highlands – one of the most renowned areas in Japan for wild birds. Togakushii Forest Botanical Garden (part of the Jo-shin-etsu National Park) covers over seventy hectares and is visited by many bird watchers and hikers.  

Other nearby attractions

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City is Nagano’s most popular tourist spot. Historic Lake Nojiri, with a variety of activities available, is about 30 minutes by taxi.

Japan Monkey Onsen Park – Click here

The rugged ridges of Mt. Togakushi attract many mountaineers, hikers and climbers. This mountain is sometimes linked to then religious myths associated with the foundation of early Japan. Also regarded as a sacred place, it has long been worshiped by Buddhists, making it the aim of many religious pilgrimages. Check out Togakushi hiking maps via the Togakushi English Travel Guide. Also, watch out for the wildlife!   In November Togakushi hosts a 45km race that takes runners up and down the hilly hiking trails of Togakushi, Iizuna and Kurohime’s glamorous mountain range. A 25km middle course is an option for those looking for something less challenging. For beginners, juniors or team competitors a special 5km course is also available. See the official site for more details.   “A superb year-round destination for hikers as well as skiers, and the ascent of Togakushiyama is a great introduction to the area…” Hiking in Nagano: Togakushiyama-Door Hiding Mountain

Togakushi Accommodation options

Need a place to stay? Check out these establishments below and more at our Togakushi and Iizuna accommodation guide plus sightseeing map

Lodge Pico is popular Togakushi accommodation that is only a 3-minute walk from Togakushi ski area. It features ski-to-door access, ski storage and Japanese-style rooms plus offers freshly baked bread as well as a free shuttle is available from the nearest bus stop. Map to Togakushi Lodge Pico

Togakushi-Kogen Minshuku Rindo is a popular Togakushi accommodation establishment in a central location with in-house courtesy van, satellite TV and ski rental. One hour by bus from JR Nagano Station or thirty minutes drive from Lake Nojiri. Map to Togakushi Tabinoyado Sirakabasou

Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travelers have to say about hotels in Togakushi

Togakushi live webcam (real time images)

Directions to Togakushi Village

Exit Nagano station via the Zenkoji exit, then take a Kawanakajima bus bound for Togakushi Camp-jo or Togakushii Chusha-miyamae from the Kawanakajima bus station opposite Nagano station (Stop 7). Get off at Hokosha-miyamae if wanting to see all three of the Togaksuhi Shrines or Chusha-miyamae if wanting to start at the middle shrine. The scenic bus trip up takes approximately 45-50 minutes through a coil of switchbacks, hairpin bends and mountain passes. Cost is ¥1350 one way and return ¥2400. See here for more details.

If you are coming from Kanazawa or Niigata you can take the train to Kurohime station. From Kurohime station there is a free shuttle bus (40 minutes) to Togakushi, but you must make a reservation at the resort. You can also go by taxi. See here for more details

If you are coming by car from Tokyo, take either the Chuo or the Joshin-etsu expressways to the Nagano exit. Follow the signs to central Nagano, then to Zenkoji temple and finally to Togakushii. It should take between 30 and 45 minutes by car from central Nagano depending on traffic and weather conditions. From Nagoya or Osaka, take the Chuo expressway to the Nagano exit and follow the same directions. See here for more details.

See a map of the area here.

Something to read on the plane or train

The Togakushii Legend Murders is a suspenseful murder-mystery/detective story, skillfully intertwined with authentic local legends from the Togakushi area of Nagano. These just enough background and color to the tale without detracting from the murders and their investigation which are the main thrust of the plot. The story opens in war-time Togakushi, a small village whose main claim to fame is the legendary Maple Demoness, a woman who fed poisoned sake to a famed general during an ancient conflict. Fast forward a few years and all sorts of skeletons come out of the cupboard as the protagonist tries to uncover the perpetrator of a series of murders. A series of subplots will keep you guessing right till the very end.

Togakushi reviews

Inspired by boyhood memories of ninja movies, Stephen Phelan of the Sydney Morning Herald looks for signs of stealth in the forests of Togakushi.

Togakushi Photo Galleries – click here

Togakushi Map

View Togakushi Village, Togakushi Shrine and Iizuna in a larger map

Tags: Togakushi Japan, Accommodation, Bird Watching, Directions to Togakushi Village, Events and Festivals, Forest, Hotel, Iizuna, Japan, Nagano, Ninjitsu Training, places to stay, Soba Festival, Soba Museum, Soba Noodles, Temple, Togakushi, Togakushi Legend Murders, Togakushi Ninja Village, Togakushi Shrine, Togakushi Snow World, Village, Webcam

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Explore The Heart of Japan: Area Guides & Maps

Click on the point of interest. Use ‘right click’ if wanting to open in a new window or tab.

 Learn  Japanese on your iPod or add a phrasebook

Also try these interactive google map links:  Joetsu, Takada and Arai • Seki Onsen, Tsubame Onsen and Sekiyama • Akakura Onsen and Akakura Village • Shin-Akakura (a.k.a. Akakan Resort or Akakura Kanko Resort) • Myoko Kogen (central area) • Ikenotaira Onsen • Madarao Kogen, Tangram and Iiyama • Suginohara and Suginosawa • Lake Nojiri and Kurohime • Nozawa Onsen • Togakushi and Iizuna • Nagano City • Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen

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Myoko-kogen and the surrounding areas of Nagano and Niigata offer a broad range of Japan golf courses – from exclusive clubs to some lower cost community courses. We have listed below most options in the immediate area. Please be aware that, as with most aspects of life in Japan, there are certain protocols to be followed. Many Japanese golfers play nine holes, have lunch and/or drinks then complete the last nine holes. Often there are onsen onsite to enjoy after the game.

Nagano Golf, Myoko Golf Courses

Information is as up to date as possible but please remember to confirm any details directly beforehand as prices can change, hours and conditions can vary plus equipment will very likely be extra cost. If you keep an eye out there can be many specials and packages on offer. Please check for these at the local tourist centres or sports shops. Happy golfing!

MYOKO KOGEN GOLF CLUB

Myoko Kogen Golf Club is built in natural harmony with it’s surroundings where you can play on the picturesque fairways in the shadow of Mount Myoko (see above). It is a an 18 hole course (par 72) with a total length of 6,957 yards

MYOKO COUNTRY CLUB

Myoko Country Club is a Canadian designed 18-hole golf course featuring large greens and long fairways. Apart from a couple of tricky water traps the course offers few surprises and will suit golfers of different abilities. The course is located adjacent to the Seki Onsen ski area within the famous Joshinetsu National Park at the foot of Mt. Myoko. Prices can start at 6,500 yen for 18 holes, lunch and onsen (listed days only). Staff speak some limited English. Transport is available via taxi or bus from Sekiyama Station.

APA JOETSU-MYOKO RESORT (PINE VALLEY) COUNTRY CLUB

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APA Myoko Pine Valley Country Club is a resort offering much more than just golf in the midst of nature. The golf course with 27 holes is located on the beautiful high plains of Myoko Kogen and offers a strategic challenge. Golfers of all standards will enjoy the classic greens but it is especially popular among traditionalists. One can also enjoy the convenience of taking a golf cart from the hotel right to the start of the course. Click here for hotel rates.

Location	1090 Okemi, Myoko City
Phone	0255-82-4111
Website	Golf information or Resort room booking

APA JOETSU-MYOKO RESORT WEB CAM

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AKAKURA GOLF COURSE

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Akakura Golf Course is a quality resort golf course located at the foot of famed Mt. Myoko at an elevation of 750 metres. Designed in harmony with its natural setting, it is of the same layout and design as it’s famous ‘sister’ course at Mount Fuji. White birches and other trees also create a nice atmosphere, so you can enjoy some wonderful scenery as you go around this challenging course. Access is available via taxi or bus from Myokokogen Station.

Location	216 Tagiri, Myoko City
Phone	0255-87-2502
Website	Golf info / Hotel booking

MADARAO TOKYU GOLF CLUB – TANGRAM

 

 

 

 

 

Set amongst the natural landscape and canoe birch trees of the grand north Shinano and Madarao plateau, Madarao Tokyu Golf Club enjoys beautiful greens on all of it’s 18 holes. Prices can start as low as 4,900 yen for early bird starters looking for Nagano golf. Check here for nearby Tangram hotels.

Location	3575-8 Furumi, Shinano Town
Phone	026-258-3511
Website	Golf info / Hotel booking

Reviews of Madarao Tokyu Golf Club

MADARAO KOGEN COUNTRY CLUB

Madarao Kogen Country Club is a dynamic Nagano golf course rich in strategic characteristics and developed over an immense site of 950,000 square meters. Set amongst the five famous peaks, including Togakushi, Kurohime, Madarao and Myoko, you are surrounded 360° by nature as you play. Check here for nearby Madarao hotels.

Location	8156 Toyotsu, Nakano City
Phone	0269-38-3766
Website	Golf info / Hotel booking

SHINANO GOLF CLUB

 

 

 

 

Shinano Golf Club is a quite young Nagano golf course, celebrating it’s 20h year in 2017. The club runs regular championships. It is a standard 72 par over 7,029 yards.

Location	2433 Oitakayama, Shinano Town
Phone	026-255-6700
Website	Golf info / Hotel bookings

NAGANO INTERNATIONAL (KOKUSAI) COUNTRY CLUB

The Nagano Kokusai Country Club is set in natural surroundings on the north Shinetsu plateau. It offers three choices all at reasonable cost – the Myoko course, the Kurohime (black princess) course and Shiroyama (white mountain) course.

Location	1313 Mure, Mure Village
Phone	026-253-3333
Website	http://www.naganokokusai.com/

IIZUNA KOGEN RESORT GOLF CLUB

Green fees at the Iizuna Resort Golf Club start at a very reasonable 3,500 yen (US$40) on weekdays. The course is a standard 72 par over 6,112 yards. Check here for nearby Iizuna hotels.

Location	Kawakami, Mure Village
Phone	026-253-3434
Website	http://www.iizunaresort.com/

MATSUGAMINE COUNTRY CLUB

The Matsugamine Country Club course was established in 1972. The course has 27 holes in total with a total 108 par with each 9 holes around 6,700 yards each. Members green fees are a very reasonable 3,800 yen, whilst guests are 5,000 yen on weekdays and 7,500 on weekends.

Location	Okakawa, Nakago-ku, Joetsu City
Phone	0255-74-2456
Website	http://www.matsugamine-cc.jp/

GREEN MESSE GOLF CLUB

The Green Messe Golf Clubcourse is a city-owned 9 hole course up in a mountain valley from the Sea of Japan. The club offers affordable weekday packages for 4,300 yen which includes 18 holes, lunch, cart and public bath. Nine holes on a weekend is 2,350 yen and 18 holes is 3,350. The course is a mixture of 3 and 4 par holes that are mostly ideal for novices and intermediates, but there are also some more challenging holes. There is no public transport available to the course.

Location	Nou, Itoigawa City (off Route 8)
Phone	025-568-2345
Website	http://www.greenmessenou.com/

 

TAGS: Nagano Golf Club, Myoko Golf Courses. Japan Golf Courses and Golfing. Madarao, Akakura, APA JoetsuMyoko, Myokokogen, Tangram, Itoigawa, Nagano, Niigata

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