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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Nagano Accommodation, Myoko Hotels: About

The Heart of Japan offers simply the widest range of Nagano accommodation available across the region. You can book online a choice of over 400 ryokan, resort hotels, backpacker hostels, ski lodges, pension & traditional inns and receive instant confirmation.

Find and book Nagano accommodation instantly via our secure travel booking site!

Nagano Accommodation, Myoko Hotels

If you are looking for comfortable, affordable and cheap accommodation in Japan’s “White Triangle” – Myoko Kogen, Hakuba, Akakura Onsen, Akakan Resort, Lake Nojiri, Nozawa Onsen, Madarao Kogen, Togakushi, Joetsu, Yudanaka Onsen (Japan Snow Monkey Park), Shiga Kogen and surrounds – hotels, pension, inns, hostels, ski lodges, cabins, minshuku, b&b or ryokan – then you have come to the right place. We can also help you book online at the same time for any stopovers in Nagano City, Tokyo Airports, Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya or Kyoto. We can also assist with group bookings throughout Japan

Please note that Myoko Kogen and the “White Triangle” is made up of several different areas (as listed above) and the establishments below are only a small fraction of the properties offered. The following are a small selection of recommended inns, pensions, hotels and ryokan. For a full list of accommodation in the different areas of Myoko Kogen and the White Triangle please use the links on our accommodation menu at top. If unsure of the area you are looking for check out our extensive access and maps pages.

Explore the Heart of Japan offer by far the widest available range of accommodation in the area where reservations can easily be done online in English. Each area has its own hotel map so you can see exactly where the property you are booking lies in relation to local transport, resorts and services.

We have gathered all of the available bookable online establishments and are constantly adding to our lists. We utilise only well known reputable companies and you can therefore book securely with confidence, and at the best possible price, via our own secure travel booking site or one of the following – Booking.com, Japanican (JTB), or Rakuten. Confirmation is usually immediate.

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Can’t find what you’re looking for? Ask us via our Nagano Accommodation booking request page

Note: If you have stayed in the area and can recommend (or not recommend) a place you have stayed in we also welcome your input via email or our forums. Without feedback, no responsibility can be taken for the service or standard of any of the establishments listed herein.

English may not be spoken at many of the accommodation options listed.

Myoko’s #1 ski lodge – self catering accommodation in the heart of Akakura Onsen

Nagano Accommodation: Featured places to stay

Myoko Kogen accommodation:

Akakura, Akakura Kanko, Ikenotaira, Suginohara & Seki Onsen

	Ryokan Kofukan is near Myokokogen Station. It was opened in 2004 featuring large rooms with both Japanese and Western style accommodation available, wonderful relaxing hotsprings and a great view of Mt. Myoko. A free shuttle bus service is available to and from Suginohara ski field during the winter. Discount ski lift tickets are also available for purchase. Friendly service (in English), great food and reasonable tariff. Map to Hotel Kofukan, Myoko-kogen
More Myoko Kogen accommodation in the central Myoko Kogen town area here
	The Hotel Silverhorn boasts a fantastic location right opposite the Akakura Kanko (Akakan) Ski Resort. There are twelve semi-Japanese and three Western style rooms. The hotel amenities include washer/dryer, internet access and a ski rental shop. The hotel is only ten minutes by car/taxi from Myokokogen station. A complimentary shuttle bus from the station is also available. Check Hotel Silverhorn ratings and reviews
Check out more Akakura Kanko (Akakan Resort) accommodation options here
	Akakura Hotel is a well known Akakura ski hotel in the very heart of Akakura Onsen Ski Village with only a four minute walk to the lifts. Refreshing 100% natural hot springs equipped with an open-air bath, sauna and jacuzzi. Guests can enjoy visiting various inside and outside onsen baths. Read or Leave Akakura Hotel reviews
Check out more Akakura Onsen accommodation and Akakura Hotel options here
	Soratobu Usagi Myoko in Myoko Suginohara Ski Area is right in the middle of the Myoko Suginohara ski area trails, with one of the chairlifts going almost past the window (see map). They also have some self-contained accommodation which would be ideal for a family or small group of friends.
Check out more Myoko Suginohara accommodation, pension & hotels here
	Tsubame Highland Hotel in Tsubame Onsen (high above Seki Onsen) is the perfect place for relaxing, hiking, trekking and skiing. To get to Akakura Ski Resort you can ski or snowboard down directly from Tsubame Onsen then get a free pick-up by snow tractor.
Check out more Tsubame Onsen & Seki Onsen accommodation and hotels here
	Park Lodge Sekine is located in the beautiful highland area of Ikenotaira Onsen (Myoko Kogen). It offers traditional Japanese style guestrooms and hot spring baths.
Check out more Ikenotaira Onsen accommodation and pension options here

Tokyo Hotels

Nagano Accommodation: Nozawa Onsen, Lake Nojiri and Madarao Kogen

	The Australian owned Alpine Villa Nozawa in Nozawa Onsen is just 200 metres from the ski lifts of and 50 metres from a free-use public hot-spring. Guests can enjoy the fireplace lounge, spacious free-use kitchen and home theatre room at Alpine Villa Nozawa. Read reviews of Alpine Villa Nozawa and/or see map to Alpine Villa Nozawa.
Check out more Nozawa Onsen hotel, pension and ski lodge options here
	Labo Land in Lake Nojiri / Kurohime is five minutes by car from the Shinano-machi interchange. This establishment has a homely cabin feel. Facilities include coin laundry, ski and snowboard rental as well as ski wear, a ski drying room and internet access.
Check out more Lake Nojiri & Kurohime accommodation, cabin and hotels here
	Guests at Fujio Pension in Madarao Kogen enjoy great scenery from their room at a 1,000 metre elevation in Madarao Kogen. The pension boasts connecting family rooms something not common in Madarao-kogen pensions. A popular choice for visitors seeking Nagano accommodation. Map to Fujio Pension in Madarao
Check out more Madarao Kogen accommodation, inn and hotel options here

Japanese Snow Monkeys Accommodation:

Yudanaka Onsen, Shibu Onsen, Kanbayashi Onsen, Shiga Kogen

	Shimaya Ryokan is located in the centre of Yudanaka Onsen and only eight minutes away from Yudanaka station. This inn is our most booked Yudanaka Onsen / Snow Monkeys accommodation option. When requested, the ryokan will provide ‘on-demand’ free shuttle services to and from the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Read or leave a review of Shimaya Ryokan here
Check out more Yudanaka Onsen accommodation, ryokan and hotel options here
	Shibu Hotel in Shibu Onsen is a Japanese-style inn popular with foreign visitors close to the Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Monkey Park) with free shuttle available. The hotel has both Japanese-style rooms and western-style rooms as well as three different types of onsen including a private bath.
Check out more Shibu Onsen accommodation, ryokan and hotel options here
	Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan Ryokan is a small inn past Kanbayashi Onsen with twelve Japanese style rooms which is as close as you can get to the Japan Snow Monkey Park. Cost is around 10,000 yen per person per night (including dinner and breakfast)
Check out more Kanbayashi Onsen hotel, accommodation & ryokan options here
	Hotel Shirakabaso Shigakogen is just a 2-minute walk from the Maruike ski resort offering indoor & outdoor hot spring baths, rooms with free Wi-Fi and a launderette. It features both Japanese-style and Western rooms. Guests can relax in the outdoor hot spring with nature views, unwind in a public bath indoors, or soak in a private-use hot spring bath.
Check out more Shiga Kogen accommodation, ryokan & ski resort hotels here

Nagano Accommodation: Nagano City, Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi Village & Hakuba

	Zenkoji Tokugyoubou in Nagano City is located right in the grounds of Zenkoji Temple. It is a shukubo – the kind of lodging that is traditionally attached to a Japanese temple. A shukubo is similar to traditional Japanese inns but at a shukubo you can join in morning prayers with the temple monks and eat shojin ryori – the special austere, vegetarian meal for monks. The rooms are traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats and a light cotton yukata is offered for sleeping. No credit cards accepted
Check out more Zenkoji Temple lodgings & accommodation options here
	Togakushi Kogen Hotel in Togakushi Village Located right in front of Togakushi Ski Resort, Togakushi Kogen Hotel offers simple accommodation with views of Mount Togakushi. Free Wi-Fi is available at the public areas. One hour by bus from JR Nagano Station or thirty minutes drive from Hakuba
Check out more Togakushi accommodation and hostel options here
	Just 300 metres from Hakuba Goryu gondola station, the completely non-smoking Bears Den Mountain Lodge has free Wi-Fi throughout and boasts a Japanese-style hot tub with mountain views, massages, a lounge with an LCD TV, board games and books, and a large drying room.
Check out more Hakuba accommodation and Hakuba hotel options here
	Matsuya Ryokan in Nagano City is an amazing traditional inn located right at the heart of Zenkoji Temple. Matsuya is recommended for those who love to have a taste of very traditional Japanese culture, architectural design and value for money.
Check out more Nagano City hotel and Nagano Ryokan options here

Do you own or run local Nagano accommodation, a hotel in Hakuba or Jigokudani Monkey Park, a Togakushi pension, a Nagano ryokan, a Nozawa Onsen lodge, etc.?

If you are an owner/manager of any type of lodging in the area please contact us to see how your establishment can be listed here.

Hotel and Accommodation Booking Links: Myokokogen, Myoko City – Hakuba – Suginosawa, Suginohara – Ikenotaira Onsen – Akakura Onsen, Shin-Akakura – Seki Onsen & Tsubame Onsen – Nozawa Onsen – Togakushi, Iizuna, Iizuna-Kogen – Tangram, Madarao, Iiyama – Lake Nojiri, Kurohime, Shinano – Joetsu, Takada, Naoetsu, Arai – Jigokudani Monkey Park – Nagano City – Tokyo Stopover – Osaka Stopover – Nagoya Stopover – Kyoto Stopover – Group Bookings

Descriptor: Are you looking for Nagano accommodation or a ski hotel in Myoko? Perhaps a Myoko Hotel? On this page is listed Myoko accommodation, Niigata accommodation, Nagano accommodation, Nojiri Hotels, The best places to stay in Hakuba, Cabins in Lake Nojiri, Myoko Hotels, Myoko ski resorts and Myoko ryokan. You will also find an assortment of backpackers, ryokan, pension, minshuku, B&B, hostels and inns for Niigata, Nagano City, Hakuba Village, Nozawa Onsen, Akakura, Ikenotaira, Suginohara, Togakushi, Madarao, Kurohime, Seki Onsen, Tsubame Onsen, Yudanaka Onsen, Kanbayashi Onsen and Shibu Onsen. Please click on any of the main links at the top for further information.,

400+ choices of Myoko & Nagano Accommodation. Myoko Kogen, Snow Monkeys, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Nagano City, Madarao, Lake Nojiri, Togakushi + many more!

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