Destination Togari Onsen

Togari Onsen Japan

Togari Onsen - across the valley from Nozawa Onsen

Togari Onsen Snapshot

Metres of snow each year
+
Ski Trails
hours from Tokyo
hrs
Google Rating
/5

Togari Onsen Japan

Togari Onsen is a famous hot spring (onsen) and ski resort located in the Nagano Prefecture of Japan. It is situated in the great city of Iiyama, nestled in the picturesque Chikuma River Valley. This onsen village is surrounded by scenic mountainous landscapes, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and outdoor activities.

The area is particularly beautiful during the autumn foliage season and in winter when it transforms into a snowy wonderland.

Togari Onsen is renowned for its natural hot springs, which are said to have therapeutic properties due to their mineral content. The hot springs are believed to offer health benefits such as improving blood circulation and relieving muscle fatigue.

Besides soaking in the hot springs, visitors can explore the local area through hiking trails, cycling routes, and seasonal activities such as skiing and snowboarding in nearby ski resorts during winter.

Togari Onsen Ski Resort
togari onsen accommodation

 The town retains a traditional atmosphere with wooden buildings and a relaxed pace of life. Visitors can also explore local crafts and cuisine, such as soba noodles, which are a specialty of the region.

The village’s tranquil atmosphere is largely because it was not originally a ski resort. Local people have lived in the village for over 1,000 years. It is a village first, and a resort second. This means the local culture is genuine and intact. A stay in one of the many local accommodation options will provide a unique experience. But just remember, there’s not much English spoken in the resort.

Overall, Togari Onsen offers a serene and rejuvenating retreat in a natural setting, making it a favored destination for both domestic and international travelers seeking relaxation and immersion in Japanese hot spring culture.

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Togari Onsen Ski Resort

Togari Onsen Ski Resort is a uniquely reverse v-shaped resort that was built with an eye towards the training of GS skiers. It’s still a local ski field that’s not much frequented by foreigners, mostly because it appears as the poorer cousin of the very popular Nozawa Onsen across the valley or Madarao Kogen up the road. There are two sides (Orion and Pegasus) to the resort with two bases – each with their own village and community onsen. The Casseopeia area joins up the two zones but, being a bit flat, snowboarders may wish to avoid this where possible. Intermediate skiers and snowboarders have a handful of runs of varying pitches, and there are lots of spots to jump off the piste to experiment in the powder. The black runs are short and not particularly steep.

The relative lack of foreign powderhounds means late in the day you are often still able to find some fresh lines. The runs are wide and large sections of ungroomed are left at the side of most of the runs, making it great territory for intermediate boarders who want to get their powder wings. For those wanting to head off-piste, there are minimal ropes, with the exception of some to discourage you from riding the lift lines. The off-piste areas are quite heavily treed so it can be a bit hard to find your way – be careful of gullies.

togari onsen ski resort
togari accommodation

Togari Onsen Accommodation

There is nothing like combining light Japanese powder snow with a rich cultural experience and a deep soaking onsen (hot spring). Togari Onsen village caters to this perfectly.

There are several ryokan & minshuku (traditional Japanese style inns), as well as pensions and hotels in Togari Onsen. All of them offer visitors a chance to experience Japanese hospitality and cuisine. Many of these accommodations have their own hot spring baths (onsen) for guests to enjoy.

Lodging and meal costs are very reasonable compared to neighbouring resorts. There are various options for inexpensive Togari accommodation near the two bases of the ski resort with a handful located in ski-in positions. Pensions or minshuku are by far the majority in accommodation styles. Whilst some properties may have western beds you’ll find virtually none with ensuites. Some lodgings have their own in-house onsen for bathing.

See our great range of options here or check the location of just some of your the local accommodation options on the map below.

Accommodation Map

Booking.com

Getting to Togari Onsen

Getting to Togari Onsen

Where is Togari Onsen?

Togari Onsen is located 43 kilometres northeast of Nagano City. It’s 10 kilometres west of Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, right opposite across the valley. Togari Resort is 12 kilometres north of Iiyama City and its shinkansen station.

Getting to Togari Onsen from Tokyo by shuttle

There are several shuttles each day from Haneda and Narita Aiports, as well as from Myoko, Madarao and Iiyama Station.

Getting to Togari Onsen from Tokyo by car

If you are coming by car it is 18 kilometres from the Toyota Iiyama IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway. From there follow Route 117 and look for the turn off on the left to Togari Onsen. The car park is 3 kilometres from R117.

Car access to Togari Onsen

If coming by train you can catch a bus or taxi from Iiyama Station (shinkansen station) or TogariNozawaOnsen Station (JR Iiyama Line). There is a direct connection bus from the shinkansen at Iiyama.

How to get to togari onsen from iiyama station
Train to Togari Onsen

Getting to/from Togari Onsen from Nozawa Onsen

There is a winter public shuttle from Nozawa Onsen to Togari Onsen. Click here for a schedule. Otherwise, a taxi will cost roughly 5,000 yen, or you could ask if your Nozawa accommodation can provide a transfer.

Getting to/from Togari Onsen from Madarao

There are no easy public transport options directly from Madarao to Togari Onsen. You can catch a bus to Iiyama Station, then another to Togari Onsen. Two shuttles between the resorts are available each day. A taxi will cost roughly 6,000 yen. You can also ask if your Madarao accommodation can provide a transfer.

See this page for more information on how to get here.

Transfer options

Aside from public transport there are several private and group direct transfer options for Togari Onsen. There are also private inter-resort transfer options available to/from Madarao, Myoko Kogen, Hakuba, Nagano and Shiga Kogen.

Togari Onsen Car Rental

Your nearest rental points are Nagano and Iiyama Station. Go here to check availability and prices online.

Bathing in Togari Onsen

Togari Onsen has two well known rotenburo (outside pools). Just a minute away from the Togari Onsen Ski Resort’s Orion slopes, Nozomi No Yu includes outdoor hot spring baths with a view of the gorgeous natural landscape. Akatsuki No Yu is located a short walk from the Pegasus slopes at Togari. Both of the outdoor baths are a great place to relax and enjoy views of the natural landscape.

The water is said to promote beautiful skin, as well as easing muscle soreness, body aches, and stress-induced tension. During the winter, they are especially good for some post-skiing relaxation. Opening hours are 11 am – 9 pm. Nozomi-no-Yu is not open outside of winter. See website.

History of Togari Onsen

Togari Onsen has a rich history that dates back centuries, rooted in its natural hot springs and the development of a thriving onsen town. Like many hot spring resorts in Japan, Togari Onsen’s history begins with its discovery by local inhabitants who recognized the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters. These natural hot springs have been used for bathing and relaxation for hundreds of years.

The development of Togari Onsen as a formal onsen town likely began in the Edo period (1603-1868). During this time, hot springs across Japan gained popularity among travelers and pilgrims seeking healing and rejuvenation. The town grew as facilities such as ryokan (traditional inns) and bathhouses were established to accommodate visitors. Over time, Togari Onsen became not only a place for physical healing but also a cultural center where people could experience Japanese hospitality, traditional architecture, and local cuisine. The town’s ryokan and bathhouses often reflect traditional Japanese aesthetics and practices.

The onsen town of Togari played a significant role in the local economy, providing employment and opportunities for businesses catering to travelers. This economic influence continues to shape the community and its development. In more recent decades, Togari Onsen has seen modernization and improvements in infrastructure to accommodate a growing number of tourists, both domestic and international. The town’s blend of historical charm and natural beauty continues to attract visitors seeking relaxation and a taste of traditional Japanese onsen culture.

Efforts have been made to preserve the traditional aspects of Togari Onsen while also adapting to modern tourism needs. Many ryokan and bathhouses strive to maintain their historical architecture and ambiance, offering guests a glimpse into the area’s past.

Togari Onsen Restaurants & Bars

There used to be a bit of life around at Togari Ski Resort when the university students used to flock to the resort for the cheap skiing available. It is much quieter now though but there are still some nice food and drink options and new additions popping up.

restaurants Togari Onsen

Kua Thai (see reviews) is run by Mullika Maruyama – a lovely Thai lady originally from northern Thailand. The restaurant is located on the Orion side of the mountain.

Head in and grab a delicious coffee or a hot toastie at Samurai Coffee. Located just down from the lifts at Togari Onsen Ski Resort Orion base, and right next door to Nozomi no Yu onsen. Also serving breakfast toast buffet 6-8:30, and crepe and drink sets 3-6pm. Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Penticton (see reviews) has a cosy and cute environment, with good examples of Japanese curry on the menu. Some of the ingredients are locally sourced. The restaurant’s claim to fame is the yaki-curry served in a big bowl with melted cheese. The server also brings a basket of toppings to the table, such as pickles, shallots, tiny shrimp and parmesan cheese so you can season your dish any way you like.

Ambis (see reviews) is a cool little bar that fits about a dozen people maximum. Cocktails, beer, Japanese liquor and finger food available.

Fresh is always best, so Mitsuwaya Cafe down the hill a little uses seasonal produce in their everyday menu. Family favorites like ​oyakodon​ and ​katsudon​, and set meal “​teishoku​” bento boxes are available (see reviews).

Hashiba (see reviews) is Togari’s long-established specialty yakitori restaurant that is beloved by locals. Specialising in the kind of food that your Japanese mother would make, it has a downmarket vibe, but a whole lot of soul.

For breakfast stop by Resthouse Togari for a pancake stack and coffee (see reviews). Nearby is Lamp Shokudo for a mixture of Japanese and international foods (see reviews).

More Togari Onsen restaurant info here.

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What our visitors say

What do people like about Togari Onsen?

"It’s a nice cozy place for a family for a day or two if you want to avoid crowded Nozawa. Taking lifts is much faster and smoother here."
Sam Salak
London, UK
"The resort is quite small which makes it less intimidating for beginners and intermediates. It is also cheaper than Nozawa Onsen. "
Horvis
United Kingdom
"It may be hard for the ski area, but there are not many people around so I can slide slowly, and the food is also good."
Takayuki Ishida
Tokyo, Japan

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