Chubu

Myoko-Togakushi renzan National Park

PIXTA

This national park was newly created in March 2015, and is located on the border between Niigata and Nagano prefectures, spanning six municipalities in two prefectures: Itoigawa City, Myoko City, Nagano City, Kotani Village, Shinano Town, and Iizuna Town. Although small in size, the area is densely populated with mountains of unique shapes, and the plateaus scattered at the foot of the mountains and lakes such as Lake Nojiri are a major attraction of the area's unique landscape. The mountains vary from volcanic peaks, calderas, isolated non-volcanic peaks, and mountain ranges, and mountain worship is popular in each area. Myoko, Hiuchiyama, Ameshika, and Takatsuma, and there are mountains that can be enjoyed by beginners such as Iinawa and advanced climbers such as the steep Togakushi mountain range. The highlands at the foot of the mountains are popular for nature exploration in summer, skiing in winter, and hot springs throughout the year, attracting a wide variety of visitors. The park is a national park with mountains, highlands, and lakes, offering a wide range of activities other than the ocean. The park area is also home to heavy snowfall, and its unique landscape has been created by the combination of the harsh but wonderful natural environment and the unique culture and mountain beliefs that have been blessed by the natural environment. (Source: Ministry of the Environment website https://www.env.go.jp/nature/nationalparks/list/)

Activity

Nagano Sightseeing Taxi Togakushi and Zenkoji Half-Day Tour Course Togakushi soba lunch included!

Highlights

・A tour of the mysterious Togakushi region ・Sake tasting for all participants to enjoy! No need to worry about driving as the tour includes pick-up and drop-off. ・This tour includes a carefully selected popular course with a veteran local driver. ・Lunch including Togakushi soba and tempura is included!

Detail

Togakushi Shrine and Togakushi soba noodles are often introduced together in guidebooks. The shrine is located in a lush forest, and sightseeing on foot can be difficult, so a tour by cab is a safe choice. Around the shrine, there are many specialty soba noodle restaurants that make their noodles with local specialty water. Tantalize your taste buds with soba noodles made with the finest ingredients.

Summary

Location Nagano,Togakushi

Operating Hours In the morning

Required time 3hours

Transportation without pick-up your accommodation

Meal lunch

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Charter sightseeing cab for private tours of the Suwa area

JPY 7,150～

PIXTA

Highlights

Explore the cultural and natural charms of Nagano’s Suwa area in comfort and privacy with a chartered sightseeing taxi. Visit iconic locations such as Suwa Taisha Shrine, Lake Suwa, and local sake breweries at your own pace, with the flexibility to customize your itinerary. Whether you're interested in history, scenery, or traditional craftsmanship, this private tour offers a personalized and relaxing way to experience the region.

Detail

This private charter taxi tour is the ideal way to discover the highlights of the Suwa region in Nagano Prefecture, offering convenience, flexibility, and a local driver familiar with the area's best sights. Departing from nearby stations or accommodations, the tour allows you to create a tailor-made journey to suit your interests — from historical landmarks like Suwa Grand Shrine to the calming shores of Lake Suwa and charming local workshops. Perfect for couples, families, or small groups, this service offers a stress-free and immersive travel experience through one of central Japan’s hidden gems.

Summary

Location Togakushi / Suwa

Operating Hours Depends on the time of charter

Required time more than 2 hours

Transportation Pick-up and drop-off available (conditions apply)

Meal None

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Togakushi Shrine Guided Walk Tour with Experienced Guide

JPY 14,000

PIXTA

Highlights

Step into the sacred forests of Nagano with an experienced guide and discover the spiritual legacy of Togakushi Shrine. This guided walking tour takes you through a serene mountain path lined with towering cedar trees, leading to the five major shrine complexes of Togakushi. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories of local mythology, mountain worship, and ninja history, all set against the tranquil backdrop of one of Japan’s most revered pilgrimage sites.

Detail

This immersive walking tour offers a deep dive into the natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere of Togakushi Shrine, a historic site nestled in the mountains of Nagano. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll explore sacred paths connecting the shrine’s five precincts, each with its own distinct character and history. The tour combines light hiking with rich cultural insights, making it perfect for travelers interested in Japanese mythology, nature, and spiritual heritage. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a nature lover, this tour provides a meaningful and memorable experience in one of Japan’s hidden sacred sites.

Summary

Location Togakushi

Operating Hours Half day or Full day

Required time

Transportation not available

Meal None

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Access

How to get there

Myoko-Togakushi renzan National Park is a relatively compact park northwest of Tokyo in Nagano and Niigata prefectures. It offers majestic scenery, including mountains, highlands and lakes in the Myoko Kogen area, as well as hot springs and skiing. The park is also the setting of fascinating legends and religious- and ninja-related history, which you can explore at Togakushi Shrine, Kids Ninja Village and Togakure Ninja Museum in the Togakushi area.

From Tokyo

Nagano City is the gateway for many of the attractions in Myoko-Togakushi renzan National Park. To reach Nagano Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (80-100 min) where you can rent a car for maximum flexibility, or follow the instructions for public transportation in the Nagano section below.

From Osaka

Travel to Nagano Station first for best access to the attractions in Myoko-Togakushi renzan National Park. To reach Nagano, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station and transfer to the Shinano limited express train to Nagano Station (3 hr 30 min). To access the northwestern area of the park, namely Mount Amakazari, Itoigawa Station is a good gateway. Take the Limited Express Thunderbird from Osaka Station and transfer at Kanazawa Station to the Hokuriku Shinkansen (4 hr).

Getting Around

Due to infrequent public transportation, a car is a must if you want to hike the park's less-traveled trails. However, you can find plenty of transportation options to more popular attractions. An excellent deal if staying in the Togakushi area is the Togakushi Kogen Free Kippu, which offers a round-trip between Nagano Station and the Togakushi area, as well as five days of free bus use within the region. The Mount Myoko Shuttle provides service to many of the popular ski- and hot-spring areas in the Myoko Kogen area.