Togari Onsen Ski Resort
Togari Onsen is on the outskirts of Iiyama City in Nagano Prefecture, located in the centre of one of the heaviest snowfall areas in Japan, and possibly even the world! It is just across the Chikuma River from the world famous Nozawa Onsen Village, but even people who are familiar with Nozawa will say, “Togari Onsen? I've kind of heard of that place, but where is it?!” It is fair to say that Togari is a well-kept secret! Lines for the lifts are rare here, and its a great place for an authentic Japanese ski town experience.
Togari is a pretty village with lots of old traditional temples and shrines. The buildings are less crowded together than other ski resorts, and are mostly family-owned small hotels attached to a farm, giving it a wide-open and welcoming feel. Locals may self-effacingly call Togari "small" but actually the village center has everything you need, and it’s just the right size. Not as crowded as Nozawa Onsen, and more convenient than Madarao, with easy road access, through the Chikuma River valley, without having to drive any scary mountain passes. That is why so many people return over and over again to this small ski resort.
At Togari Onsen, rich in nature, you can enjoy camping, trekking, canoeing, and many other outdoor activities, but what what we are really interested in is the snow sports! This page provides information on skiing in Togari, the slopes, restaurants, and a little about the culture and history of the village.
