The Togakushi Ski Resort (aka Togakushi Snow World) feels like a private ski resort for just you and your powder ninja friends. Togakushi is deserted on weekdays and even though a few Japanese turn up on the weekends, the off-piste areas remain barren and there is minimal competition for the powder.
The base area of Togakushi Ski Resort is rather quaint although the buildings appear somewhat run-down. Considering there are so few people that visit, you can’t help but wonder if this is yet another Japanese ski resort on the cusp of ceasing operation.
Whilst the skiing is relatively unknown at Togakushi, the area is very famous for its amazing soba noodles (buckwheat noodles). Togakushi Village is also thought by some to be the birthplace of ninjutsu, and close to the ski resort is a ninja museum and training ground (open April to November only) as well as the Togakushi Shrine, which is rich in mythical Japanese history.
Pros and Cons of Togakushi
Pros
- Whilst many other Nagano ski resorts are highly trafficked, Togakushi is a deserted paradise for greedy powder hounds who want all the powder to themselves.
- Togakushi is also ideal for intermediate powder seekers on a powder day considering there is little competition for fresh lines on the piste.
- The elevation is higher than Myoko Kogen and some other Nagano ski resorts, so the snow quality is generally very good.
- The soba noodles are supremo!
Cons
- Like many Japanese ski resorts (especially the non-westernised ones), there is inadequate terrain for more than 1-2 days of riding.
- Unless you have a car, it can be a little difficult to get there from nearby destinations resorts (which keeps the hordes away).
Pro or Con Depending on Your Perspective
- Some of the little tree runs are plenty of fun for advanced riders but you’ll need to be discrete.
- Togakushi is delightfully devoid of any western influence, so particularly if you had a multi-day stay you’d get a nice Japanese experience. Other than at the hotel, not much English is spoken, and the resort definitely can’t cater for families looking for kids group lessons or childcare with English speaking staff.
- There’s certainly no bling bling. Everything is pleasantly simple at Togakushi (albeit a fraction ramshackle in places).
Togakushi Ski and Snowboard Terrain
Like many other Japanese ski resorts, Togakushi is not large with only 7 chair lifts (2 quads, 5 doubles), 19 courses, and 58 hectares of piste across 550 metres of vertical (1,200 - 1,750 metres) which can’t be skied in one continuous hit.
The Togakushi ski resort has two peaks. The lower one has an elevation of 1,549 metres and is the start of the majority of the runs. The terrain separates into two parts that descend to the main base hub and a smaller base area. The upper peak (Mt Menou – 1,750m) offers a smaller amount of terrain.
As is somewhat
typical of many Japan ski resorts, the trail stats are reasonably evenly spread across the different ability levels (30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced). There are 3 black runs serviced by a pair lift that are aptly rated as advanced runs and provide moderate pitch.
And typical of non-westernised Honshu ski resorts, off-piste skiing is officially banned but possible with a lot of care. One of the pros of the tree skiing at Togakushi is that it’s reasonably easy to remain invisible, and the obvious advantage is that no one skis off-piste except perhaps for a few guided skiers. The off-piste tree runs are typically short but very sweet, and some require some negotiation around creek lines depending on the snow cover. Togakushi also has a little sidecountry with very easy access and egress.
Togakushi Snow
Whilst Togakushi doesn’t receive as much snowfall as some other high profile
Nagano ski resorts (about 7.6 metres on average per season), the quality of the powder is typically very good. The front face of Togakushi Ski Resort is mostly north facing, and the top elevation of the resort at 1,750 metres is higher than many other neighbouring ski resorts.
Where is Togakushi Ski Resort?
Togakushi Snow World is located about 24km northwest of
Nagano City, 42km east of
Hakuba, and 30km southwest of
Myoko Kogen (about a 45 minute drive).
Togakushi Accommodation
The main base area of Togakushi has a quasi-village with just a hotel and a handful of pensions and restaurants, so it’s very very quiet. The Togakushi accommodation is simple and inexpensive.
Togakushi- Kogen Minshuku Rindo is located on the outskirts of the ski area in a ski-in location (and 1 minute walk out).
Togakushi Accommodation Listings
Facilities
The base area offers simple amenities for skiers and snowboarders including equipment rentals, a small convenience shop, child care for infants 18 months+ (no English), and ski school (no English). There are also a few eateries.
We visited Takatsuma, a cute little restaurant in a ski-in location. They served up the most amazing soba noodle set meals and there was a barista who made great coffees (in Japan you need to grab any opportunity you can for a half decent coffee!!). Upstairs was a little café that opened for après-ski with beers, divine apple pie and a few other sweet treats.