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1-Day Togakushi Tour: Soba making, Ninjas, and Hidden Shrines

5.0(20)Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 20 reviews8 h 15 minFree cancellationBy Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)
1-Day Togakushi Tour: Soba making, Ninjas, and Hidden Shrines

About this activity

Escape to the Mountains: Ninja, Soba & Sacred Cedars

Step into the pristine forests of Togakushi, where Japan’s creation myths and ninja secrets come to life. This year-round adventure from Nagano blends hands-on tradition with ancient spirituality.

Tour Highlights:

Master the Soba Blade: Don’t just eat lunch—make it. Knead, roll, and hand-cut Togakushi’s world-famous buckwheat noodles from scratch alongside local experts.

The Path of the Ninja: Delve into the legacy of the Togakure clan. In warmer months, navigate the trapdoors of the Ninja Trick House. In winter, strap on traditional kanjiki (ninja snowshoes) to float over deep mountain powder.

The Giant Cedar Avenue: Pass through the red Zuishinmon Gate into a breathtaking cathedral of 400-year-old cedars. Depending on the season, hike to the hidden Okusha Shrine or enjoy an exclusive winter snowshoe trek among the snow-laden giants.

Perfect for Tokyo Day-Trippers! Easy access via Shinkansen.

What's included

  • ✓Guided tour at all listed attractions
  • ✓Entry ticket to the Togakushi Ninja Museum (Green Season)
  • ✓Transportation fee from Nagano to Togakushi and between activities/attractions
  • ✓Kanjiki traditional snowshoe rental (Winter Season)
  • ✓English-speaking guide
  • ✓including your own handmade noodles

Not included

  • ✕Shinkansen/Bullet Train ticket
  • ✕Accommodation
  • ✕Additional food, snacks & drinks

Meeting and pickup

  • The meetup point is inside Nagano Station. Your guide will wait for you infront of the large Information Board and video montiors, directly across from the Shinkansen/Bullet Train ticket gates. They will be wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. The meetup time is 09:15.

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour has a minimum of 2 guests to operate
  • Physical Requirements: This tour involves approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) of walking along forest trails. In the Green Season, this includes a section of ascending stone steps. In the Winter Season, you will be trekking through deep snow.
  • This tour spends a considerable period of time outside. Weather conditions in Togakushi are often notably cooler than Nagano City, even in summer. Please also ensure you wear suitable clothing for the season and bring a waterproof jacket and/or umbrella as weather conditions can change quickly.
  • This tour includes a 'soba' (buckwheat) noodle lunch in Togakushi village. If you have any dietary requirements please let us know at time of booking.
  • Infants (0-5) are free of charge. An infant lunch is not included and the order will be made directly to the restaurant according to your needs.
  • All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.
  • Footwear & Clothing: Please wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. For winter tours (Mid-Nov to Mid-April), waterproof snow boots and warm, waterproof clothing are strongly recommended for the snowshoeing segment. We also recommend checking the daily forecast and bringing an umbrella or raincoat if needed.
  • Due to the amount of walking, this tour is not suitable for guests who are mobility impaired

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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