The Togakure Ninpo Museum (ŒΛ‰B—¬”E–@Ž‘—ΏŠΩ, Togakure-ryū Ninpō Shiryōkan) is devoted to the local Togakure school of ninja. In the 12th century, a warrior from Nagano fled to Iga after fighting on the losing side of a war between the Minamoto and Taira clans. Iga was the traditional bedrock of the ninja, and the warrior learned his ninja skills there before returning to Nagano and starting his own ninja school.

The museum is located in the forested mountains about an hour by bus northwest of central Nagano, just across the entrance to the Upper Togakushi Shrine. The museum consists of multiple buildings, one of which showcases tools and weapons used by Togakure Ninja and exhibits many interesting photos of them practising techniques of warfare and infiltration.

The museum also features a Ninja House, a building which looks ordinary on the outside but has many secret doors, passages and contraptions on the inside. It is great fun to find the way through the excellently designed maze in the house. There is also a throwing star (shuriken) throwing range, where for a small fee visitors can try throwing shuriken at target boards.

Within the same compound stands also the Museum of Togakushi Folklore, which exhibits tools, clothing, receptacles and furniture used by people living in the area in the past.

Getting there and around

Take bus number 70 from Nagano Station in direction of Togakushi. Alight at Togakushi-Okushairiguchi bus stop (ŒΛ‰B‰œŽΠ“όŒϋ, 70 minutes, 1550 yen one way, 1 bus/hour), which is located just next to the museum.

In addition, the Togakushi Shrine Meguri Kippu travel ticket is available for 3300 yen and includes a) a round trip between central Nagano and the Togakushi area, b) free use of buses within Togakushi, and c) one additional bus ride between Nagano Station and Zenkoji. The ticket can be used over a period of up to five consecutive calendar days.

How to get to and around Nagano

Hours and Fees

Hours

Closed

Admission

Hotels around Nagano

    • Takamine Onsen
      A mountain top onsen lodge at an altitude of 2000m facing Mt.Asama. Enjoy breathtaking views soaking in the outdoor bath. Bus runs from Tokyo & JR Sakudaira Sta.
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    • Shioriya
      Budget-friendly
      Shioriya offers accommodation in Nagano, 11 km from Zenkoji Temple. Popular points of interest around the property include Togakushi Shrine and Old Kawanakajima Battlefield. Nagano City Museum is 2 km away and Matsushiro Castle is 4 km from the guest house. All guest rooms in the guest house are fitted with a TV. Skiing is among the activities that guests can enjoy near Shioriya. The Sanada Treasures Museum is 4 km from the accommodation, while Mizuno Museum is 6.5 km from the property.
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    • 1166 Backpackers
      Budget-friendly
      Located in the city centre, 1166 Backpackers offers rental bicycles, free Wi-Fi and beds in shared dorm rooms, as well as private Japanese-style rooms. It features a free-use kitchen, a dining area and a launderette. Free morning coffee is available. Backpackers 1166 is around a 5-minute walk from Zenko-ji Temple and close to many shops, restaurants and cafes. A 24-hour convenience shop is a 5-minute walk away, while JR Nagano Station is a 7-minute drive or 18-minute walk. Togashi Ski Resort and Iitsuna Kogen Ski Resort are each a 40-minute drive. The hostel greets guests with a welcome drink, and offers concierge services and safety deposit of valuables. Facilities include lockers and a library. The shared kitchen is equipped with a microwave, a refrigerator and a small toaster oven. Guests sleep in a bunk bed in a shared dormitory room, equipped with a curtain and a private light. Private rooms have a tatami (woven-straw) floor and traditional futon bedding. All rooms provide personal safes and complimentary green tea. Toilets and bathrooms are shared. No meals are served.
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    • Oshi Ryokan
      Budget-friendly
      Situated just a 5-minute walk from historic Togakushi Shrine, Oshi Ryokan is traditional lodging accommodation in the peaceful mountain area, which used to cater for pilgrims. The main building is 250 years old with a thatched roof. Guests sleep in Japanese-style rooms located in annex buildings. Fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and futon bedding, the rooms feature a flat-screen TV and a seating area with a low table. Bathroom is shared with other guests. While staying at Ryokan Oshi, guests can enjoy a range of activities like golfing and skiing. The property provides ski storage and ski equipment rentals. Luggage can be left at the front desk. JR Nagano Station is a 50-minute drive or bus ride away, and the Togakushi Hokousha Bus Stop is just a 1-minute walk from the property. Togakushi Ski Resort is a 15-minute away, while Nagano Country Club is within a 10-minute drive. Guests can savour homemade meals at the spacious dining room with a historic charm, located in the main building. Dinner features local speciality soba buckwheat noodles.
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    • Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan
      Mid-range
      Just 250 metres from Zenko-ji Temple, Matsuya Ryokan offers simple Japanese rooms with tatami-mat floors, a green-tea maker and an attached Western bathroom. The hotel features public baths. Guests at Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan stay in rooms with shoji paper screens and traditional futon bedding. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a TV and slippers. Zenko-ji-shita Subway Station is 600 metres away, and Shinano Art Museum is 650 metres from the ryokan. JR Nagano Train Station is 3 km away. A Japanese breakfast and a Japanese course dinner are served at the dining room or the guest room.
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    • Dormy Inn Nagano
      Mid-range
      Situated conveniently a minute's stroll away from JR Nagano Station, Dormy Inn Nagano features a 24-hour front desk and a public hot spring facility with an open-air bath and sauna. Free WiFi access is available throughout the entire property. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a desk, refrigerator, an air-humidifier and an electric kettle. Rooms come with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and personal lockers. Guests will find luggage storage service offered at the front desk. Trouser presses and ironing facilities can be provided free of charge upon request. Coin-operated laundry machines and drink vending machines are also available. A Japanese-style and Western breakfast buffet consisting of local specialities is on offer at the on-site restaurant. Matsumoto Airport is a 90-minute bus ride away from JR Nagano Station. Zenkoji Temple is 1.9 km from Dormy Inn Nagano, while Togakushi Shrine is 14 km from the property.
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    • Dot Hostel Nagano
      Budget-friendly
      Set in Nagano, within 500 metres of Zenkoji Temple and 2.5 km of Nagano Station, Dot Hostel Nagano provides a bar. Featuring a shared lounge, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen and a concierge service for guests. The units feature bed linen. Suzaka City Zoo is 13 km from the hostel, while Jigokudani Monkey Park is 32 km away. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 74 km from Dot Hostel Nagano.
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    • Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
      Luxury
      Hotel Metropolitan Nagano features elegantly decorated rooms and a wide range of dining options, including a Japanese restaurant, a Chinese restaurant and a cafe. The hotel is conveniently located right next to the JR Nagano Train Station. All rooms feature carpeted floors, a seating area, and comes with a flat-screen TV, a desk and a wardrobe. There is a bath tub, a hairdryer and free toiletries in the en suite bathroom. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Nagano Metropolitan Hotel provides luggage storage and dry cleaning services. A massage salon on the ground floor can provide guests with a vigorous massage. Zenko-ji temple, one of Japanfs National Treasures, is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Shinano Art Museum and the Joyama Park are located within a 5-minute walk from the temple. The Iris cafe serves hearty breakfast buffet in the morning, while Shinano Japanese restaurant offers sushi and teppanyaki cuisines prepared right in front of the guests.
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    • Hotel NewNagano NeXT
      Mid-range
      Only a 5-minute walk from JR Nagano Train Station, Hotel NewNagano NeXT features accommodations with a flat-screen TV and free WiFi throughout the property. Free morning coffee is served at the lobby. The air-conditioned rooms feature a fridge, a microwave, and an electric kettle. Rooms come with an en suite bathroom. A coin-operated launderette is available. Tomi Sushi serves Sushi at the counter and also on conveyor belts. Chinese foods are available at Ichibankan. A breakfast buffet is available at the lobby. New Nagano Hotel is a 10-minute drive from Shinano Art Museum and Zenkoji Temple. Shopping areas such as the Tokyu Department Store are located in front of the hotel.
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    • Chisun Grand Nagano
      Mid-range
      A 5-minute walk from JR Nagano Train Station, Chisun Grand Nagano offers rooms with free WiFi access throughout the hotel. A selection of free amenities in the lobby is offered. The air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV with video-on-demand features, a fridge and an electric kettle. Slippers and nightwear are provided for all guests, while the en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer. All rooms come with a humidifier. Dry cleaning services are provided at the front desk. Private parking is available for an additional fee. Designated smoking area is available for guest's convenience. Located on the 12th floor, Asama restaurant serves a Japanese-style breakfast featuring local white rice. Guests can try grilled fish and miso soup. Refreshments are available at the ground floor lounge. Zenko-ji Temple is a 10-minute drive away. Nagano Grand Chisun is a 25-minute drive from Iizuna Kogen Ski Resort and a 1-hour drive from Snow Monkey Park. A convenience store is located a 1-minute walk away.
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    • Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel
      Mid-range
      Featuring 3-star accommodation, Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel is situated in Nagano, 2.5 km from Zenkoji Temple and 13 km from Suzaka City Zoo. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is located 1.2 km from Nagano Station. A buffet breakfast is available daily at the hotel. Jigokudani Monkey Park is 33 km from Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel, while Ryuoo Ski Park is 34 km away. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 73 km from the accommodation.
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Experiences around Nagano

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