Togura Kamiyamada Onsen 戸倉上山田温泉

South of Nagano City on the Chikuma River, Togura Kamiyamada Onsen offers a mountain town atmosphere, foreigner friendly facilities, and onsen (hot spring) baths galore. It's an excellent choice for your first onsen experience.

Central Togura Kamiyamada Onsen is about a ten-minute bus or taxi ride from Shinano Railway's Togura Station.

From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Ueda, then transfer to the Shinano Railway. Togura Station is about 20 minutes away. It's about the same distance on the Shinano Railway from Nagano City.

Togura Kamiyamada Onsen is a popular resort with around 30 accommodations and 7 day-use hot-spring facilities. The hot-spring baths in the area make the skin silky smooth and are said to have a beautifying effect. To fully appreciate Kamiyamada, spend the night. Staying at a traditional hot spring inn lets you enjoy the atmosphere, delicious foods, and relaxing baths.

Try out a variety of activities in English or with interpretation provided. Book onto a guided cycling or walking tour, or rent a bicycle from local tour operator Zukudashi to explore Togura Kamiyada and the Chikuma City area. You can also enjoy other experiences such as trying on a kimono, learning how to make the perfect cup of Japanese tea, and participating in early-morning Zen meditation at a local temple.

Aratojo Castle is a reconstructed fort in Joyama Historic Park. It is a forty-minute walk up the mountain. Dating from around 1500, it was a simple defensive structure, and this reconstruction is the only one of its kind in Japan. See the sweeping views of the Chikuma Valley and Nagano Alps when you visit.