This welcoming Japanese inn blends old-world charm with creature comforts, tucked away in the heart of Nagano. The location hits the sweet spot – just 15 miles from the historic Zenkoji Temple and a quick hop from Nagano Station. I found the rooms, whether twin or holiday home-style, spotlessly maintained and thoughtfully equipped. The restaurant impressed me with its creative mix of French and local Japanese dishes, though prices run a bit steep for budget travelers.
On the downside, the remote setting means you’ll need to plan your transportation carefully, and some staff members struggle with English communication. Keep in mind that during peak seasons, especially winter, rooms book up months in advance.
This place is perfect for couples and families seeking a peaceful retreat away from city bustle, particularly those who appreciate authentic Japanese hospitality without sacrificing modern amenities. Culture enthusiasts will love the easy access to temples and hiking trails, while foodies will appreciate the sophisticated dining options. With its outstanding 9.2/10 location rating, it’s especially suited for travelers who want to explore Nagano’s natural wonders while having a comfortable base to return to.
Good To Know

- Awai Togakushi is a hotel located in Nagano, Japan, 1.5 miles from the Togakushi Shrine, a popular local attraction.
- The hotel offers twin rooms and holiday homes with futon beds, as well as on-site dining serving French, local, and European cuisine.
- Guests praise the hotel’s high cleanliness ratings, attentive staff, and memorable dining experiences, with an overall rating of 9.0/10.
- The hotel is situated 16 miles from Nagano Station, making it an accessible base for exploring the region’s natural and cultural attractions.
- Despite the lack of internet access, the hotel’s location and amenities cater well to travelers seeking a peaceful, authentic experience in Nagano.
Hotel Overview

The Awai Togakushi is a hotel located in Nagano, Japan.
It’s situated 15 miles from Zenkoji Temple, 16 miles from Nagano Station, and just 1.5 miles from the Togakushi Shrine.
The hotel has an excellent 9.2/10 location rating from 6 reviews. Guests can choose between twin rooms with two beds or holiday homes with futon beds.
Amenities include non-smoking rooms, free private parking, a restaurant serving French, local, and European cuisine, and a coffee house.
However, the hotel doesn’t offer internet access.
Accommodation Options

Awai Togakushi’s accommodation options include twin rooms with two beds as well as holiday homes featuring futon beds.
The twin rooms provide a comfortable sleeping arrangement for two guests. The holiday homes, on the other hand, offer more spacious accommodations with two bedrooms – one with two futon beds and the other with four futon beds.
All rooms are non-smoking and come with air conditioning.
While the hotel doesn’t offer internet access, guests can enjoy on-site dining at the restaurant, which serves French, local, and European cuisine for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Dining Experience

Guests at Awai Togakushi can savor a diverse culinary experience.
The on-site restaurant serves a delectable blend of French, local, and European cuisine. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, the restaurant caters to a variety of tastes. Theres some good freshly prepared dishes made with high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients.
The cozy and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant complements the exceptional food. Guests praise the quality and variety of the menu, as well as the attentive service provided by the staff.
The restaurant’s commitment to delivering a memorable dining experience is evident in the positive reviews received from previous guests.
Guest Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive reviews highlight Awai Togakushi’s exceptional guest experience.
The hotel has an impressive 9.0/10 rating across 6 reviews, with standout scores for staff (9.2), cleanliness (9.2), and location (9.2). Guests consistently praise the attentive staff, who offer valuable local recommendations.
The modern, well-maintained facilities and spotless accommodations also earn high marks. While value for money scores slightly lower at 8.3, reviewers emphasize the overall quality and convenience of the experience.
Visitors relish the delectable French, local, and European cuisine served on-site.
With its idyllic mountain setting and proximity to top attractions, Awai Togakushi delivers a memorable stay for those exploring Japan’s Nagano region.
Location and Accessibility
Located in the picturesque Nagano region of Japan, Awai Togakushi sits just 15 miles from the historic Zenkoji Temple and 16 miles from Nagano Station.
The hotel’s convenient location also places it 22 miles from Suzaka Zoo and 28 miles from the popular Jigokudani Monkey Park.
For guests looking to explore the local shrines, the Togakushi Shrine is only 1.5 miles away.
The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, which is around 60 miles from the hotel.
Reviewers have praised the excellent location, giving it a 9.2/10 rating from 6 reviews.
Policies and Regulations
Although the hotel has a straightforward check-in and check-out process, guests should be aware of the property’s policies and house rules.
Check-in is available from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, while check-out is from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by accommodation type.
The minimum age for check-in is 18, and children over 12 are welcome.
Pets aren’t allowed, and the hotel doesn’t accept cash payments.
These policies ensure a comfortable and organized stay for all guests at the Awai Togakushi hotel.
Nearby Attractions
Beyond the hotel’s policies, the Awai Togakushi offers guests a wealth of nearby attractions to explore.
Just 1.5 miles away, the Togakushi Shrine Okusha is a historic Shinto shrine nestled in the mountains. Other popular destinations within easy reach include the Zenkoji Temple, 15 miles away, and the Jigokudani Monkey Park, 28 miles from the hotel.
Guests can also venture to the nearby cities of Kusatsu, Hakuba, Ueda, Joetsu, and Itoigawa, each offering its own unique cultural and natural attractions.
With Matsumoto Airport just 60 miles away, the Awai Togakushi provides an ideal base for discovering the natural wonders and traditional sites of Nagano Prefecture.
Travel Information

The Awai Togakushi hotel enjoys a prime location in the Nagano region, situated just 15 miles from the iconic Zenkoji Temple and 16 miles from Nagano Station. Travelers can easily access nearby attractions like Suzaka Zoo, 22 miles away, and the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, 28 miles distant. The hotel is also just 1.5 miles from the revered Togakushi Shrine. For those arriving by air, Matsumoto Airport is a convenient 60 miles away.
| Travel Details | Distance |
|---|---|
| Zenkoji Temple | 15 miles |
| Nagano Station | 16 miles |
| Suzaka Zoo | 22 miles |
| Jigokudani Monkey Park | 28 miles |
| Togakushi Shrine | 1.5 miles |
| Matsumoto Airport | 60 miles |
Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Spa or Fitness Center On-Site?
According to the provided information, there is no mention of a spa or fitness center at the hotel. The amenities listed include non-smoking rooms, free private parking, a restaurant, breakfast, and air conditioning, but no on-site spa or fitness facilities.
Do the Rooms Have a Mini-Fridge or Microwave?
The rooms do not have a mini-fridge or microwave. The hotel offers amenities like non-smoking rooms, free private parking, a restaurant, breakfast, and air conditioning, but no on-site spa or fitness center.
Is There a Shuttle Service to Nearby Attractions?
The hotel does not offer a shuttle service to nearby attractions. Guests will need to arrange their own transportation to visit local landmarks and cities around the hotel, which are located within reasonable driving distances.
Can Guests Request Early Check-In or Late Check-Out?
Guests may request early check-in or late check-out, but they’re subject to availability and additional fees. The hotel’s standard check-in is from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and check-out is from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Are There Any Specialty Dining Options or Cooking Classes Offered?
There’s no mention of any specialty dining options or cooking classes offered at the hotel. The restaurant serves French, local, and European cuisine for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, but no additional culinary experiences are provided.
The Sum Up
Awai Togakushi offers a serene retreat in the Togakushi mountains, providing easy access to Nagano’s renowned attractions. Guests can enjoy the region’s rich history and natural beauty while enjoying the hotel’s cozy accommodations and delectable cuisine. With its attentive staff, well-appointed facilities, and commitment to exceptional value, Awai Togakushi is the perfect base for exploring the wonders of Nagano.
