The once locals-only Togari Onsen Ski Resort in Nagano, tucked away near Nozawa Onsen, has undergone a quiet transformation, emerging with new ownership, a sleek new website and a series of upgrades designed to put this under-the-radar powder destination firmly back on the map.
Like Nozawa Onsen, Madarao and Myoko, Togari Onsen is easily accessed via Iiyama, the gateway town connecting travellers to some of Japan’s snowiest resorts.
Spread across 140 hectares (345 acres) of skiable terrain, Togari’s 16 runs deliver serious powder credentials, alongside the nation’s longest mogul course stretching 300 metres, plus a new freestyle park featuring jumps, jibs and pipes.
Food lovers also have reason to pay attention. The resort has welcomed Yakiniku Dragon, an outpost of Tokyo favourite Yakiniku Jumbo, serving premium Iiyama City Wagyu. Ramen devotees can also settle in slopeside at Chuka Soba Tsukemen Hajime, bringing a taste of the cult Harajuku eatery to the mountains.
The cute as a button Insta-worthy coffee stop on top of the mountain is also a must.
But, wait, there’s more…
CLUB TOGARI members only ski resort
It’s not quite Yellowstone meets Big Sky in Montana, but the concept is similar. At the base of Togari Onsen Ski Resort sits an ultra-exclusive private ski club, THE CLUB TOGARI, complete with residences for purchase, a members-only ski slope and a luxury mountain lifestyle built around keeping things decidedly, um, private.
The newly unveiled piste White Dragon Field is reserved strictly for club members and their guests. It sits on the edge of the public Togari Onsen Ski Resort but has no public lift lines. No surprise crowds. Just pristine turns for those inside the velvet rope.
Aimed at affluent Japanese and international skiers, THE CLUB TOGARI offers members exclusive access with the ability to invite up to nine guests to join their party of 10 for fresh tracks.
There’s also a private clubhouse and restaurant operated by Kanaya Resorts, private shuttle transfers from Iiyama and even secure private garage facilities should you choose to arrive in your own Ferrari (do they even make an SUV?).
Leave your skis at home too. Members can access premium skis from luxury Japanese brand Vector Glide, available exclusively through the club.
For those wanting to fully commit to mountain life, membership also unlocks the opportunity to purchase ski-in ski-out residences positioned alongside the private slope.
The price tag? Membership fees are available by enquiry only. Which perhaps brings us to that old saying: if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it.
Though the entire resort is cashless so maybe you can just tap and go with the keys to your new mountain holiday home.
