Togakushi is an area of stunning natural beauty in Nagano Prefecture, known for its ancient shrines and pilgrim trails. The Togakushi Universal Tourism Desk is an organization set up by the Togakushi Tourism Association that aims to make the area a welcoming place for all, regardless of physical ability.
The Desk supports travelers with mobility disabilities by providing recommendations for accessible inns, tours, and sightseeing spots in the city, as well as providing unique rental equipment, such as outdoor wheelchairs, to access them.
Background Information
While “hiking area” or “winter sports” don’t typically fill travelers with hope about its accessibility, the Togakushi Universal Tourism Desk goes above and beyond to offer exciting ways to experience the area on wheels.
Togakushi has various trails and activities throughout the seasons, many of which center around its religious and natural background. Togakushi Shrine is a well-known shrine at the foot of Mt. Togakushi and one of the area’s top sightseeing spots. The area is covered in dense, luscious forest, and with coverage like that, it’s perhaps not surprising that the area is also known for its more secretive activities as a ninja training ground.
It’s not just the slow life in Togakushi, either, as you can take the more fast-paced fun of downhill skiing or cross-country skiing. This is also made possible for wheelchair users using their “dual ski” option, where a certified professional will ride with you on the slopes and ski lift.
Togakushi’s most popular destinations include Togakushi Shrine, Togakushi Farm, Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden, Kagamiike Pond, and multiple ski resorts. The Togakushi Universal Tourism Desk has helped many of those become more accessible.
This natural area full of useful resources has also brought forth a vibrant culture and cuisine, so there are opportunities to try soba making and various local crafts to get immersed in that culture.
The Togakushi Universal Tourism Desk won the Best Destination Development award in the 2024 Japan Travel Awards for its efforts to expand universal tourism in the area.
Getting There
Togakushi is accessible by Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station, followed by bus or taxi. A taxi from Nagano Station to the Togakushi Universal Tourism Desk takes around 40 minutes.
The Togakushi Universal Tourism Desk can further advise you on the best ways to access the city, where to stay, and how to enjoy the city.
Accessibility
The Togakushi Universal Tourism Desk concentrates its efforts on providing a variety of rental items and their “Universal Field Concierge.”
They have an impressive array of outdoor wheelchairs that can be reserved for your visit, so you can choose from a mountain trike, the MT Push, or the Hippo Campe option. There is also a “Jinriki” style wheelchair, which is a lightweight wheelchair with puncture-resistant tires that can be pulled by someone.
As well as the wheelchair rental options, there is also a variety of accessories and helpful items for a stay in Togakushi. This includes their bedside handrail, portable slopes, and a wheelchair umbrella stand, among others.
Some of Togakushi’s main attractions have been logged on the Barrier Free Map (Japanese), another local initiative by the Togakushi Universal Tourism Desk.
If you have any further questions about visiting the area, the Desk’s Universal Field Concierge is happy to assist.
