Background

Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden: A Natural Sanctuary

Discover Nagano's natural beauty at Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden, a haven for birdwatching, hiking, and serene forest walks.

4.3

Escape into the serene beauty of the Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden, a 71-hectare haven showcasing the region's diverse flora and fauna. With trails winding through various gardens and forests, it's a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

A brief summary to Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden

  • Tuesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for the best chance to see and hear a wide variety of birds.
  • Check the blooming schedule for the skunk cabbage and alpine flowers to witness the garden's seasonal highlights.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails, and bring insect repellent during warmer months.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Togakushi Shrine and Kagami-ike Pond for a full day of exploration.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Nagano Station, take the Alpico bus (route 70 or 73) towards Togakushi. The bus ride takes approximately 70 minutes. Get off at the 'Shinrin Shokubutsuen Iriguchi' bus stop, which is the entrance to the Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden. The fare is around ¥1400. Be aware that buses to Togakushi may not have luggage trunks, and space can be limited.

  • Car

    From Nagano City, drive approximately 20 km (40 minutes) to the Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden. From the Suzaka Nagano Higashi IC, it's about 35 km, and from the Shinanomachi IC, it's about 16 km. Parking is available. Be aware that the road to Togakushi can be icy in winter, so winter tires and 4WD are recommended.

Unlock the Best of Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden

The Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden is a sprawling natural retreat where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of Nagano's highlands. This 71-hectare garden is known as a leading wild bird paradise, offering the chance to observe diverse bird species, especially in the early morning. The garden features various themed areas, including a fir tree garden, a skunk cabbage garden, and a general botanical garden, all connected by well-maintained trails. Visitors can enjoy therapeutic walks through the forest, observing various wild grasses and flowers, such as the white arum, and encountering wildlife like forest green tree frogs and fireflies. In early to mid-May, the skunk cabbage blooms are a highlight, while various alpine plants blossom from late April to mid-October. The garden also features ponds like Midoriga-ike, offering stunning views of the surrounding forest. The Mori-no-Manabiya forest museum at the garden's entrance provides insights into Togakushi's nature through dioramas and videos. Partially accessible boardwalks make the garden accessible to visitors with wheelchairs and baby buggies. The garden's location near Togakushi Shrine's upper shrine allows visitors to combine a nature walk with a visit to the sacred sites.

Popular Experiences near Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden

Popular Hotels near Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden

Select Currency