Ah, springtime in Japan — when the snow begins to melt, the cherry blossoms start to flirt with the sun, and the mountains breathe new life. If you're thinking Japan is just about ski slopes and sushi (okay, sushi is always a good idea), then buckle up, hiking boots on, because it’s time to explore the magic of spring hiking in Nagano — specifically the whimsical, lesser-known gems of Togakushi and Nozawaonsen.

❄️ From Snow to Sakura: Why Spring is the Perfect Time to Hike in Japan

Sure, the ski season may be waving goodbye, but that doesn’t mean the adventure stops. In fact, it’s just beginning! As the snow begins its graceful retreat into rivers and streams, the Japanese Alps transform into a hiker’s paradise — think mossy trails, budding flowers, quiet temples, and the occasional cheeky monkey sighting (yes, really).

Spring hiking in Japan offers the best of both worlds: crisp mountain air and just enough leftover snow to make everything look like a Studio Ghibli scene.

Snow shoe, ski and snowboard at the top of Nozawaonsen (at the higher elevations) 😎

Hike through the mountains surrounding the Nozawaonsen Village at the lower elevations 🌳

🚅 No Car? No Problem! How to Get There

One of the joys of traveling in Japan is how ridiculously efficient public transportation is. No car? Zero stress. Hop on a Shinkansen (bullet train) and zip your way to Nagano Station for Togakushi, or Iiyama Station for Nozawaonsen. These two alpine havens are just an hour apart by car, and both are easily accessible from Tokyo.

Travel tip: Bring snacks. The train rides are smooth, but a bento box just makes everything better.

🌲 Togakushi: Forest Shrines, Bird Songs & Campfire Vibes

First stop: Togakushi. This place is a dream. We're talking towering cedar forests, tranquil shrines (including the famous Togakushi Shrine), botanical gardens bursting with life, and birding trails that’ll have you feeling like Snow White. Yes, that serene.

Feeling adventurous? Pitch a tent! Togakushi’s campgrounds are spacious, scenic, and peaceful — perfect for a night under the stars, complete with s’mores (if you BYO supplies, of course).

“Please support the Forests of Our Hearts Forest Botanical Garden Fund. All donations will be donated to the Arboretum Fund and used for maintaining and cleaning up the forest” - Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden Conservation and Management Office (Translation by Google)

Snacks like chilli bamboo shoots and pickled local vegetables are available at Togakushi (near the Togakushi visitor’s centre) 😎

Plenty of sweet snacks too. These are made from buckwheat 🌾

For a hearty meal, go for the traditional hot soba noodle soup, slightly downstream from the Togakushi Visitor’s Centre. 🍜

The traditional cold soba noodles with local wild vegetables is a terrific meal option too! 😎

Iwatoya Restaurant, near Togakushi Visitor’s Centre is one of my top favourite traditional eateries in the Nagano area.

…Complete with “how to eat” instructions and hearty nutritional information.

🧸 PSA: It’s Bear Season, Baby!

Now, before you skip off into the woods like it’s a fairytale, remember: it's spring, which means bears are waking up from their naps. They're groggy, hungry, and not too keen on surprise guests. So, do as the locals do — wear a bear bell, make some noise on the trail, and channel your inner hiker-DJ.

It’s not scary, just part of the wild beauty that makes Japan’s mountains so enchanting.

🥾 Nozawaonsen: Snowshoe Trails & Soothing Soaks

Next up: Nozawaonsen, a cozy mountain village with just the right amount of rustic charm and outdoor adventure. Even in spring, there’s still snow up high — perfect for snowshoeing through alpine trails surrounded by panoramic mountain views.

After a day of trekking, there’s only one way to recover: a steamy, dreamy soak in one of Nozawa’s many onsens. These traditional Japanese hot springs are chef’s kiss for sore legs and soul-deep relaxation.

Bonus: Without the ski season crowds, you might have an entire bathhouse to yourself. Talk about zen!

Be friendly and say hello at the public onsen bath house! Take note that it is in the Japanese culture to bathe naked 😉

There are also village cooking onsens 🍽️

Check out the heavy duty chopsticks and cooking strainers 😎

🌸 Why These Hidden Gems Should Be on Your Spring Hiking Bucket List

Crowd-Free Bliss: While popular trails and cities buzz with tourists, Togakushi and Nozawaonsen stay serene and sleepy — ideal for travelers craving connection with nature and a dash of small-town life.
Cultural Charm: Shrines, onsens, local markets, and friendly villagers — it’s the perfect blend of adventure and authenticity.
Unplug & Recharge: Trade your WiFi for waterfalls, your inbox for incense wafting through a shrine.

You can also spot the plentiful cherry blossoms in spring, without the crowds - aim for April 🌸

Crowd-free shopping outside the snow season 😎

Fine-dining and exceptional traditional village cuisine… without the crowds and often without a booking required 🏆

🧳 Final Tips for Spring Hiking in Japan

Pack layers: Weather in the mountains can shift from sunny to chilly faster than you can say "arigatou."
Don’t forget a bear bell: Seriously, it’s not just a cute souvenir.
Bring snacks and cash: Small towns may have limited ATMs and stores, but plenty of cozy cafés and food stalls.

So, if you're ready to step off the beaten path and into a world of misty trails, spring blossoms, sacred forests, and post-hike hot springs, Togakushi and Nozawaonsen in Nagano are waiting.

Spring hiking in Japan isn't just a walk in the woods — it's an experience, a mood, a whole vibe. And it's calling your name.