What is Awai Togakushi?

Awai Togakushi is a Selected hotel located in Nagano, Japan. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Awai Togakushi have?

Awai Togakushi has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Awai Togakushi located?

Awai Togakushi is located in Nagano, Japan, in the Asia region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Awai Togakushi?

You can view more details and booking information for Awai Togakushi through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Awai Togakushi | Selected in Nagano, Japan

Name: Awai Togakushi
Address: 3390 Togakushi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan 381-4101, Nagano, Asia, Japan
Rating: 4.5

Awai Togakushi in Nagano, Japan, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, establishing itself as a premier destination for those seeking a unique and luxurious retreat amidst nature.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Awai Togakushi is rated as "exceptional," achieving scores as high as 9.6 by guests. The sentiment is universally positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "phenomenal," "outstanding," "perfect," and "special." The hotel is praised for its ability to provide a deeply relaxing and memorable experience, often making guests feel welcomed like family.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the outstanding culinary experience, particularly both dinner and breakfast. The personalized and attentive service from the staff, notably the manager Yuki and Chef Yuki, is a recurring highlight. The tranquil and clean environment, coupled with the thoughtful design of both the rooms and the overall building, contributes significantly to guest satisfaction. The property's commitment to using local, seasonal ingredients in its cuisine is also a major draw. Its selection as a Michelin Key property further underscores its excellence.

3. Room Quality

The accommodations at Awai Togakushi are highly praised for their comfort, spaciousness, and immaculate cleanliness, with one source reporting a perfect cleanliness score of 10.0. The rooms, which include options in a minimalist former public hall and a traditional thatched-roof cottage, are well-appointed with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and mountain views. Thoughtful amenities such as tea and coffee makers, bidets, hypoallergenic bedding, and cozy sofa areas enhance the stay. The restored cottage features underfloor heating and a well-equipped bathroom and kitchen area.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Awai Togakushi is a standout feature, frequently described as "outstanding" and "exceptionally unique." The restaurant offers French, local, and European cuisines, with a strong emphasis on seasonal ingredients sourced from Togakushi and Nagano, including local vegetables, river fish, wild game, and pure spring water from Mount Togakushi. Chef Yuki Fujimoto, who honed his skills at Michelin-starred restaurants, crafts dishes that are both delicate and flavorful, bringing out the natural essence of the ingredients. Breakfast is noted as one of the most special experiences, often featuring soba porridge and vegetable obanzai designed to be gentle on the stomach. Dinner consists of a French course, and guests can enjoy carefully selected Nagano wines or original craft cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic pairings. Lunch courses are also available and are praised for their exceptional value.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Awai Togakushi receive exceptional praise, with guests frequently highlighting their "amazing," "helpful," "kind," and "caring" nature. Many guests feel welcomed "like family," noting the staff's friendly demeanor and thoughtful touches. The manager, Yuki, and Chef Yuki are often mentioned by name for their personal attention and expertly curated drink selections.

6. Location & Accessibility

Awai Togakushi is nestled in the scenic Togakushi mountains at an altitude of 1,200 meters. Its serene location offers guests an opportunity to connect with nature and local culture. The property is conveniently located a 7-minute walk from Togakushi Shrine. Other nearby attractions include Zenkoji Temple (approximately 13 miles away) and Nagano Station (about 14 miles away). The hotel is accessible by a 40-minute drive from Nagano Station, or by local bus from Nagano Station to Togakushi, with guests alighting at "Nakasha Daimon" or "Nakashadai Gate." Free off-site private parking is available. Visitors to the Togakushi area, particularly in late autumn, are advised to be aware of the possibility of bear sightings and to take precautions such as checking local news, asking for information at tourist centers, and carrying bear bells.

7. Value & Pricing

While offering a luxury experience, Awai Togakushi is considered to be worth the investment for a memorable getaway. Room rates typically range from $451 to $500. Dining experiences are priced separately, with lunch courses ranging from approximately JPY 3,000 to JPY 6,000, and dinner courses from JPY 9,350 to JPY 12,000. Non-alcoholic pairings for dinner are around JPY 7,000. Guests often remark on the "outstanding value" of the lunch courses.

8. Common Complaints

Based on available guest reviews, there are no significant or recurring complaints about Awai Togakushi. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive across all aspects of the stay. The hotel appears to excel in providing a consistently high-quality experience, from its exceptional dining to its attentive service and comfortable accommodations.