Key Facts
• Togari Onsen Ski Resort in Iiyama, Nagano, reopened on December 20, 2025, after major renovations.
• The ski resort celebrated its 65th anniversary.
• A ceremony marking the renewal was held on December 18, 2025.
• The resort originally opened in 1960.
• Declining skier numbers and aging facilities prompted local stakeholders to seek revitalization.
• Hiroshi Hamaguchi, CEO of a Tokyo-based investment company, acquired the ski resort’s operating company shares in July 2025 and became CEO.
• Hamaguchi led a four-month renovation focusing first on food services.
• A popular Tokyo ramen shop opened, offering soy sauce, salt ramen, and dipping noodles with carefully simmered chicken broth.
• A well-known yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant also opened.
• The resort’s rest house was renovated to attract non-skiers.
• Despite investments, lift ticket prices remain unchanged.
• The CEO aims to create a ski resort accessible to local and Japanese visitors.
• The target for this season is a 30% increase in visitors, reaching 120,000 people.
Summary
Togari Onsen Ski Resort in Iiyama, Nagano, marked its 65th anniversary with a large-scale renewal, reopening on December 20, 2025. Facing challenges such as a decline in skiing population and aging infrastructure, local stakeholders invited Hiroshi Hamaguchi, a Tokyo investment company CEO, to lead revitalization efforts. After acquiring the ski resort’s operating company in July 2025, Hamaguchi focused on enhancing food offerings by introducing a popular Tokyo ramen shop and a famous yakiniku restaurant, alongside renovating the rest house to attract visitors beyond skiers. Importantly, lift ticket prices were kept stable to maintain accessibility. The CEO’s vision is to make Togari a welcoming destination for both local residents and Japanese visitors. The resort aims to boost visitor numbers by 30% this season, targeting 120,000 users. This strategic renewal combines facility upgrades and culinary appeal to revitalize the ski resort’s appeal in a competitive market.
