[2025 Nagano Attraction] Travel Guide for Togakushi Shrine Okusha (Main Shrine) Zuishinmon (Updated Mar)

Many people know the name of Kumano Kodo, but Nagano also has an ancient road - Togakushi Kodo, which becomes one of the most attractive hiking routes in Japan in winter. . Togakushi Shrine is located at the foot of Mount Togakushi in northwest Nagano and is a collective name for five shrines: Okusha, Kuzuryusha, Chusha, Hino-mikosha, and Hokosha. The main experience here is the 6 km pilgrimage route to the five shrines, with towering trees and a snowy environment that will leave a lasting impression. . The order of the five shrines is Hokosha → Hino-mikosha → Chusha → Okusha → Kuzuryusha. The most famous tree-lined path is at the entrance of Okusha, with 400-year-old cedar trees that are so tall and thick that they seem to have no top, creating a solemn and awe-inspiring scene that is perfect for photos! . 🚌Transportation: You can take a bus at Platform 7 of Nagano Station. There is a ticket station next to the platform where you can buy a full-day pass for JPY 3,000 per person, which allows unlimited rides on these buses all day. Each shrine has a bus stop, and you can also take the bus back to Nagano City. . 🎿Travel gear: It snowed a while ago, so you can wear a 3-in-1 jacket or a thin waterproof down jacket, a sweater, and thermal pants. Wear high-top hiking shoes, and it is recommended to bring crampons and trekking poles, as the steps are quite slippery. ⚠⚠⚠Buses do not go to Okusha in winter⚠ December 14, 2024 - March 31, 2025 Buses only go to Chusha, not Okusha⚠To visit the ancient cedar path of Okusha, you must walk about 40 minutes from Chusha to the entrance of Okusha, and then walk about 2 hours round trip to see Okusha. . ❗Please cherish every restroom you encounter! Because they are rare! Some are even closed! 🍝Restaurant: On the way back to the entrance of Okusha, there is a soba noodle restaurant with a nice taste and a beautiful view by the window! You can pay electronically, but there may be no signal in the store, so you can prepare cash just in case. ⛩Five shrines introduction: 1⃣ Hokosha •Deity: Ame-no-Uwaharu-no-Mikoto •Blessings: Academic progress📚, skill improvement🎨, safe childbirth and child-rearing👶. 2⃣ Hino-mikosha •Deity: Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto •Blessings: Performing arts improvement💃, good luck in love💌. 3⃣ Chusha •Deity: Ame-no-Yagokoro-Omoikane-no-Mikoto •Blessings: Career success💼, academic achievement🎓, good luck🌟. 4⃣ Kuzuryusha •Deity: Kuzuryu-no-Okami •Blessings: Wealth💰, agricultural harvest🌾, rain and water protection💦. 5⃣ Okusha •Deity: Ame-no-Tajikarao-no-Mikoto •Blessings: Wish fulfillment🎯, good luck and protection🛡

Togakushi Shrine is mysterious and beautiful no matter what season you visit, but the scenery in winter is especially special❄⁡ ⁡ If it snows the day before, the path to Suijinmon Gate will feel like walking on a snowy road, so it's a good idea to wear snow boots with anti-slip soles🥾⁡ ⁡ Many people visit during the day, so if you want to take photos alone, I recommend visiting first thing in the morning👍⁡ ⁡ As for parking fees,⁡ There is a fee to park at Suginamiki, but it's free at Nakasha, so I recommend driving when it snows🚗⁡ ⁡ Please go and check it out🎵⁡ ⁡ ⋈ ･･･Suginamiki Details･･･ ⋈⁡ Opening hours: You can enter 24 hours a day, but there are no lights, so it's pitch black at night⁡ Admission fee: Free⁡ Parking: Yes, but it's paid. The payment machine only accepts 1000 yen bills, so you need to prepare in advance. #tripdomestictravel #domestictravel #Naganotourism #wintertravel #greatview #photogenicspot

Togakushi Shrine’s Zuishinmon left a lasting impression on me, one that lingers even now, long after my visit. The experience felt like stepping into a world suspended in time. As I walked through the towering cedar trees that lined the path, the soft crunch of gravel underfoot was the only sound, apart from the whisper of the wind weaving through the ancient forest. By the time the grand gate of Zuishinmon came into view, I felt a quiet reverence building within me. It was one of those rare moments when everything just felt right. The crisp mountain air filled my lungs, invigorating yet soothing, while the sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting a golden glow over everything. There was a profound sense of harmony, as if nature and humanity had long ago reached an unspoken understanding in this sacred place. Standing before Zuishinmon, with its intricate wooden carvings and dignified presence, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to the history it embodies. The gate is more than just an entryway; it’s a portal to something greater—a journey inward, a reminder of life’s simplicity and sacredness. I lingered there for a while, breathing in the stillness, as though the place itself was urging me to pause and listen. Awe-inspiring and deeply moving, my time at Togakushi Shrine was a reminder of how rare it is to find spaces that resonate so profoundly with the soul. It’s a place that doesn’t just invite you to visit but welcomes you to leave a part of yourself behind while taking something immeasurable with you. ☺️ ##voyagevibes #japan #travel #nagano #thingstodo