[2025 Nagano Attraction] Travel Guide for Togakushi-Jinja (Updated May)

Want to see towering trees and spectacular snowy scenery? Then you must visit Nagano, a hidden gem near Tokyo. Today, I'll share a detailed two-day Nagano travel guide, covering transportation, accommodation, itinerary, and food. Don't forget to like and save this post if you're planning a trip to Japan! First, let's talk about transportation. We departed from Tokyo and took the JR Shinkansen from Shinjuku Station. It takes about an hour and a half to reach Nagano Station. There are two types of tickets: reserved seats and non-reserved seats. Reserved seats are fixed and cost around CNY 400, while non-reserved seats don't have assigned seating and cost around CNY 300. Regarding accommodation, the city isn't very big. We booked our hotel near Nagano Station, as it's also where you catch the bus to Togakushi Shrine. The area has many restaurants and shopping centers, making it very convenient. Here's our three-day, two-night itinerary. Take notes and follow along! On the first day, we arrived in Nagano from Tokyo and took a good rest to prepare for an early start the next day. For dinner, we chose Matsuya, a popular Japanese fast-food chain, as we didn't want to venture too far from the hotel. It's truly a king of value; a large portion of pork cutlet curry rice costs only JPY 700! On the second day, we headed to Togakushi Shrine. We took the bus from bus stop No. 7 at Nagano Station. I recommend arriving at the station by 8:00 am to queue for the 8:30 bus, as you might not get a seat if you arrive right on time. Here's the train schedule; remember to take a screenshot and save it! After a 40-minute bus ride, we arrived at Togakushi Chusha and then hiked to Togakushi Okusha. We followed the mountain path with the crowd, and the scenery along the way was stunning. Walking through the snow-covered forest was incredibly healing! We even saw snow-capped mountains along the way, so don't forget to take photos! After about 30 minutes of walking, we reached Okusha, where the famous towering tree path is located. It felt like stepping into a forest of giants, straight out of a Japanese drama. You must experience this in winter! After exploring, you can have lunch at the soba restaurant near the entrance of Okusha. Although some people say the food isn't great, I personally enjoyed it. A warm bowl of soba noodles is perfect in such cold weather. I recommend the beef soba; it's delicious! Avoid the grated yam soba; it has a slimy texture and a strange taste. Afterward, you can grab an ice cream cone at the entrance for JPY 750. They have apple and buckwheat flavors; the apple one is very refreshing. Then, hike back to Togakushi Chusha and take the bus back. Get off at the Zenkoji Temple gate, but don't visit the temple yet, as it closes at 4:00 pm. Stroll from the Zenkoji Temple gate to Nagano Station. There are many interesting shops along the way, including a great clothing store called Freaks Store. They even have Arc'teryx and The North Face Purple Label, and many items are on sale, so it's worth checking out. For dinner, we chose a yakiniku restaurant. If you like lamb, you should try it. It's located in a hidden basement, but many celebrities have dined there. They only offer three types of lamb: fresh lamb, marinated lamb, and lamb offal. We ordered two portions of each type of lamb, and they were incredibly fragrant without any gamey taste. The price wasn't too expensive, around JPY 3,000 per person. On the third day, we woke up naturally and took the bus to Zenkoji Temple. The matcha shop on the pedestrian street near the temple gate is delicious and worth a try! What's unique about this temple is that it's the first time I've seen a fashion brand collaborate with a temple. There's a Beams x Zenkoji Temple collaboration shop with many cute items, so be sure to check it out. They also have a wide selection of omamori charms. You can also draw fortunes at Zenkoji Temple for JPY 200. If you get a bad fortune, tie it to the designated spot at the entrance. After visiting the temple, we returned to Tokyo. If you have time, you can also visit nearby Karuizawa. Nagano isn't a large city, so two days are enough to explore and enjoy the food. So, don't forget to visit this hidden gem during your trip to Japan!

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🛡

Japan's winter season, with its long-lasting snow period, sees Nagano, located in the central highlands of the 'Roof of Japan,' as a major snowfall area. Unlike the crowded and chilly Hokkaido, the serene and majestic Nagano is much gentler. Here, you can enjoy skiing, hot springs, and sightseeing just as well. I personally have a strong preference for natural and cultural landscapes and am not very interested in urban shopping. When I first saw these photos, I thought they were so beautiful that I had to visit. For the sake of a few pictures, I went to [Nagano] 🌲 💫 Travel Tips: ✅ Narai-juku: A post town that is more Kyoto than Kyoto itself, perfectly preserving the Showa era's charm with little commercial atmosphere. If you have enough time, you can stay overnight in the town. ✅ Togakushi Shrine: A mystical shrine that enshrines five Shinto shrines. The ancient path leading to the Okusha is lined with cedar trees over 400 years old, which look even more stunning covered in snow. If you want to visit the Okusha, be careful as the stairs and slopes at the end are very slippery. ✅ Jigokudani Monkey Park: You can watch monkeys soaking in hot springs. It is recommended to visit in the very cold winter or early in the morning to see the snow monkeys soaking voluntarily. ✅ Hakuba Village: A former Winter Olympics host site and one of Japan's top three ski resorts. A must-visit for skiing in Nagano, with multiple ski areas and abundant snow trails. Ski enthusiasts should not miss this place. ⭐ Recommended Hot Springs: ♨️ Shibu Onsen: With over 1300 years of history, strolling through the narrow alleys in the evening wearing a yukata and wooden clogs feels like being in the world of Spirited Away. There are nine public hot springs, each with its own unique features (each is said to have different therapeutic effects!). The nearby hot spring town is retro and quiet, with shops and restaurants, so you won't be bored after soaking in the hot springs.

When I woke up in the morning, it had turned from raining to snowing in Yudanaka ❄️ What good luck! Actually, we should have stayed in Nagano City yesterday. This was the only failed arrangement in this trip. A round trip from Nagano to Yudanaka takes nearly an hour. ⭕️To go to Togakushi Shrine, you actually need to start from the No. 7 bus 🚌 bus stop next to Nagano Station 🚉. You can take bus No. 70 or No. 73. ⭕️You can buy the round-trip ticket directly at the ticket shop next to the platform. There is a lady who speaks Chinese at the service desk. Thank you very much for her help. Although there are quite a few buses, the journey is still a bit far, so it is better to catch the bus in time. ⭕️The journey is quite long, most of the shops in the mountains are closed, and there are no vending machines, so everyone should remember to bring some dry food and water. ⚠️Highlight the key points⚠️: Information is next to the drop-off pointℹ️. If you don’t bring hiking shoes or crampons, you can rent them here. You will need them on the way up the mountain in winter! ⭕️Everyone needs to get off at this station and walk 1.5 kilometers to reach Giant Sequoia Road. ⭕️You must wear crampons here because the road is icy and difficult to walk on. ⭕️The road leading to Aoshe is like being in the land of giants. There are towering redwoods on both sides of the road. It is said that it takes more than 500 years to grow to such a thickness, and the trees are only on both sides of the road. They are not that big in the farther places. ⭕️Don’t underestimate the snow on the roadside. If you step on it, the snow will be over your knees.⚠️ ⭕️On this path, I indulged in the shock brought to me by the giant trees, and slowly went up this quiet and secret path. ⭕️The road near Aoshe is quite steep, ⚠️It is best to bring trekking poles🩼, otherwise it is easy to go up the mountain but difficult to go down. ⭕️The original plan was to hike for only 2 hours, but we ended up walking for 3-4 hours. The scenery along the way was so beautiful. It was already 15:30 when we got down the mountain, and it was already 17:00 when we arrived in Nagano City. ⭕️We found two Yakitori restaurants, but both were fully booked. It was not until the third one that they started to accommodate us. However, this one was unexpectedly delicious. If you also go to Togakushi Shrine, this Yakitori restaurant in Nagano City after going down the mountain is really top-notch! The price is affordable. We were so hungry that we only got empty plates. The boss would take whatever he wanted! (My English is not good, please use the translation software to order by yourself)

Togakushi Shrine is a shrine with a history of more than 2,000 years. From the top of the mountain to the bottom, there are five shrines: Oku-sha, Kuzuryu-sha, Naka-sha, Hinomiko-sha and Hoko-sha. They are a bit far apart, but you can walk to all of them. It just takes a long time to walk through all five shrines, so we only arranged to visit Oku-sha, Kuzuryu-sha and Naka-sha. Nakasha is the most convenient of all the shrines to reach. It is located in the busiest central area of ​​Togakushi. Nakasha has two entrances with large torii gates. The main entrance is the 11-meter-high large torii square at the turn on the road. There is a bus stop next to the square, which is very convenient for tourists to take the bus. Across the square is the Togakushi Tourist Information Center. There are shops and many soba restaurants next to it. I read some articles online that said this huge torii gate was not built with nails but was made up of structural components of different shapes. The two stones called Kutsu-ishi at the foundation of the Torii are not connected by anything. I really admire the Japanese traditional construction methods! Climb up the stairs from the big torii and you can see the natural monument "Sanbonsugi" and then you will reach the shrine⛩️. Another option is to drive up the mountain along the road. There is a free parking lot at the west entrance to the shrine. After parking your car, you can slowly walk into the shrine without having to climb stairs. If you walk from Aoshe to Zhongshe, it is about 4km and 70mins. If you walk from Hinomikosha Shrine for about 15 minutes, you can reach Nakasha Shrine. There are three cedar trees over 800 years old in Togakushi Central Shrine and the "Ryu no Tenkai Painting" in the main hall of the shrine, which are both worth seeing. It’s a pity that I didn’t take a picture of the dragon’s patio painting! Suddenly I think it is recommended to visit the shrine early in the morning or in the evening, there are really fewer people! #Japan #Nagano #Hakuba #Togakushi #Togakushi Shrine Okusha #Togakushi Shrine Nakasha #Sanbonsugi #Otorii Gate #Five Shrines #Dragon's Sky Painting #Main Hall

I came to Togakushi Shrine in Nagano. The most famous thing about Togakushi Shrine is the 500-meter road from Zuishinmon Gate to Okusha no Mori, lined with more than 200 giant cedar trees. When I first saw this scenery, I was so moved that I was at a loss for words. After doing some research, I found out that the entire Okusha no Mori area has been protected from human development and destruction since cutting down bamboo and trees within the grounds was strictly prohibited for about 400 years. It's amazing. There's no other way to experience the beauty of this place than to experience it for yourself. I hope everyone will go there at least once. #trip2022 #breathtakingview

Nagano's "Togakushi Shrine" has long been known as a sacred place, and worshippers from all over the country visit it every year. ⛩ The "Five Shrines Tour" is popular, where you can walk through the great outdoors! The forest was so beautiful that it was soothing...✨ Access: 3506 Togakushi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture #Nagano #TogakushiShrine #Shrine #Temple

I went to Togakushi Shrine in Togakushi, Nagano Prefecture ⛩ The 400-year-old Japanese cedar trees lining the 500m path to the inner shrine are a spectacular sight ✨ Maple leaves were on the ground, giving a real autumn feel ♪ Please visit at least once #Nagano #Autumn leaves #Maple leaves #Spectacular views

#awesomepic Great little temple with some manicured conifers, nice little cemetery out the back. Togakushi-jinja Shrine, located at the base of Mt. Togakushi to the northwest of Nagano, is connected to one of Japan's most enduring legends. #awesomepic

The ancient road of the Hidden Shrine is 2 kilometers long. In the shrine, there is no hierarchical status. Everyone treats all the same people. Whether it is a nobleman or a civilian, you must walk down here. The person wearing the hat needs to take off the hat when passing the torii. When walking, you need to walk on both sides of the road, because the middle is God walking. This road is very long, but the environment is also awesome. The towering trees stand on both sides of the road, making the whole road look solemn. There is a building in the way of one kilometer. It is called "Following the Gate of God". It is the door to the evil spirits entering the shrine courtyard. The thatched roof and the vermilion red color are a quiet and quiet place away from the world. There are some stones piled up by pedestrians along the way. It can be seen that these acts are full of faith. The trees became taller after passing the gate, and the leaves on both sides were reddish and full of autumn flavor. I like this color and I like the feeling here. Even with some pedestrians, I feel in a world that nobody disturbs.

#cherryblossom25 Togakushi Shrine is usually known for its towering cedar trees and deep spiritual vibes, but catching it during cherry blossom season adds a rare, softer beauty to its mystical atmosphere. I hiked the famous cedar-lined path, and as I reached the lower shrine, I was greeted by cherry trees in full bloom, their pink petals contrasting with the dark green forest. It felt like nature’s version of yin and yang — strength and delicacy side by side. I even tried Togakushi’s famous soba noodles at a nearby shop while watching blossoms fall. My #cherryblossom25 post showed the path leading up to the shrine, framed by both sakura and ancient cedars — a powerful, almost spiritual image. If you’re seeking cherry blossoms in a place with deep energy and natural drama, Togakushi is unforgettable.

#springitinerary If you're headed to Nagano in spring, definitely make time for Togakushi Shrine’s Okusha (Main Shrine) and the iconic Zuishinmon gate. The walk up is honestly part of the magic, about 2 km through a forest of towering cedars that feel ancient 🕰️Business Hours:and totally peaceful. In spring, everything’s waking up: fresh green leaves, cool mountain air, and way fewer crowds than in fall. The Zuishinmon gate halfway up is super photogenic, like something out of a Ghibli movie, and sets the mood for the spiritual vibe ahead. Once you reach the main shrine, it’s quiet, powerful, and totally worth the uphill walk. Wear comfy shoes (seriously), bring water, and just take your time. It’s not just a shrine visit, it’s an experience that feels refreshing for both your body and soul. Bonus: soba noodles are a local must-try when you're done. Perfect little spring day trip!

Togakushi-Jinja! Amazing amazing hike, loved every moment of it!!#travel #shrines #snow

Hidden in the misty mountains of Nagano Prefecture lies Japan’s mysterious “power shrine” – Togakushi Shrine. This place consists of five branches. You can walk through the 2-kilometer-long cedar tree-lined approach to the Oku-Shrine, which is dedicated to Amaterasu. Legend has it that ninjas from the Heian period practiced here, and you can still experience shuriken throwing and ninjutsu code deciphering. In spring, cherry blossoms shade the Torii Gate, in autumn, maples dye the sacred bridge red, and in winter, snow covers the bond stone. All four seasons create a secret atmosphere like that in Spirited Away. Avoid the crowds and touch the 400-year-old "Tears of the Sacred Tree"! - 🕘【Opening hours】 ✅Aoshi/Baoguangshe: sunrise to sunset (about 8:00-16:30 in winter) ✅Central Society/Hinoko Society: Open all day (no lighting at night, it is recommended to arrive before 15:00) ✅Kuzuryusha: Reservations are required for special morning visits (open only from 5:00 to 7:00) ⚠️Note: Okusha-sando may be closed due to snow in winter, please check the official website for announcements before traveling - 💴【Ticket Price】 ✅All shrines are free to visit ✅Oku-Sha "Sacred Tree Prayer": 500 yen (write a wish plaque and hang it on a thousand-year-old cedar) ✅Ninja Experience Hall: 1500 yen/30 minutes (including 5 shuriken) 🔺There is no price adjustment recently, but the morning visit to Jiuzuryusha requires an additional 300 yen tea fee - ⛺【Game items·In-depth gameplay】 ❶ Crossing the Okushe Divine Domain (Must Play!) Route: Start from "Sui Shen Gate" → Walk for 30 minutes through the cedar tunnel → Touch the three sacred stones (wisdom/health/wealth) → Drink water from the Okushe hand-washing pool Easter egg: Look for the naturally formed "tree spirit face" in the tree hole (the locals believe it is the incarnation of the gods) ❷ Baoguangshe Ninja Training Experience order: Wear ninja clothes and take photos → Decipher the secret code → Throw shuriken (a talisman will be given for hitting the target 3 times) ❸ Pray for a connection at the Zhongshe Temple Buy a double-leaf bell (500 yen) and tie it to the couple cedar. The wind blows the bell and the gods respond. Limited amulet: Clear crystal "Yunmie Bida" ❹ Explore the secrets of the Hinomiyasha and walk through the "Tainai-kuguri" cave (only one person can pass through by bending over), symbolizing rebirth and purification The mirror pond on the top of the mountain reflects Amaterasu on a sunny day. The best time to take photos is 9:00-10:00 ❺ Legend of the Nine-Headed Dragon: Drink the holy water in the morning + eat hai bing (desire-repelling snack), and watch the morning sun penetrate the dragon-shaped cloud A secret: Touching the "Dragon Claw" rock behind the Social Affairs Office three times can bring good luck - 🧡【Pre-trip preparation checklist】 ✅Must bring: non-slip hiking shoes (there is moss on the stone steps of Okusha), 100 yen coin (for the wooden box), thermos cup (for holy water) ✅ Optional items: Flashlight (for traveling through the cave inside the womb), five-colored rope (for making seals when worshipping) ✅Clothing: Bring a thin jacket in summer (the temperature difference on the mountain is large), and crampons in winter ✅ Taboos: Do not step on tree roots, do not take photos of the main hall of the Aosha, do not point fingers at statues of gods - When the 2-kilometer cedar tunnel unfolds before your eyes, spots of light shine through the gaps between the leaves onto the moss, as if every step is traveling through time and space. There are no crowds of people at Fushimi Inari here, only the sound of bells swaying in the wind and the secrets of the ninja's training for thousands of years. 🌲✨

The charm of "Togakushi Shrine" lies in its beautiful natural environment and deep history. Located at the foot of Mount Togakushi in Nagano Prefecture, this land of lush forests and clear streams provides healing to visitors. The shrine consists of four main shrines, each of which enshrines a different god. In particular, "Togakushi Okami" is known as the god of martial arts, and many samurai and martial artists have worshiped it. It is famous to go to "Okuyama"! And in this area, "Togakushi Shrine" is famous. I recommend enjoying soba at a local soba restaurant after visiting the shrine⭐️ #0 yen trip February 2025 #Nagano Prefecture

One of the most anticipated attractions on a self-driving tour of Nagano Togakushi Shrine. The giant cedar forest in Togakushi is so beautiful in the winter. It's a pity that we didn't see the beautiful scenery of snow on the day of our visit. But just strolling in the snow is romantic enough. Start from the Togakushi Shrine Okusha parking lot. It only takes about 30 minutes to reach Suishenmen The route is flat and not too difficult to walk, and there is a toilet at the entrance. (If you are with an elder, it is recommended to wear crampons for safety) Although there are public buses from Nagano Station to Togakushi Shrine, But the bus service is very rare. And in winter, parking will only be done at Zhongshe. It takes about an hour to walk from Zhongshe to Shanshulin/Sui Shenmen. The road conditions are not good and it is easy to slip. If you really want to go this route, It is recommended to take the bus route from Zhongshe to Aoshe. It is recommended to drive or charter a car to Togakushi Shrine in winter. #GlobalTravel #Nagano #Togakushi Shrine #Togakushi Shrine

Nice view

A detailed guide from a meticulous planner using Feishu➡️Detailed guide on P2, feel free to save! Togakushi Shrine is truly worth the trip😭. If you're flying into Tokyo or Nagoya, consider allocating two days to Nagano!! ⛩️Togakushi Shrine 😄Route: Nagano Station - Chusha - Okusha Entrance - Zuishinmon Gate - Sacred Cedar Forest - Chusha - Nagano Station 🚌Public Transportation: [Outbound] From Nagano Station (Bus Stop 7, downstairs from Don Quijote)🚉, take the Kendo Togakushi Line Bus No. 70. This bus stop is located downstairs from the easily recognizable Don Quijote building, opposite Nagano Station. You can purchase a one-day pass from the ticket machine beforehand, or take a ticket upon boarding and pay the driver directly when you arrive. [Return] Walk to Koshimizugahara Station (the stop before Chusha). The queues are shorter here, and seats are usually available. From Okusha, take a shortcut to Koshimizugahara Station for a shorter, more scenic route with available seating on the return trip. 🚕[Recommended: Taxi + Public Transportation]: [Outbound] Take a taxi from Nagano Station directly to the Okusha entrance (approx. JPY 11,000). [Return] Walk to Koshimizugahara Station (the stop before Chusha). The queues are shorter here, and seats are usually available. From Okusha, take a shortcut to Koshimizugahara Station for a shorter, more scenic route with available seating on the return trip. 👌🏻 [Advantages of this plan]: 1. Arrive before the first bus for a less crowded, more enjoyable experience; 2. The route from Chusha to Okusha doesn't offer much in terms of sightseeing, so there's no need to walk it twice; 3. Buses from Nagano Station to Togakushi are often crowded with long queues and limited seating. Taking a taxi allows you to enjoy the most scenic part of the journey in comfort. 🍚Try the soba noodle shop at the Okusha entrance. The tempura is delicious, and enjoying it while gazing at the snowy landscape is pure bliss!

I flew to Nagano, Japan just for a photo of hiking in the snow-covered forest. In winter, Togakushi in Nagano becomes a kingdom of giant trees, and walking among them makes you marvel at the insignificance of humans and the wonders of nature. . The essence of the hike is after Zuishinmon Gate. After passing through the gate, you can see two rows of towering cedar trees. The century-old cedar trees form a natural snow path, and the white path guides the way forward. . In the forest, apart from the sound of footsteps crunching in the snow, you can hardly hear any other noise. Everyone just wants to enjoy the hiking time in silence. Occasionally, a gust of wind blows the snow off the branches, creating a small avalanche in the forest. . 📍Togakushi Shrine, Nagano Prefecture 🚄Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station . 📝Travel Tips ▪️You need to wear crampons and waterproof jackets and pants for the entire hike ▪️There is a direct bus from Nagano Station to Togakushi Chusha Shrine, one bus per hour, you can buy a one-day pass ▪️It is more cost-effective to charter a car for 4-5 people, and you can set the departure time yourself. JPY 28,800 for 5 hours, overtime can be extended, JPY 4,300 for every half hour. The four of us chose to charter a car, and finally paid an overtime fee for one hour. The overall cost was controllable, and we saved time waiting for the bus in the snow ▪️If you want to play for a long time, take a taxi on the way there and take a bus on the way back ▪️There are fewer tourists before 9 am, so you can take photos of the forest without people

#0yentravelJanuary2025 🔥Recommended points A shrine known as one of Japan's leading power spots. You can visit the sacred grounds consisting of five shrines in a natural environment. 📝Travel record I visited in the middle of winter, taking about an hour by bus from Nagano Station. It was fantastic and beautiful! It was a snowstorm, so it was very cold❄ If you go in the winter, I recommend not only taking measures against the cold, but also wearing snow shoes! I gave up on going to the inner shrine, so I would like to visit Togakushi Shrine again in the season of fresh greenery🌿 -------------------------------------------- 📍Togakushi Shrine 3506 Togakushi Nakasha, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture 381-4101

“Cross the river flowing in the opposite direction in front of the torii gate, and the other side and reality will be reversed.” ⛩️Start from Chusha Shrine and visit the entrance to the Okusha Shrine approach, the divine gate, and return after reaching Okusha Shrine. The whole trip takes about half a day, but since the bus ride back and forth is not short, it is difficult to arrange other big sightseeing plans on the same day. 🚗Transportation: Buy a ticket at the bus stop near JR Nagano Station and take bus No. 70 to Chusha Shrine. If you want to take the 8:20 express, it is recommended to queue up early. It is strongly recommended to get on the bus one or two stops before Chusha Shrine on the return trip, so you don't have to queue and there will be seats. 🍝Food: There is a popular soba noodle restaurant at the entrance of the Okusha Shrine approach, but maybe I don't get the feeling, it is just average. (Nagano is really a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. I saw many tourists with snowboards at Nagano Station, and a few uncles and aunts from Tokyo came to hike at a stop on the return trip. I feel like I will go back to explore many times.)

The Nakasha Shrine of Togakushi Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is a special spot that is covered in snow in winter, giving it an even more sacred atmosphere✨. The scenery of the torii gates and shrine buildings covered in pure white snow, and the towering Togakushi Mountain behind it, is breathtakingly beautiful❄️. Nakasha Shrine is located at the center of the five Togakushi Shrines, and is said to bring good fortune in family harmony and business prosperity🌿. One of the winter pleasures is enjoying the famous Togakushi soba after worship! Warm soba noodles in the cold air are exceptional😊. Why not visit Nakasha Shrine this winter to experience the silence of the snow and the mysterious space? 📸 ✨ #TogakushiShrineNakasha #WinterScenery #Snowscape #NaganoTourism #DomesticTravelTrip

❄️Winter travel in Japan is no longer exclusive to Hokkaido! Nagano's snow scenery will bring you to tears. 🌟Looking for a different winter experience? Turn your attention to Nagano! Just 1.5 hours from Tokyo, this little-known treasure hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. It's a place of rare beauty and tranquility, with every corner offering a picturesque view waiting to be explored🎉. 【🎈Recommended Activities】 1️⃣Shiga Kogen Ski Resort⛷️ ❄️With 18 ski resorts of varying sizes, this is a paradise for ski enthusiasts, and there are many hot spring hotels to choose from. It's a popular destination for Western tourists, and the snow-covered Northern Alps in the distance make skiing and sightseeing a delight😍. 【Transportation🚍】: Take a bus from the east exit of Nagano Station to Shiga Kogen, about 1 hour (passing by Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can see the hot spring monkeys before coming here). 2️⃣Togakushi Shrine⛩️ 🌲Many people are drawn to Nagano by a single photo. Walking among the ancient cedar trees over 400 years old feels like stepping into another mysterious world, a breathtaking and indescribable experience🤩. 【How to get there🚏】: 4. Exit Nagano Station from the west exit, and cross the street to bus stop No. 7 (next to the post office and Don Quijote, which are easy to recognize). 5. Take a bus directly to Togakushi Chusha, the fare is 1,350 yen one way, the journey takes about 1 hour, the first bus is at 8:30, and there is one bus per hour. 6. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from Chusha to the entrance of Okusha. ❄️Tips: 👢If the snow is heavy, it may be deep, so it's recommended to wear waterproof clothes and pants. Since it's in the mountains, the temperature is low, so keeping warm is also important🧣. Choose non-slip, professional snow hiking shoes, and use trekking poles for added safety🥾. 3️⃣Jigokudani Monkey Park🐒🎫Adults 800 yen 💧The hot springs here have a history of 35 million years, and the monkeys accidentally discovered that the steaming pool could keep them warm, making hot spring bathing a regular winter activity. Watching them enjoy it is truly enviable😄. 【How to get there🚍】: 5. From Nagano, take a bus from the east exit of Nagano Station to Shiga Kogen, and get off at Jigokudani Monkey Park, about 40 minutes. 6. After getting off, walk about 40 minutes to reach the entrance of Jigokudani Monkey Park. ❄️Tips: 7. No need to rush to see the monkeys, as staff feed them near the hot spring pool at noon every day, and the clever monkeys will show up on time🥳. 8. Do not feed or touch the monkeys🙅.

Nagano is the capital of Nagano Prefecture and was once the host city of the Winter Olympics. The Zenkoji Temple is very famous. As the hotel room was not ready, I left my luggage and went straight to the temple. Zenkoji Temple is not far from Nagano Station, and you can take a bus or walk there. It was snowing heavily (the weather forecast said it was light snow, but it didn't look like it), and the scenery was different from that on a sunny day. I mentioned earlier that the transportation in Nagano is a bit inconvenient. I really felt it when I went to Togakushi Shrine, as there is only one bus (No. 70) that goes there (about one bus per hour). I originally planned to get on the bus at the stop near the hotel (it should be the second or third stop), but the bus was full and skipped the stop. I had to walk to the Nagano Station terminal and found a long line of people waiting for the bus. I doubted whether I could get on the next bus, but fortunately, the staff came out to check the situation and immediately arranged an extra bus. In addition, if there is no seat on the bus, you have to stand for more than an hour, which is quite exhausting, especially for someone like me who carries a camera bag. I went to Togakushi Shrine mainly to see the towering trees, and the snow scene was quite nice.

Why go to Hokkaido during the Chinese New Year... Nagano, Japan - Isn't this niche secret place attractive‼ ️ This place is sparsely populated and has beautiful scenery. It is the "escape" sought by 99% of people and a rare "lying down" spot! : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : ️ —— ☑️Nagano is a small but outstanding place! The most important part of the trip is the hotel, which is also full of sincerity! 🏨【Hoshinoya】 ⭕Top luxury retreat ➕ Japanese garden style ➕ Natural hot spring ➕ Kaiseki cuisine ✔️Located deep in Karuizawa, Japan, one of the top luxury hotels in Japan, almost hard to find a room ✔️Surrounded by forests, flowing streams, dragonfly hot springs, wide views, integrated with nature ✔️Away from the hustle and bustle, quiet and leisure, it is a great place to return to nature, heal the soul, and roam on vacation ✔️It is a residence, a focus, and a part of the travel paly · 🏨【Hoshino·Kai Alps】 ⭕Hot spring ➕skiing dual experience ✔️Combination of Japanese and modern design, close to the ski resort, the scenery in winter is extremely beautiful ✔️Especially sitting around the stove, listening to the crackling of firewood, it will pull you back to childhood in a second ✔️Drinking the local specialty "Shinshu Apple Shochu" and playing the novel "Diabolo" game ✔️Full of relaxation and comfort, this is what a vacation should be like! · 🏨[FUFU] ⭕Retreat Forest➕Japanese Garden➕Herbal Bath ✔️It is indeed a healing master! ✔️Located in the forest 🌳 beside the Yunchang Pond, enjoy a "healing journey" with the "breath of nature". ✔️Courtyard in the forest, mottled shadows of trees, wild luxury and tranquility ✔️While enjoying the comfort of a private hot spring in a private room, you can chat and laugh around the fire in the forest, and the sense of relaxation is maximized! … And other top luxury brands have settled here directly, and the status is only increasing, a "high-end" resort❗ —— 💫More attractions 🔸The original site of Spirited Away—Suwa Lake 🔸One of the ancient post stations on the Nakasendo Road, retaining a strong sense of the Edo period—Naraijuku 🔸A hot spring with a history of 1,300 years and the prototype of "Spirited Away"—Millennium Shibu Onsen!

My trip to Nagano and Tokyo in late October was truly splendid. In Nagano, the breathtaking autumn foliage at Zenko-ji Temple was a highlight, along with the serene beauty of the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Tokyo dazzled with its vibrant mix of tradition and modernity; exploring the historic Asakusa district and the bustling streets of Shibuya was unforgettable. The blend of cultural experiences and stunning landscapes made this journey exceptional.

I was really impressed by Nagano during this four-day trip to Japan. Japan Alps is well-deserved. At first, I chose Nagano because I knew that the temperature would be high this year and the red leaves would be late. I thought that since I was driving by myself, I would always be able to find a mountain forest with red leaves. Checked out Togakushi Shrine, Hakuba Happo Pond and Kamikochi. These Hiking are relatively simple. I mainly stay in a B&B with one bed and two meals, and the experience is great. The traditional Japanese set meal is so delicious, and various Shinshu specialties are added. In addition, I had good Shinshu Wagyu beef in the restaurant. Although it soon felt too greasy, the first few bites were really amazing. Shinshu soba is well-deserved! I first learned about Shinshu soba from watching the Conan Nagano case. After eating it this time, I understood why Uncle Mori was obsessed with it. The most comfortable thing is to hike during the day, then go back to the hotel to soak in the hot springs - dinner - and soak again in the afternoon. Some hotels have private baths, but the public baths are actually very comfortable. You can continue your trip the next day after recovering from fatigue. Although you have to pay 500 yen more for Myojin Pond in Kamikochi, it is worth it.

#0 Yen Travel Autumn Togakushi Nakasha is one of the power spots in Nagano

[Togakushi Shrine Nakasha] in Togakushi, Nagano Prefecture ⛩ In the grounds of this shrine, there is a sacred tree that is over 700 years old, and there are three cedar trees that are over 800 years old 😳 When you see them in person, it's really impressive... The thick, towering trees are full of energy. There is free parking, and you can freely visit the shrine 👌🏻 If you come to Togakushi, please be sure to visit ✨️ #0 yen travel autumn 📍Address: 3506 Togakushi Nakasha, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture 381-4101 🕰️Business hours: 9:00-17:00 💰Price per person: Free