Travelog

Togakushi Half-Day Itinerary: Explore the Five Shrines and Cedar Avenue (Map Included)

2024.10.04

Untouched by the busyness of everyday life, Togakushi is a sacred spiritual spot located on Mt. Togakushi blessed with abundant nature and a rich culture that is thousands of years old. With direct bus access from Nagano Station, you’ll get there in about an hour, which makes it the perfect daytrip.

The Legend of the Hiding Door

Nestled at the foot of sacred Mount Togakushi, Togakushi Shrine is made up of five shrines: Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha, and Hinomikosha. These shrines honor deities from ancient Japanese mythology.

According to legend, when Amaterasu-Omikami, the Sun Goddess, hid herself inside a cave due to her brother’s misbehavior, the world was plunged into darkness and chaos. The gods gathered and held a lively festival to coax Amaterasu out. Curious about the commotion, she slightly opened the cave door, and at that moment, Tajikarao-no-Mikoto (the god of strength) forcefully pulled it open, welcoming Amaterasu back into the world.

pixta_99342976_XL

It is said that the cave door then flew all the way to Nagano Prefecture and landed in a forested area which was thus named Togakushi, or “Hiding Door”. Reflecting this divine tale, each shrine venerates a different deity from the myth.

Hiking the Five Shrine of Togakushi

Hiking the five shrines of Togakushi—Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha, and Hinomikosha—is a rewarding journey through lush forests, ancient cedar avenues, and sacred sites in Nagano Prefecture. You can visit the shrines in any order, but the traditional route begins at Hokosha (Lower Shrine) and ends at Okusha (Upper Shrine), covering about 10-12 km in total. Here is the suggested route.

① Hokosha (Lower Shrine)

After getting off the bus at the Togakushi Hokosha stop, you’ll begin your journey by climbing more than 270 stone steps, surrounded by nature. At the top, the grand shrine hall awaits, displaying architectural features that date back to the time when Shinto and Buddhism were practiced side by side here. This gives the shrine a distinctive and dignified presence, admired by visitors for its historical depth.

Enshrined deity: Ame-no-Uwaharu-no-Mikoto
Prayers for: new ventures, study and arts, needlework, safe childbirth, protection of women and children

See Google Map >

② Hinomikosha

From Hokosha, a pleasant forest path leads to Hinomikosha, a small and modest shrine devoted to the deity of performing arts and fire. The approach to Hinomikosha is peaceful, surrounded by greenery. This shrine is founded around 1098 A.D., Hinomikosha is the only shrine on the mountain that remained purely Shinto, even during the period when Shintoism and Buddhism were practiced together. The tradition of the Togakushi Daidai Kagura, a sacred song and dance, has been preserved and performed by the shrine’s priests for generations.

togakushi_summer (38)

Enshrined deity: Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto and other three gods who danced in front of the closed door
Prayers for: performing arts, fire safety, marriage and love

See Google Map >

③ Chusha (Middle Shrine)

After Hinomikosha, the route continues to Chusha, the central shrine of Togakushi and a true spiritual hub. About two kilometers from Hokosha, Chusha is distinguished by towering 700 to 800-year-old cedars and a grand torii gate. The main shrine building is notable for its ceiling, decorated with a striking dragon painting originally created by Kawanabe Kyosai of the renowned Kano school.

The area surrounding Chusha is lively, with soba restuarants, souvenir shops and a visitor center. It’s an ideal place to rest, sample local specialties like Togakushi soba, and recharge before tackling the mountain trails.

From Chusha to the entrance to Okusha, you can ride a shuttle bus to save time and energy. More information about how to travel around in Togakushi in Getting to Togakushi section.

Enshrined deity: Ame-no-Yagokoro-Omoikane-no-Mikoto
Prayers for: academic success, business prosperity, good fortune, warding off evil, family well-being

See Google Map >

④ Kazuryusha

After a 40-minute walk along the famous avenue lined with 400-year-old cedars, you’ll come upon Kuzuryusha, located just before reaching Okusha. This small shrine honors Kuzuryu-Okami, the nine-headed dragon deity of water and harvest. The exact date when this deity was first enshrined is unknown, but he was worshipped locally even before Ame-no-Tachikarao-no-Mikoto.

togakushi_summer (19)

Enshrined deity: Kuzuryu-no-Okami
Prayers for: tooth decay prevetion, marriage and love, good harvest

See Google Map >

⑤ Okusha (Upper Shrine)

The final stretch of the hike leads Okusha, that serves as the main sanctuary of Togakushi Shrine. It is just a few steps away from Kazuryusha. The path from the bus stop leads to Okusha stretches about two kilometers and features the Zuishinmon gate with its distinctive thatched roof at the halfway point. Towering cedar trees, each over 400 years old, line both sides of the approach, forming part of a protected forest recognized as a natural monument.

The approach from the Okusha trailhead near the bus stop covers about two kilometers, mostly gentle with some uphill sections. Arriving at Okusha, hikers are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment and spiritual peace in this iconic, sacred setting.

Enshrined deity: Ame-no-Tachikarao-no-Mikoto, the god who opened the stone door of the cave
Prayers for: good luck, wish fulfillment, harvest, sports

See Google Map >

Ancient Cedars Avenue and Zuishinmon

One of Togakushi’s most iconic sights is the majestic Cedar Avenue, a pathway lined with towering, centuries-old Japanese cedars. This impressive avenue stretches for about 500 meters, leading visitors toward the sacred Okusha Shrine. Walking beneath the dense canopy, you’ll feel the serene atmosphere and natural beauty that have inspired pilgrims for generations.

Along the way stands the red Zuishinmon Gate, a striking wooden structure that marks the entrance to the shrine’s inner sanctum. Passing through this gate is considered a symbolic purification, inviting visitors to experience the spiritual tranquility of Togakushi’s ancient forest.

Access:
The entrance to the Cedar Avenue is conveniently located near the "Okusha" bus stop on the Nagano-Togakushi bus line. From the bus stop, it’s about a 20-minute walk to Zuishinmon Gate and a 40-minute walk to Okusha Shrine.

Togakure Ninja

Togakure-ryū ninjutsu (ninja techniques) traces its roots back about 800 years. After long periods of Shugendō training—a form of mountain asceticism—around Togakushi and Iizuna, Nishina Daisuke fled to the Iga region following the fall of his lord. There, he learned Iga-ryū ninjutsu. Later, he returned to Togakushi and founded Togakure-ryū, earning the name Togakure Daisuke. The lineage has continued unbroken; today, Masaaki Hatsumi is recognized as the 34th headmaster.

While most people first think of Iga-ryū and Kōga-ryū when discussing ninja traditions, Togakure-ryū is often described as the classical school most preserved as a living art.

where_photo03-1

Unlike the popular image of ninjas throwing shuriken or drawing swords, Togakure-ryū is a defensive art that emphasizes protection—of oneself, one’s family, and one’s lord. Practitioners avoid striking first, focusing instead on neutralizing the opponent’s ability to fight. This high-level skill demands strict training. A core saying captures its philosophy: “Even without weapons, one can defeat the enemy.”

In daily life, Togakushi ninja worked as intelligence operatives when hired by warlords, then returned home to train. While stationed around the country, they blended in and lived like ordinary people—since being recognized as a ninja meant failure.

Togakushi Area Map

Download Map (PDF)

Togakushi Village Shuttle Bus >
Nagano - Togakushi line Bus >

Places to eat in Togakushi

The local specialty in Nagano, especially in Togakushi, is soba (buckwheat noodles). Togakushi soba is known for its clear aroma, firm bite, and clean finish, thanks to soft spring water and cool mountain air. The noodles are usually thin ni-hachi (80% buckwheat), or sometimes made with 100% buckwheat, and they’re served in small, mouthful bundles called “bocchi,” neatly lined up on the tray. The dipping sauce is sharp rather than sweet to enhance the fragrance, with simple condiments like wasabi and green onion. Mountain vegetable tempura is a common side dish.

togakushi_soba (5)

There are around 30 soba restaurants in Togakushi, mostly in the Chusha and Hokosha areas. There are also a few near the entrance to the cedar avenue as well.

A soba fan?
Read also: Enjoying Soba and Soba-flavored Desserts at Togakushi’s Soba Festival

Getting to Togakushi

Getting to Togakushi from Nagano

There is a direct bus from Nagano Station to Togakushi. You can book online up to one month in advance. On the day of travel, you can also board if seats are available. (If there is a ticket counter, buy your ticket there. If not, you can buy it from the driver.)

From Nagano Station, exit via the Zenkoji (West) Exit, cross the pedestrian bridge, and you’ll find the Bus Ticket Office on the opposite side of the station. The boarding point (Bus Stop No. 7) is right in front of the ticket office. (See Google map.)

See Nagano - Togakushi bus timetable

Reserve the Nagano – Togakushi bus

Important: Please board the exact bus (time and stop) shown on your reservation. If your plans change, cancel on the same website (highwaybus.com) before the deadline and make a new reservation. ALPICO does not operate its own booking website. Tickets are sold through a third-party platform, similar to hotel booking sites. For cancellations or refunds, please contact highwaybus.com directly.

gallery13-2 (1)

Getting around Togakushi

To travel within the Togakushi area (e.g., Tokusha Entrance ⇄ Chusha), use the Togakushi Shuttle Bus. Buy your ticket in cash from the driver. No advance reservations.

See Togakushi shuttle bus timetable

Sample Itinerary (Half-Day Plan)

7:50: Departure Nagano Station

Take the Nagano - Togakushi Express Bus (reservation required) from Bus Stop No. 7 at Nagano Station (about 60 min).

8:49: Arrive at Togakushi

Get off at Togakushi Okusha bus stop. Walk to Togakushi Okusha Shrine (about 40 min).

9:30: Togakushi Okusha (Upper Shrine)

Located at the foot of Mt. Togakushi, Okusha enshrines Ame-no-Tajikarao-no-Mikoto, the god who opened the Heavenly Rock Cave with his divine strength. Known as the main shrine of Togakushi, it is worshiped for good fortune, wish fulfillment, and bountiful harvests. The 2 km approach is lined with over 400-year-old cedar trees, creating a mystical and sacred atmosphere.

9:40: Kuzuryusha

Standing right next to Okusha, Kuzuryusha enshrines the local guardian deity of Togakushi. Revered as a god of water and agriculture, protecting farmers and communities.

9:50: Shrine office

Purchase charms or omikuji. After this, you return on foot to the bus stop, which takes around 40 minutes.

10:40: Depart for Chusha

You board the Togakushi Shuttle Bus, which does not require a reservation. The short ride takes about 4 minutes, and by 11:00 you arrive at Togakushi Chusha bus stop.

11:00: Togakushi Shrine Chusha

Togakushi Shrine Chusha is dedicated to Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, goddess of wisdom and the performing arts. Students often visit to pray for academic success. The shrine’s grounds are graced by three magnificent cedar trees, each over 800 years old, lending a sacred and tranquil atmosphere to the area.
Nearby, you’ll find soba restaurants, a tourist information center, and souvenir shops—perfect for enjoying traditional Togakushi soba in peaceful surroundings.

12:47: Return to downtown Nagano

You board the Nagano - Togakushi Express Bus once again from Chusha bus stop. The return journey takes about an hour, bringing you back to Nagano Station at 13:45. After arriving at Nagano, you still have time in the afternoon to explore the city. A visit to Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples, is highly recommended to complete your half-day excursion.

Back