Togakushi: Sacred Forest Walk & Soba Traditions

Discover the sacred beauty of Togakushi Shrine on this guided walking tour from Nagano, where ancient cedar forests, hidden shrines, and centuries of spiritual tradition await. Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Togakushi is a place where nature, history, and mythology blend in perfect harmony.

Start your journey at Kagamiike (Mirror Pond), a serene lake reflecting the surrounding peaks. Take a short forest path to the hidden Tenmei Inari Shrine, then visit Chusha Shrine, the cultural heart of the Togakushi complex. Walk along the breathtaking cedar-lined trail to Okusha (Inner Shrine) and nearby Kuzuryusha, devoted to the dragon deity of the mountain.

Along the way, your guide will share the legend of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu and Togakushi's role in Japanese mythology. Enjoy a traditional soba lunch—hand-cut buckwheat noodles made with pure mountain spring water, offering a refined taste of the region.

Full-Day Tour (Approx. 6 Hours)
This option offers a deeper exploration of Togakushi's natural and cultural highlights. After visiting Kagamiike, Tenmei Inari Shrine, Chusha, and walking the full cedar trail to Okusha and Kuzuryusha, you'll enjoy a relaxing soba lunch. Time permitting, visit Hokosha Shrine and optionally stop by the Togakure Ninpo Museum, located near the Okusha trailhead. The museum explores the area's ninja heritage but is closed in winter. Admission is not included. Ideal for travelers who want a complete and immersive experience of Togakushi.

Half-Day Tour (Approx. 4 Hours)
Perfect for winter visitors, the half-day tour focuses on Togakushi's most iconic trail. Begin with a walk along the snow-covered cedar-lined path toward Okusha. Though the shrine itself is closed until mid-April, the forest becomes a quiet, magical landscape ideal for photography. You'll then visit Chusha Shrine and enjoy a warm soba lunch before returning to Nagano. This tour does not include Kagamiike or the museum during winter. Guests may also choose to stop at Zenkoji Temple before heading back.

Optional Zenkoji Temple Visit
After either tour, enjoy a self-guided visit to Zenkoji Temple—Nagano's most important pilgrimage site. Pickup will be arranged to return you to Nagano Station afterward.

Why Choose This Tour?
Led by an English-speaking local guide, this tour blends nature, spiritual tradition, and local flavor. Whether you're walking beneath snowy cedar trees or exploring lush summer trails, you'll experience the timeless beauty of Togakushi in every season. With flexible options for all schedules and fitness levels, it's an enriching journey into the spiritual heart of Japan.