Part of the larger Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Togakushi lies just outside central Nagano City and is an area blessed with fantastic hiking and walking trails. The area has long been considered sacred and acted as a place of devotion for at least one thousand years. Some of the most important Shinto shrines in the country are found within the forests of Togkaushi, the trails leading to which are known as the ‘Togakushi Kodo’ – pilgrimage trails that have been walked for centuries.

— Where is Togakushi?

— Introduction to Togakushi’s Hiking Trails

— Walking Between the Shrines

— Join a Tour or Charter to Togakushi

Togakushi has a lot to offer but is little known amongst overseas visitors. Keep reading to learn more and plan your visit to this amazing natural wonder in Nagano City’s backyard.

WHERE IS TOGAKUSHI?

Located only around 20-30 kilometers to the north of Nagano City, Togakushi is one of the best spots to see amazing nature without traveling too far. Part of the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, there are a number of mountains, hiking trails, historical sites, and ski fields in the area, offering something for ever traveler. Access is easiest done by car, but public buses also run frequently allowing for visits by public transport. Alternatively, taking a tour to the area is a good way to take the hassle out of trying to catch the right public bus. Regardless of how you get there, once there you will find an expansive mountainous region which stretches towards the Sea of Japan and Niigata in the north.

INTRODUCTION TO TOGAKUSHI’S HIKING TRAILS

Trails between the shrines are suitable for anyone of reasonable fitness while other more challenging hikes can be found along trails leading deeper into the forest and mountains above. For visitors looking to enjoy a casual day of hiking, it’s best to first head to the Togakushi Tourist Information Center and pickup a map or ask for suggestions of where to head.

As the map above shows – you can view an enlarged version by clicking on it – the trails range in length and lead toward Mount Togakushi in the top left-hand corner of the image. At 1904 metres above sea level, Mount Togakushi isn’t as tall as some other mountains in the national park however it is considered a more challenging climb than most with a treacherous ridge line. Hiking the trails that lead toward the mountain and then ascend towards its summit should not be attempted by anyone other than experienced mountaineers and even then, we recommend arranging a local guide.

The main appeal for most visitors will be walking the trails between the shrines and to other attractions including the seasonally-beautiful Kagami-ike, the Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden or to the Togakushi Campground. Trails are well-maintained, sign-posted and in areas of the botanical garden, consists of raised walkways making the walking exceptionally easy.

Togakushi receives heavy snow over winter but most trails should be open by early to mid-May and stay open until the end of November. It is worth noting that the forests and mountains of the area are home to a large number of Asiatic black bears. The bears are typically shy and want nothing to do with humans. While sightings are common, confrontations are rare with bears usually fleeing at the sight of a human. You will notice that many people walking the trails choose to wear a bell for this reason and it’s worth being particularly cautious around the botanical garden at dusk, when bears often appear after visitors have left for the day.

Early-spring and late-autumn are also times to exercise more caution as the bears emerge from or prepare for hibernation. For further information about the types of animals you might encounter in Togaksuhi, see our ‘Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park’ page.

WALKING BETWEEN THE SHRINES

Walking between the shrines is suitable for anyone of reasonable fitness and an ideal day activity from Nagano City. When approaching from Nagano City, you will first come to the Hokosha (Lower Shrine). Accessed via a steep flight of stairs, this is the oldest of the extant shrines and dedicated to the patron goddess of maternity and academia. Staring the trail from this point will lead you to the smaller Hinomikosha – approximately 15 minutes walk – dedicated to the god for fire, marriage, and the performing arts.

You then begin a more energetic 2km walk uphill – suitable for anyone of reasonable fitness – which takes you to the ‘Chusha’ (Middle Shrine) – pictured above. Dedicated to wisdom, the middle shrine is famous for several enormous cedars estimated to be around 800 years old. Surrounding the middle shrine, several soba restaurants and bamboo craft shops are within easy walking distance.

From the Chuusha you undertake a longer 2km walk to the avenue leading to the Kuzuryusha and finally, the Okusha (Upper Shrine). Approaching the Upper Shrine along an avenue of giant cedars and through the red Zuishinmon – pictured above and below – calm turns to wonder as the towering trees dwarf the people below – a truly spectacular sight only enhanced by the fog and mist common in Togakushi. The Okusha celebrates the god who cast the stone door aside from Amaterasu’s cave bringing light back into the world. You can enjoy the entire walk over several hours or pick and choose which trails you want to follow depending on your schedule.

JOIN A TOUR OR CHARTER TO TOGAKUSHI

Based in Central Japan and operating in July, August, September, October and November, we offer a highly entertaining group-tour of Togakushi that is sure to please! All tours are led by locally-based guides and combine a visit to several places-of-interest in Togakushi, including a hands-on soba noodle crafting experience, ninja village trick house, and a visit to an ancient Shinto shrine hidden within the avenue of giant cedars! Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner or button below.

1 Day Tour

1-Day Togakushi Legends Tour: Hands-on Soba Noodles, Ninja Village, and Hidden Shrines
Period	July to November
Time	09:35 – 17:20
Meeting Place	Nagano Station Information Board
Adult Rate	¥19,800
Child Rate	¥11,000

Of course, we also offer private tours and transport in and around the Togakushi area, and other regional destinations. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going. 

We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more! Got a question about visiting Togakushi or the general Nagano area? Click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below to contact us and let’s get planning together!