Togakushi Shrine

Togakushi Shrine – Nagano

2025-09-25

Togakushi Shrine, located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most spiritual and scenic shrines. Surrounded by ancient cedar forests, it is a center of Shinto worship, Japanese mythology, and mountain spirituality.

A Shrine with Deep Mythological Roots

Togakushi Shrine is linked to the Japanese creation myth of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, who hid in a cave and plunged the world into darkness.
According to legend, when she was lured out and the cave’s stone door was thrown far away, it landed in Togakushi — meaning “hidden door.”
The shrine has been a site for mountain ascetic practices (shugendō) for over 1,000 years.

The Five Shrines

Togakushi Shrine is not just one shrine but a complex of five:

Okusha (奥社 / Inner Shrine) – Dedicated to the god of wisdom and strength
Chūsha (中社 / Middle Shrine) – The main shrine; known for blessings of learning and business
Hōkōsha (宝光社 / Lower Shrine) – For safe childbirth and women’s protection
Kuzuryūsha (九頭龍社) – Worships the dragon god of water
Hinomiya (火之御子社) – For fire and performing arts

The Famous Cedar Avenue

The trail to Okusha Shrine is lined with giant, centuries-old cedar trees—some over 400 years old.
The 2 km hike through this mystical forest is one of the most spiritually powerful walks in Japan.

What to Do

Walk the sacred cedar avenue to Okusha and feel the energy of nature.
Pray at each of the five shrines for different blessings: health, wisdom, safety, etc.
Visit in autumn for stunning fall foliage, or in winter for snow-covered serenity.
Enjoy Togakushi soba, the region’s famous buckwheat noodles, at local restaurants.

Access

From Nagano Station, take a Togakushi-bound Alpico bus.
- Approx. 60 mins to Okusha trailhead
- 40 mins to Chūsha Shrine
It’s a great day trip or weekend retreat from Tokyo.

Why Visit Togakushi Shrine?

Discover a mythological and spiritual site of ancient Japan
Walk through a majestic forest of sacred cedars
Experience peace and reflection in the Nagano mountains
Taste authentic local soba noodles
Enjoy seasonal beauty from spring to snowy winter

Togakushi Shrine offers not only deep spiritual significance but also breathtaking natural scenery — perfect for visitors looking for both cultural depth and outdoor exploration.

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