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Togakushi Shrine Hiking Trails Tour with Soba in Nagano
Togakushi Shrine Hiking Trails Tour with Soba in Nagano
🌲Togakushi Shrine Hiking Adventure – Sacred Trails, Mythical Legends & Soba Delights
🌟 Full-Day Togakushi Shrine Hiking Trails Tour
🕒 Duration: Approx. 6 hours
📍 Location: Togakushi, Nagano
👥 Group Size: Small groups for a personalized experience
🗣️ Language: English guide provided
🔎 What to Expect:
Dive deep into the serene forests and shrines of Togakushi with this immersive hiking adventure. Explore iconic sites, hear legendary stories of Amaterasu, and enjoy a traditional soba noodle lunch.
🌸 Perfect for Spring and Summer:
In spring, Togakushi comes alive with vibrant fresh greenery and blooming wildflowers, creating a serene and rejuvenating atmosphere. Summer offers cool mountain breezes and lush forests, making it an ideal retreat from the heat. The trails are at their most inviting, offering a perfect escape into nature’s tranquility.
🍁 Perfect for Autumn:
During autumn, the trails of Togakushi transform into a breathtaking display of fiery red, orange, and golden leaves. The cedar-lined paths and Kagamiike (Mirror Pond) are particularly stunning, offering incredible opportunities for photography and peaceful immersion in nature’s seasonal beauty.
🏯 Tour Highlights:
1️⃣ Visit Kagamiike (Mirror Pond) for magical reflections and serene photography. Seasonal beauty shines year-round, from spring’s greenery to autumn’s vibrant foliage.
2️⃣ Walk the cedar-lined path to Okusha Shrine and discover Kuzuryusha’s spiritual significance.
3️⃣ Visit Chusha Shrine and learn about its role in local mythology and festivals.
4️⃣ Explore Hokosha Shrine, known for its steep stairs and connection to education.
5️⃣ Enjoy a traditional Togakushi soba noodle lunch.
6️⃣ Optional visit to the Togakure Ninpo Museum (admission not included).
📋 Tour Information:
- Meeting Point: Starbucks Midori Nagano Station.
- Hiking Difficulty: Moderate – suitable for most fitness levels.
- What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera.
This tour is perfect for those seeking an in-depth exploration of Togakushi’s spiritual and natural wonders, no matter the season.
🌟 Half-Day Togakushi Shrine Highlights Tour
🕒 Duration: Approx. 4 hours
📍 Location: Togakushi, Nagano
👥 Group Size: Small groups for a personalized experience
🗣️ Language: English guide provided
🔎 What to Expect:
Short on time? This compact yet enriching tour covers the must-see highlights of Togakushi, including its famous cedar-lined trails, iconic gates, and a delicious soba noodle lunch.
🏯 Tour Highlights:
1️⃣ Visit Okusha Shrine area via the famous cedar-lined path. In winter, while the shrine itself will be inaccessible due to snow, the spectacular ancient cedars blanketed in snow create a magical, otherworldly atmosphere.
2️⃣ Learn the myth of Amaterasu and the cultural significance of Togakushi’s sacred sites.
3️⃣ Savor a bowl of Togakushi soba noodles at a renowned local restaurant in Chusha area.
⛄️ ⛄️⛄️ Perfect for Winter ⛄️⛄️⛄️:
- This half-day tour is an excellent choice during the winter season for those who want to enjoy the snowy landscape and a shorter excursion.
- Even though Okusha Shrine is inaccessible in winter, the cedar-lined path in the snow is a breathtaking sight and offers incredible photo opportunities.
📋 Tour Information:
- Meeting Point: Starbucks Midori Nagano Station.
- Hiking Difficulty: Moderate – suitable for most fitness levels.
- What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera.
This half-day tour is ideal for those with limited time who still want to experience Togakushi’s beauty, spirituality, and local flavors.
💡 Why Join These Tours?
- Expert Guidance: Learn about Japanese mythology, spirituality, and history.
- Culinary Delight: Taste the famed Togakushi soba noodles.
- Personalized Experience: Small group sizes ensure a relaxed and intimate journey.
- Seasonal Beauty: Enjoy breathtaking scenery year-round — fresh greenery in spring, lush forests in summer, fiery leaves in autumn, and magical snowy landscapes in winter.
Whether you’re seeking a full-day adventure or a shorter escape, Togakushi Shrine tours promise an unforgettable journey through nature, culture, and tradition. 🌲✨
- Photo Friendly
- 6h for Full day / 4h for Half day
- 2 to 8 people
- All weather
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What’s Included
- 🚗 Transportation: Round-trip transportation from Nagano Station to Togakushi Shrine areas.
- 🗣️ English-Speaking Guide: Knowledgeable local guide to share insights about the history, mythology, and cultural significance of Togakushi.
- 🏯 Entry to Key Shrines: Access to the main Togakushi Shrines, including Chusha (Middle Shrine) and Okusha (Inner Shrine).
- 🌲 Nature Exploration: Guided hiking through scenic trails, including the cedar-lined path to Okusha.
- 🍜 Lunch: A delicious Togakushi soba noodle meal at a renowned local restaurant.
- 📸 Photography Assistance: Help capturing memorable moments amidst the stunning landscapes.
- 🛕 Optional Visit to Zenkoji Temple: Add a visit to Nagano’s historic Zenkoji Temple before or after the Togakushi tour.
- 🥷 Optional Visit to Togakure Ninpo Museum (Ninja Museum): Add a visit to the fascinating Ninja Museum to explore Togakushi’s rich ninja heritage. Please note: it is closed in winter.
What’s Excluded
- ❌ Personal Expenses: Snacks, drinks, or souvenirs purchased during the tour.
- ❌ Travel Insurance: Guests are encouraged to secure their own travel insurance.
- ❌ Additional Transportation: Any transport costs outside of the tour’s scope (e.g., getting to Nagano Station).
- ❌ Transportation from Zenkoji Temple to Nagano Station: Guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation after the optional Zenkoji visit.
- ❌ Ninja Museum Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for the Togakure Ninpo Museum is not included.
Full-Day Tour Itinerary
🕒 Duration: Approx. 6 hours
Itinerary:
8:45 AM – Meet Your Guide
- Meet your guide in front of Starbucks Midori Nagano Station.
- Board the vehicle and begin your journey to Togakushi.
9:30 AM – Arrival at Kagamiike (Mirror Pond)
- Start your tour at this serene pond, where the mountains of Togakushi are beautifully reflected on the water.
- Enjoy peaceful surroundings and capture breathtaking photos.
9:50 AM – Visit Tenmei Inari Shrine
- Explore this hidden gem with its picturesque red Shinto gates in a line, a stunning spot for photos and reflection.
- Afterward, proceed to the Okusha area entrance.
10:20 AM – Arrival at Okusha Area & Cedar-Lined Path
- Begin your walk along the iconic path lined with towering 400-year-old cedar trees, passing through the majestic Zuishinmon Gate.
- The 2km trail immerses you in the tranquil beauty of the forest.
10:50 AM – Visit Okusha Shrine & Kuzuryusha Shrine
- Visit Kuzuryusha Shrine, dedicated to the nine-headed dragon deity of water and matchmaking.
- Continue to Okusha Shrine, the innermost shrine enshrining the god of strength linked to the Amaterasu legend.
11:20 AM – Optional Visit to Togakure Ninpo Museum (Ninja Museum)
- Guests who choose this option will visit the Ninja Museum, located near the Okusha area.
- Learn about the history of Togakure-ryu ninjutsu, explore ninja tools and artifacts, and enjoy interactive exhibits.
- Note: The admission fee for the Ninja Museum is not included in the tour price.
- Approximate time spent: 40 minutes.
12:10 PM – Lunch at Chusha Area
- Savor a delicious bowl of Togakushi soba noodles, one of Japan’s most famous soba dishes, at a local restaurant.
12:50 PM – Visit Chusha Shrine (Middle Shrine)
- Explore the central shrine of Togakushi, dedicated to Tajikarao-no-Mikoto, the god who brought light back to the world.
- Admire the cedar-lined approach and traditional architecture.
1:10 PM – Visit Hokosha Shrine (Lower Shrine)
- Conclude your shrine visits with Hokosha, dedicated to Ame-no-Uwaharu, the deity of learning and agriculture.
- Climb the impressive staircase and take in the tranquil surroundings.
1:50 PM – Depart Togakushi
- Board the vehicle and head back toward Nagano Station or Zenkoji Temple.
2:45 PM – Return to Nagano Station or Explore Zenkoji Temple
- Return to Nagano Station or continue to Zenkoji Temple for self-guided exploration.
- Zenkoji Highlights: Visit the historic main hall, stroll Nakamise Street, and browse traditional shops.
- If visiting Zenkoji, arrange your own return to Nagano Station.
Tour Ending Time:
- The exact tour ending time may vary depending on the group’s pace and preferences during the shrine visits, lunch, and optional stops.
- The tour is designed to conclude by 2:45 PM, but flexibility is built in to accommodate a relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone.
- For guests opting to visit Zenkoji Temple, the timing will also depend on the drop-off at Zenkoji and your self-guided exploration.
🕒 Duration: Approx. 4 hours
Itinerary:
8:45 AM – Meet Your Guide
- Meet your guide in front of Starbucks Midori Nagano Station for a warm welcome.
- Board a comfortable vehicle and enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive to Togakushi, with your guide sharing insights about Nagano’s history, culture, and Togakushi’s spiritual significance.
9:30 AM – Arrival at Okusha Area & Cedar-Lined Path
- Begin your journey at the entrance of the Okusha Shrine area.
- Walk along the famous cedar-lined trail, surrounded by towering 400-year-old trees that create a mystical and serene atmosphere.
- In Winter: The Okusha Shrine itself is inaccessible due to heavy snow, but the cedar-lined path transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Snow-covered trees and trails create a peaceful, otherworldly setting, perfect for photography and enjoying nature’s beauty.
10:30 AM – Visit Okusha Shrine & Kuzuryusha Shrine (Seasonal)
- Learn about Kuzuryusha Shrine, dedicated to the nine-headed dragon deity of water and matchmaking.
- Continue to Okusha Shrine, enshrining the god of strength who moved the rock for Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, to emerge.
- In Winter: While the shrines themselves cannot be accessed, your guide will share their history and significance as you enjoy the serene snowy landscape.
11:10 AM – Traditional Togakushi Soba Lunch in Chusha Area
- After the shrine visit, enjoy a delicious meal featuring Togakushi soba noodles, a regional specialty served with a flavorful dipping sauce.
- What Makes Togakushi Soba Unique: These hand-cut noodles are celebrated for their fresh, nutty taste and centuries-old tradition of soba-making in Togakushi.
12:00 PM – Depart Togakushi
- Board the vehicle and head back toward Nagano Station or Zenkoji Temple.
12:45 PM – Tour Concludes
- Option 1: Return to Nagano Station, where your guide will bid you farewell.
- Option 2: Continue your journey with a drop-off at Zenkoji Temple for self-guided exploration.
- Zenkoji Highlights: Visit the historic main hall, stroll Nakamise Street, and browse traditional shops.
- Note: Return transportation from Zenkoji Temple to Nagano Station is not included in the tour price.
Tour Ending Time:
- The exact tour ending time may vary depending on the group’s pace and preferences during the shrine visits and lunch.
- While the tour is designed to conclude by 12:45 PM, some flexibility is built in to ensure an enjoyable and unhurried experience for everyone.
- For guests opting to visit Zenkoji Temple, the timing will also depend on the drop-off at Zenkoji.
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Half-Day Tour
¥19,800 per person
Full-Day Tour
¥21,800 per person
Info for Full Day
Duration: 6 hours, starting at 08:45 am
Minimum: 2 people per tour
Maximum: 7 people per tour
Price: 21,800 JPY (incl. tax) per person, Child (3-12) 17,000 JPY (incl. tax)
Infants (0-2) are free of charge. An infant lunch is not included
Includes: Lunch & Tea, English-speaking guide and Transportation to / from all listed destinations
Excludes: Extra drinks and food (available to purchase), Bullet train tickets and Fees for Togakure Ninpo Museum
Meeting location: In front of Starbucks Midori Nagano Station
Info for Half Day
Duration: 4 hours, starting at 08:45 am
Minimum: 2 people per tour
Maximum: 7 people per tour
Price: 19,800 JPY (incl. tax) per person, Child (3-12) 15,000 JPY (incl. tax)
Infants (0-2) are free of charge. An infant lunch is not included
Includes: Lunch & Tea, English-speaking guide and Transportation to / from all listed destinations
Excludes: Extra drinks and food (available to purchase), Bullet train tickets.
Meeting location: In front of Starbucks Midori Nagano Station
Professional Guide
Local expert, personable English-speaking guides
Walking tour
Please wear suitable cloths & shoes for walking. Togakushi sits at an altitude of around 1,100m above sea level. If it rains, it will be cold even in summer time.
Lunch & Tea
You will have one of the best Soba noodle, which is Togakushi speciality.
Take the photo of spots on back street in Nagano for your Instagram album.
A littile bit about Togakushi Folk Tale.....
The god of Oku Sha is Ame-no-tajikarao.
In japan mythology and according to Kojiki(Records of Ancient Matters), the bad behavior of Susano’o, the Japanese god of storms, drove his sister Amaterasu into the Ama-no-Iwato cave.
Because Amaterasu is the goddess of sun, the land of Japan was deprived of light. So other gods came up with the idea to have a party just in front of Ame-no-Iwato cave. Amaterasu grew curious about the source of amusement and peeked out of the cave entrance.
Then, there was Ame-no-tajikarao who is the strongest of the gods and forced the door of the cave open. He threw the door of Ama-no-Iwato cave as hard as he could.
The place where the the door was dropped at was Togakushi shrine, Oku Sha. So, that is why Togakushi literally means “hiding door”.
When you check the distance between Ama-no-iwato shrine and Oku-sha(Togakushi shrine), Ama-no-iwato shrine is in Miyazaki prefecture and the distance is over 1,000 km.
Ok, this is just mythology and It is totally up to you if you believe this or not. However, you can feel mystic, silent, refined, historical and mysterious beauty from the atmosphere of Togakushi shrine.
You will see why Togakushi shrine is one of the best spiritual places and as famous as Ise grand shrine and Izumo taisha.
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