Togakushi: A Serene Walk Through Sacred Forests & Soba Traditions

A person in a red jacket walking on a forest path surrounded by tall trees. 1

A group of people standing under a series of orange pillars with Japanese text. 2

By o8Experience

Exceptional

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
6h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover the sacred forests and ancient shrines of Togakushi on this guided walking tour from Nagano. Follow hidden mountain paths lined with towering cedars, visit important Shinto sites like Chusha and Okusha, and hear the legends of Japanese mythology from your local English-speaking guide. Along the way, take in stunning alpine scenery and enjoy a traditional lunch of handmade Togakushi soba noodles, a regional speciality. Depending on the season and conditions, the route may also include quiet forest trails, scenic ponds, or optional cultural stops.

Activity location

Beck's Coffee Shop
- 1038-4 Kurita
- 380-0921, Nagano, Nagano, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

Beck's Coffee Shop
- 1038-4 Kurita
- 380-0921, Nagano, Nagano, Japan

Check availability

Full-Day Togakushi Tour

6h
English

Dive deep into the serene forests and shrines of Togakushi with this immersive hiking adventure with Soba lunch

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time: 08:45

Price details

€129.41 x 2 Adults€258.82

Total

Until Sun, 30 Aug

What's included, what's not

Zenkoji Temple Option: Visit this Buddhist site with a convenient pickup back to Nagano Station.
Transport to / from all listed destinations
A delicious Togakushi soba noodle meal at a renowned local restaurant.
Optional Visit to Togakure Ninpo Museum (Ninja Museum). Note:It is closed during the winter season.
Extra drinks and food (available to purchase)
Transport fee to meeting point is not included.
Ninja Museum Entrance Fee
There are no mandatory in-destination costs.

Know before you book

- Public transport options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travellers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please do not eat or drink coffee inside the vehicle to keep it clean for everyone. Bottled water and small pets in carriers are okay.
- In case of late arrival, the tour cannot be extended.
- 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.
- No strollers
- o8Experience is a locally based tour company offering private and small-group experiences across Nagano and surrounding regions. From food and culture to nature and history, we create meaningful journeys tailored to curious travellers. Visit o8Experience to discover more.
- In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
- This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

Activity itinerary

Beck's Coffee Shop

In front of Beck’s Coffee inside Nagano Station (just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates)

Nagano Station

Get on the vehicle with you guide and heading to Togakushi.

Kagami-ike Pond

Arrival at Kagamiike Pond. It is a spectacular spot of fresh greens and forest where the mountains of Togakushi are reflected on the surface of the water like Kagami (mirror in Japanese) ＊＊Please note: This spot is not accessible during the winter months due to snow, but its beauty in other seasons makes it a must-visit.＊＊

Tenmeiinari Shrine

20m
Admission ticket included

We will visit hidden gem and view a beautiful red Shinto gates in line called Tenmei Inari Shrine. After this we will be heading to the entrance of Okusha area. ＊＊Please note: This spot is not accessible during the winter months due to snow, but its beauty in other seasons makes it a must-visit.＊＊

Togakushi Shrine Okusha (Main Shrine) Zuishinmon

Arrival at Okusha area. You will see 400 years old massive cedar trees linking to the path to Oku Sha. This journey into the heart of the forest is about 2km long and through the red Zuishinmon Gate, past cedar trees, up to the Main Hall which sits spectacularly on the mountainside of Mt. Togakushi. ＊＊Please note: The Okusha shrine is not accessible during winter due to snow, but visitors can still enjoy the breathtaking cedar-lined path and the serene winter scenery along the way.＊＊

Togakushi Shrine Okusha

20m
Admission ticket included

Arrival at Okusha Shrine, where is the innermost of the five Togakushi shrines. The shrine enshrines the god of strength, who moved the rock so that Amaterasu could come out of hiding. Okusha Shrine is considered the most important of the five Togakushi shrines. After this, we will be go back to the entrance of Okusha area. ＊＊PLease note: The Okusha shrine is not accessible during winter due to snow, but visitors can still enjoy the breathtaking cedar-lined path and the serene winter scenery along the way.

Togakushi Shrine Kuzuryusha

25m
Admission ticket included

Arrival at Kuzuryusha Shrine, which is The former enshrines a nine-headed dragon, which governs water. Farmers make prayers for rain here. In addition, it is also worshipped as a god of matchmaking. ＊＊Please note:The Kuzuryusha shrine is not accessible during winter due to snow, but visitors can still enjoy the breathtaking cedar-lined path and the serene winter scenery along the way.＊＊

Togakushi Folk Museum Togakushi Ninja Museum

30m
Admission ticket not included

Optional visit to the Togakure Ninpo Museum (admission not included).

Togakushi Shrine Chusha

1h
Admission ticket included

Visit Chusha Shrine (Middle Shrine) Savour a delicious bowl of Togakushi soba noodles, one of Japan’s most famous soba dishes, at a local restaurant. 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.

Togakushi Shrine Houkosha

Visit Hokosha. The Lower Shrine, dedicated to Ame-no-Uwaharu, a deity associated with learning and agriculture. ＊＊PLease note:The Hokosha shrine may not accessible during winter due to snow, but visitors can still enjoy the breathtaking cedar-lined path and the serene winter scenery along the way.

Zenko-ji Temple (Pass by)

Zenkoji Temple Option: Visit this historic Buddhist site with a convenient pickup back to Nagano Station.

Nagano Station

Get on the vehicle with you guide and heading back to Nagano station. Please note: The duration of this tour depends on the walking pace of the group, so please have extra time for your next schedule after this tour.

Location

Activity location

Beck's Coffee Shop
- 1038-4 Kurita
- 380-0921, Nagano, Nagano, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

Beck's Coffee Shop
- 1038-4 Kurita
- 380-0921, Nagano, Nagano, Japan

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