Togakushi Nature and Culture Walk

Explore Togakushi's ancient shrines, walk forest trails, and make bamboo baskets

Togakushi has a long history of mountain worship. This course takes you to various sites imbued with culture and myth, and lets you immerse yourself in the area's rich nature.

Start at the Togakushi Forest Botanic Garden and walk up to the cedar-lined Togakushi-jinja Okusha Shrine (upper shrine). Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of the Togakushi mountain range from Kagamiike Pond, sample some of Japan's best soba noodles, and try your hand at bamboo crafts. The course is complete after you pass the Kotorigaike Pond and arrive at the Togakushi-jinja Chusha Shrine (middle shrine).

Highlights

Togakushi-jinja Okusha Shrine

Approach to Togakushi-jinja Okusha Shrine

The 2-kilometer approach to the Togakushi-jinja Okusha Shrine is marked by the thatch-roofed Zuijinmon gate and lined by an avenue of towering cedar trees. The 400-year trees are said to be a gift from military commanders after the area was devastated by war in the Middle Ages.

Thatched-roof lodging

The Togakushi-jinja Chusha Shrine and surrounding lodgings

The Togakushi-jinja Chusha Shrine stands just outside the center of Togakushi Village and is surrounded by historically valuable thatched-roof lodgings for priests. Many operate as ryokan inns, so visitors can spend the night in them. Stroll through the historical townscape and stop by a restaurant to try the local delicacy, soba noodles.

Bamboo basket weaving and Togakushi soba noodles

Traditional bamboo crafts

Nemagaridake (sasa kurilensis) is a type of bamboo that grows in the Togakushi mountains. It is so supple that it bends without breaking under the weight of snow. It is usually used to make handwoven soba baskets. Try making one yourself at the Togakushi Bamboo Craft Center near Togakushi-jinja Okusha Shrine.

Trail Map

Togakushi Nature and Culture Walk

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