Sacred Shrines & Mountains: Exploring Togakushi Shrine
This immersive four-day adventure in Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park allows you to explore the ancient shrines and sacred mountains in and around Togakushi Shrine. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of a historic village, where local culture thrives.
In Togakushi, renowned for its exceptional soba, your journey unfolds with a unique soba-making experience and a stay in a luxurious 300-year old inn, offering a taste of a different side of Japan.
In Togakushi, renowned for its exceptional soba, your journey unfolds with a unique soba-making experience and a stay in a luxurious 300-year old inn, offering a taste of a different side of Japan.
Open Dates
May ~ November
Length
3 nights, 4 days
Location
Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Nagano
Price
¥550,000~ /person
Highlights
Spiritual Journey Within Togakushi Shrine
Located within some of the most sacred mountains in Japan, Togakushi Shrine is one of the most exhilarating sanctuaries in nature. Explore the five shrines and natural landscapes that make up Togakushi, a place of reverence, contemplation, and deep connection to the spirit of the land.
Soba Making & Local Flavors
Learn the art of making soba and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the local community, meeting with locals while savoring the local food culture.
Rejuvenate Your Senses
Retreat to a 300-year-old ryokan, a timeless haven in a historic town. Connect with the local community and rejuvenate yourself in the soothing embrace of the hot springs.
About
Embark on a serene 4-day experience designed to embrace Japan’s nature and spirituality.
Togakushi Shrine, nestled in Japan's sacred mountains, offers an awe-inspiring sanctuary where five shrines and breathtaking natural landscapes foster reverence and deep spiritual connection. Your days in the area include both biking and hiking to explore the land up close. This adventure includes outdoor dining on a private terrace in the mountains plus exquisite dinners at your place of stay to end the day.
This experience seamlessly blends nature, culture, local cuisine and history, offering a timeless journey into the heart of Japan.
Togakushi Shrine, nestled in Japan's sacred mountains, offers an awe-inspiring sanctuary where five shrines and breathtaking natural landscapes foster reverence and deep spiritual connection. Your days in the area include both biking and hiking to explore the land up close. This adventure includes outdoor dining on a private terrace in the mountains plus exquisite dinners at your place of stay to end the day.
This experience seamlessly blends nature, culture, local cuisine and history, offering a timeless journey into the heart of Japan.
What's included
- Special soba making experience and tasting
- Four days of guiding by a local expert guide
- Pick up to and from JR Nagano Station
- All transportation
- All meals
Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Nagano
Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park in Japan is renowned for its deep spiritual significance, rooted in the awe-inspiring landscapes of volcanic mountains, ancient forests, and sacred sites.
The park boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna with several mountains and areas holding spiritual significance for Shinto and Shugendo, a syncretic Buddhist-Shinto faith system. Practitioners have been venturing into the area for more than one thousand years, and the Togakushi area is home to some of the most important Shinto shrines in the country and the pilgrimage trails of the Togakushi Kodo.
The area's tranquil cedar-lined paths, hidden waterfalls, and natural hot springs have long been associated with meditation and purification rituals. The fusion of natural beauty and spiritual heritage makes the park a haven for seekers of peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.
The park boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna with several mountains and areas holding spiritual significance for Shinto and Shugendo, a syncretic Buddhist-Shinto faith system. Practitioners have been venturing into the area for more than one thousand years, and the Togakushi area is home to some of the most important Shinto shrines in the country and the pilgrimage trails of the Togakushi Kodo.
The area's tranquil cedar-lined paths, hidden waterfalls, and natural hot springs have long been associated with meditation and purification rituals. The fusion of natural beauty and spiritual heritage makes the park a haven for seekers of peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.
Guide
NAOHIRO
Naohiro is a certified guide and adventurer with previous experience in the Canadian Rockies and Yellowknife. After working for Hoshino Resorts, a Japanese luxury hotel group, he started developing and delivering nature-based experiences in the Oirase and Hakkoda mountainous region.
Previously an officer of the Ministry of the Environment, he worked on promoting Japan’s national parks and has a deep understanding of Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park and its surrounding areas.
Previously an officer of the Ministry of the Environment, he worked on promoting Japan’s national parks and has a deep understanding of Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park and its surrounding areas.
Itinerary
Day 1: Zenkoji Temple
Buddhism was said to be first introduced to Japan around 1,500 years ago. According to records stored in Zenkoji Temple, the most important Buddha statue in Zenkoji Temple was brought to Japan when Buddhism was introduced.
Start your adventure with a visit to this temple before moving to the Togakushi and checking into a 300-year-old inn with thatched roofs located in the serenity of Togakushi town.
Start your adventure with a visit to this temple before moving to the Togakushi and checking into a 300-year-old inn with thatched roofs located in the serenity of Togakushi town.
Day 2: Togakushi Shrine and Soba Making
Located at the foot of one of those sacred mountains, Mt. Togakushi, Togakushi Shrine consists of five shrines: Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha, and Hinomikosha. Hike (or e-bike) around the Togakushi shrines before enjoying a private terrace lunch overlooking the area.
In the afternoon, enjoy a special Togakushi soba making experience and enjoy the soba you made in the evening in a special chef prepared meal.
In the afternoon, enjoy a special Togakushi soba making experience and enjoy the soba you made in the evening in a special chef prepared meal.
Day 3: The Inner Shrine and Local Crafts
Wake up early to enjoy an awe-inspiring visit to Togakushi Shrine’s Inner Shrine, the heart of Togakushi. After taking time to enjoy this highlight, your guide will take you on a longer hike to explore other natural highlights in the area.
By the early afternoon return to your inn for another soak in the baths after which you can relax or visit the local craftsmen in the area.
By the early afternoon return to your inn for another soak in the baths after which you can relax or visit the local craftsmen in the area.
Day 4: Departure
After enjoying a relaxing breakfast and free time for a final walk around town, your guide will take you back to Nagano station to jump on the bullet train to Tokyo.
Accommodations
Your accommodation is a 300-year-old traditional inn located in Togakushi. There are only two rooms in this historic building, allowing you to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture in peaceful solitude. You also have the option to stay at the renovated Awai Thatched House, Togakushi Trailer House, or Earthboat Togakushi.