Sobachaya Gokurakubo

The Togakushi Shrine, located in Nagano Prefecture, is more than just an ordinary shrine. It is located on Mount Togakushi, the location of the legendary Amano Iwato, and makes people feel as if they are in a mythical world. The shrine complex consists of five shrines: Okusha, Kuzuryusha, Nakasha, Hokosha and Hinomikosha, each of which exudes a sacred and mysterious atmosphere✨. Bring your hiking shoes, prepare your trekking poles, and let&rsquo;s explore this mysterious holy mountain together!

📍Address: 381-4101 Nagano Prefecture, Togakushi District

🚍Transportation Guide:
From Nagano Station, take bus No. 70 to reach the shrine in about 50 minutes. It is recommended to take the bus at stop 7. There is a small ticket office opposite the station where you can buy tickets and get a shrine map📜. If you drive there, there is a parking lot next to the shrine, and the fee for one day is only 500 yen.

⏰Opening hours:
The shrine is open all year round, but it is recommended to visit during daytime hours, and many tourists recommend spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is more beautiful. Especially in autumn, the pine trees on both sides are dyed golden, which is very suitable for taking pictures.

🚶&zwj;♂️Hiking tips:
It takes about half an hour to walk from the main trail to the shrine. The tall pine trees on both sides of the road are full of tranquility🌲. But please note that the last section of the trail will become steep and full of stone steps, so it is recommended to save some energy and climb slowly. You can also stop along the way and find a small scenic spot to take photos☀️.

🗓Notes:
1. During the Golden Week at the end of April, there will be a large flow of people and you may need to queue for a long time.
2. Snow can still be seen in winter❄️, please wear suitable shoes and it is best to bring trekking poles.
3. There are limited ATMs in the scenic area and they may not accept foreign cards, so it is recommended to prepare cash in advance.
4. There is no Chinese explanation in the shrine. You will need some simple Japanese or a translation app prepared in advance.
 
🍜Nearby activities:
After visiting the shrine, why not try some authentic Nagano cuisine. You can find many restaurants along the trail. I especially recommend the soba noodles at &quot;うずら家&quot;. A bowl of hot noodles will definitely warm your body and mind. At the same time, you can try the &quot;three different flavors of ice cream&quot; - soba tea, green bamboo leaf and pizza 🍦.

🌲Additional recommendation:
After visiting the shrine, there are many attractions worth exploring in the surrounding area. For example, walking to the beautiful Mirror Lake to enjoy the tranquil lake view is perfect for taking blockbuster photos📸. If you are a fan of ninja movies, you may want to visit the nearby Ninja Village to experience the life of a ninja.

In short, Togakushi Shrine is not just a shrine. It brings people a dialogue between the soul and nature, and an encounter with history and legends. Whether it is for faith, hiking or simply traveling, this place will give you an unforgettable journey. I hope you can find your own piece of tranquility and beauty in the embrace of this ancient forest. 🌿

Sobachaya Gokurakubo

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