Sitting quietly in the mountains bordering Nagano City and within the larger Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Togakushi is home to some of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines set among a beautiful forested landscape. The five major shrines that make-up the Togakushi complex are spaced-out at intervals through the forest and against the dramatic background of mountains rising above. Accessible via well-maintained walking tracks, Togakushi continues to draw Shinto practitioners and nature enthusiasts who revel in its tranquillity, beauty, and purity. On the literal doorstep of the city, Togkuashi is also home to the Togakure ninja school, Togakushi Ski Resort and famous for its ‘soba’ (buckwheat noodles), traditional bamboo craft and stunning autumn leaves making it an ideal destination when planning a day-trip from Nagano.
Togakushi can be accessed using public buses running from Nagano Station with its most popular attractions located in and around the middle and upper shrines. The Togakure Ninja Museum showcases the origin and traditions of the local school of ninja long practiced in Togakushi while the nearby Kids Ninja Village includes dress-up costumes and obstacle courses for younger would-be ninjas. Numerous soba restaurants serve the region’s famous noodles – known for their purity of taste – always hand-made with appreciative owners welcoming guests to their restaurants. Through the warmer months of the year, Togakushi offers camping while autumn turns the landscape a stunning mosaic of yellow, red, amber, and gold as the leaves turn. Finally, the winter takes hold and the landscape turns white with the Togakushi Ski Resort opening in December and offering the closet ski runs to Nagano City.
Togakushi can be accessed using public buses running from Nagano Station with its most popular attractions located in and around the middle and upper shrines. The Togakure Ninja Museum showcases the origin and traditions of the local school of ninja long practiced in Togakushi while the nearby Kids Ninja Village includes dress-up costumes and obstacle courses for younger would-be ninjas. Numerous soba restaurants serve the region’s famous noodles – known for their purity of taste – always hand-made with appreciative owners welcoming guests to their restaurants. Through the warmer months of the year, Togakushi offers camping while autumn turns the landscape a stunning mosaic of yellow, red, amber, and gold as the leaves turn. Finally, the winter takes hold and the landscape turns white with the Togakushi Ski Resort opening in December and offering the closet ski runs to Nagano City.
