Togakushi Shrine : Things to do in Togakushi
Togakushi Shrine
& other things to do in Togakushi
Togakushi, near Nagano, offers a blend of the spiritual, history, casual or active hiking and ninja adventure. Hike the mystical cedar-lined trail to the Upper Togakushi Shrine (Okusha), explore the Lower/Middle shrines, and visit the Ninja Trick House and Museum or Kids Ninja Village. Experience local culture by taking a soba noodle-making class, a regional specialty. In winter, enjoy snowshoeing and skiing. The area is rich in mythology and stunning natural beauty.
Visit Togakushi Shrine
Why should we visit Togakushi Shrine?
Originally established as a pilgrimage route over 2,000 years ago, the Togakushi area has a rich history as a place of worship. It is steeped in history and legend with Togakushi Shrine connected to the sun goddess Amaterasu in Japan mythology. The approach to the upper shrine is lined with over 300 cedar trees, some of which are estimated to be up to 900 years old! This is a serene and calming walk that is perfect for both history and nature lovers, although it can get busy during holiday periods and weekends. For those coming by car there are free car parks located a few minutes walk away.
How long does the walk to Togakushi Shrine take?
The local Togakushi Shrine (戸隠神社, Togakushi Jinja) consists of five shrines (Togakushi Hōkō-sha, Hino-miko-sha, Togakushi Chū-sha, Togakushi Oku-sha and Kuzuryu-sha) in three areas (lower, middle and upper) with each area about 2km apart. To complete the five shrine walk it will take around two and a half hours on average. Make sure you wear good shoes and there is a restroom at the information centre before you start if needed. During winter the paths are closed but snowshoeing may be possible.
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Photos thanks to Zekkei Japan
Things to do in Togakushi: Skiing
Togakushi Ski Field (aka Togakushi Snow World) is a medium size Nagano ski area that is not quite yet discovered by foreign skiers who tend to head to nearby resorts like Shiga Kogen or Hakuba. Therefore it can be quite deserted, especially on week days. It offers a quite respectable 548 metres of vertical descent, 7 lifts in total with 19 trails, along with many good days of prime Japanese powder snow. It’s a good all round resort catering to a mix of 30% beginner, 40% intermediate and 30% advanced. You can also hire a car to visit other resorts nearby.
Things to do in Togakushi: Important Info
For everyone’s safety and well being, please pay heed to these important rules when you are visiting, especially in winter.
Things to do in Togakushi: History
Togakushi Ninja Museum
Togakushi was once a training ground for the Togakure-ryu ninja. The Togakushi Ninja Museum is directly across from the entrance path to the Togakushi Okusha Shrine. The entrance fee (approx. ¥600–¥700) usually includes the Ninja Trick Mansion, the Ninpo Museum (history/tools), and the Folk Museum. Like most outdoor attractions in Togakushi, the mansion is closed during winter (from late November to late April).
Shuriken Range: After exiting the mansion, there is a separate training hall where you can practice throwing real metal shuriken at targets (usually ¥200–¥300 for 7 throws).
The Ninja Trick Mansion (Karakuri Yashiki) is the most popular attraction at the Togakushi Ninja Museum complex. It is a full-scale “escape room” style maze designed to mimic the defensive architecture of a traditional ninja residence. Features secret doors and a shuriken throwing range.
The Togakushi Folk Museum (Togakushi Minzokukan) is a cultural preservation site located in a shared compound with the Togakure Ninja Museum and the Ninja Trick Mansion.
Kids Ninja Village
About 3km away is Chibikko Ninja Village which is a fun theme park for children with obstacle courses and ninja outfit rentals.
Unlike the more historical Togakure Ninpo Museum located further up the road, this park focuses on active, hands-on play. It is open from April to November.
Ninja Costume Rental: Children (and adults) can rent full ninja outfits in various colours (approx. ¥400–¥800) to wear while exploring the park.
Training Grounds: Three forested obstacle courses—Shugyo no Mori, Shinobi Toride, and Kakure Toride—feature rope bridges, climbing walls, and jungle gyms to simulate ninja training.
Ninja Houses: Two trick houses, including the Labyrinth Wonder House, feature secret passages, trapdoors, and a room with an optical illusion that tricks the mind.
Skill Stations: Dedicated areas for practicing shuriken throwing (ninja stars) and blowing darts at targets (for a small fee).
Live Performances: Periodic demonstrations by the Yoen Clan showcase professional acrobatic ninja techniques and combat arts.
Things to do in Togakushi: Nature & Hiking
Kagami-ike (Mirror Pond)
A stunning pond that reflects the Togakushi mountains. It is particularly popular in autumn for its foliage.
Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden
A 71-hectare area with well-maintained walking tracks, ideal for birdwatching and therapeutic forest walks.
Mt. Togakushi
A challenging 7.5-hour hike for experienced climbers, featuring a harrowing “knife-edge” ridge called Ari-no-To-Watari.
Need a car? Togakushi car rentals. Pick up in Nagano or Tokyo.
Tags: Visit Togakushi Shrine, Ninja Village, Togakushi Ski Resort, Things to do in Togakushi, Togakushi activities, Togakushi Museum
Things to do in Togakushi: Arts and Crafts
Togakushi Bamboo Works Center
The Togakushi Bamboo Works Center is a facility dedicated to the traditional craft of Togakushi Takezaiku (bamboo basketry), which uses a specific type of bamboo called Nemagaridake (bent-root bamboo) found in the local highlands.
Demonstrations & Exhibition: Visitors can view exhibitions of varied bamboo products – ranging from daily household items like the sieves (zaru) used to serve Togakushi soba to custom high-design pieces. There is also a demonstration section where you can watch craftsmen work through the intricate processes of splitting and weaving the bamboo.
Hands-on Workshops: The center offers experience classes where you can learn to make your own bamboo items.
Beginner: approx. 1 hour (around ¥1,600).
Intermediate: approx. 3 hours (around ¥2,800).
Note: Reservations are typically required for these workshops (ask at your accommodation or the tourist bureau).
Traditional Significance: Togakushi bamboo work was designated a Traditional Handicraft by the Governor of Nagano in 1983. The craft is known for its durability and unique geometric patterns.
Visitor Information
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, typically open from late April to mid-November.
Admission: Free.
Location: Near the Okusha Iriguchi (Upper Shrine entrance).
Access: Take the Alpico bus from JR Nagano Station and get off at the Okusha Iriguchi stop (approx. 70 minutes).
Festivals at Togakushi
Togakushi Dondoyaki Fire Festival (January)
Held annually on the third Saturday of January at the Togakushi Ski Resort’s Chusha Slope. This dramatic winter event features a Shinto ritual, a parade with flaming torches, and the lighting of a massive 3-meter bamboo bonfire to pray for good fortune. Visitors can enjoy snow fireworks, traditional Taiko drumming, and free servings of hot sake and roasted mochi.
Spring Festival (Third Weekend of May)
The largest of Togakushi Shrine’s celebrations, the Spring Festival typically occurs on the third Sunday of May and the preceding Saturday. The festival features the Kiba Koji Mando and Yokomachi Mando (elaborately decorated floats), along with a Daimyo Procession, Kagura theatrical dances, and a Mikoshi Togyo (portable shrine procession). A 700-metre stretch of the local shopping street becomes a pedestrian zone, hosting approximately 120 stalls and massive crowds of worshippers.Togakushi Shrine Annual Festival (mid-August)
This mid-August event features performances of Daidai-Kagura, a sacred ritual dance designated as a Nagano prefectural intangible cultural asset. These evening performances are typically held at Chusha (Middle Shrine) starting around 8:00 PM. The Togakushi Jizo Bon Festival is held the following week, which is a local summer festival.Autumn Festival (third Sunday of September)
This event is known for its Children’s Mikoshi and Edo-style Mikoshi parades. The “Ennichi Hiroba” area features kitchen cars, food stalls, and traditional carnival games like shooting galleriesTogakushi Soba Festival (October – November)
Celebrating the region’s famous buckwheat noodles, this festival peaks with the New Soba Dedication Festival on October 31st. Freshly harvested “new soba” is ritually offered to the deities at Togakushi Shrine. A popular highlight is the Hanzaru Tabe-aruki (Half-Soba Tasting Walk), where participants purchase a ticket book to sample small portions of soba at multiple local shops.
More info on Togakushi attractions is coming soon!
Tags: Togakushi Shrine, Things to do in Togakushi, Togakushi activities, Ninja Village Togakushi Festivals, Togakushi History, Togakushi Museum
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