Togakushi Shrine Kuzuryusha — Attraction in Nagano

We stopped by on the way from Hakuba to Shiga Kogen. There is (limited but usually enough) free parking and a bathroom on site. The walk to the shrine is scenic, serene, and along a fairly slippery snow covered path if you go during the winter. Wearing boots or some sort of shoes with good traction is essential. Some people even had snow shoes, hiking sticks, and crampons but it is very manageable with a good pair of boots. It’s a 20 minute walk to the shrine from the parking area. There is some very interesting history one can read online. There are said to be about 300 Japanese cedar trees planted in the 17th century lining the path along the...

Kuzuryu means Nine-Headed Dragon. Dragons in the eastern world have been considered the water god. Therefore this shrine helps you for rain making. Plus, I don't know why but you can get the help when...

It was beautiful but very dark after sunset. It takes quite a while (30mins on foot or so?) to get to the shrine and I did not feel safe walking up there after it went dark. Highly recommend carefully...