Upper Togakushi Shrine — Attraction in Nagano

4 out of 5, minus 1 only because it's basically a lovely walk through the forest and for the 1.5 hours from Tokyo plus the hour to the shrine at a cost of over $70, it wasn't worth it IMHO. If one is in Nagano (for Obuse also, and other stuff, then a decent day trip, but I wouldn't just do Togakushi from Tokyo). By comparison, Nikko would be a way better day trip from Tokyo. But it was nice and I'm glad I did it, but I don't see me ever doing this again. Basically an lovely walk in the forest to see a very small shrine.

More than one way to get here but I used the private bus from Bus Stop #7 by Nagano Station (it's actually across the street fro the bus roundabout). There is a bus ticket office right there, and I bought a round trip reserved seat ticket that left within 20 minutes. There were quite a few people there already (and arriving after me), the bus was full. This bus stops at six? 7 stops in the little village where all the shrines are, and also goes to a camping ground past this stop. There are great maps for the area (in English), and shows you the hiking paths and distances/times. You can get on the return bus from any of the stops. I also had a reserved time for 2 PM but was done early and tired and was able to get on the 1230 bus. I just showed my return ticket and he gave me a new reserved seat. I do recommend buying a reserve seat for the return if you are day-tripping, your last bus might be sold out. Once you leave the village (takes about 10-15 minutes to stop at all the stops) the bus doesn't stop for 30 minutes until it is back at Nagano station. BTW, the last 10-15 minutes of hike to the shrine are stairs. All the instagram photos shows the trees and path, but yeah, lots and lots of stairs, 5 stories worth (ish). There is a restroom at the bus stop and a restaurant for soba and ice cream. There are way more restaurants at the main shrine area. There is a bathroom...

Recently, there has been a huge increase in rude tourists from overseas, and it seems that God is angry with such people.

This place is a very sacred and true power and healing spot with a long history. This is a sacred area where God resides. Please be sure to observe this when visiting.

If you visit Japan, we will gladly welcome you as a tourist as long as you follow proper etiquette.

If would you forgive a tourist who didn't follow proper etiquette when he came to the realm of the god you worship and that you hold dear?

Please do not litter!

Don't spit!

On the way to the shrine, the gods pass through the center,so please walk on both sides of the path usualy the left side).

Please do not enter any off-limits areas.

Please do not do anything that you think is okay just for the sake of taking a commemorative photo.

Please do not do anything that may obstruct the passage of others.

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the shrine building, so please be sure to follow this rule.

Even among Japanese people, few people understand this, but the correct etiquette is to put offerings in an envelope, write your name and address on it, and quietly place it in the offering box. Also, all the trees in the temple grounds are sacred trees.

Please do not hug them or take photos in order to make them look good on social media. Please be aware that all sacred trees are inhabited by spirits, both good and bad.

If you are visiting in winter, we recommend that you wear snow boots, anti-slip spikes, or simple crampons.

In winter, the temple is open to the public until the New Year holiday on January 7th. After that, the temple is closed until late April due to...

I went there on Jan 2023, the view was fabulous. There's snowing covered all around the path way. But the local Nagano government has done perfectly security and service, they have staffs to take care of anyone visiting there even it's quite hard a bit dangerous especially for the old people to go there at the period of time (you better prepare winter boots or shoes's stud strap) it will be comfortable and easy to walk since the path is quite long and you need a bit climbing. (It was around -7° but I have a take my jacket off a while)

When I was there, it didn't have many people or tourists, so I spent around 2-3 hrs peacefully.

For the tourists, the best way to go there in the winter is a rental car with winter tires. Since there's no public transportation but the bus only. And when they drop you off, they're not gonna pick you up like a regular bus. So recommended to renting a car and you can go anywhere...