🏔️🚞🌲 Nagano's Hidden Gem: Ogasawara Shrine 🌲🚞🏔️

🏔️🚞🌲 Nagano's Hidden Gem: Ogasawara Shrine 🌲🚞🏔️ 🌟 Nagano might be a bit off the beaten path compared to other regions and attractions in Japan, but if you're into peaceful, leisurely journeys, the Ogasawara Shrine in Nagano City is a must-visit. The entrance with its red torii gate and the bleak snowscape make for a picture-perfect moment. 🛤️ Ogasawara Shrine, composed of 5 shrines, has a history of over 2000 years and is regarded by the Japanese as a spiritual spot to uplift moods and recharge energy. 🔄 The recommended order for visiting is: Hoko Shrine → Hi no Miko Shrine → Naka Shrine → Oku Shrine → Kuzuha Shrine. When visiting Oku Shrine, don't miss the avenue of trees in front of it. 🌳 The group of cedar trees, each over 400 years old, are so tall and thick that they seem to touch the sky, creating an awe-inspiring scene that looks straight out of a movie when captured from afar. 🏞️ If you're planning to stay overnight, there are Japanese-style guesthouses on the mountain available for rent. You can enjoy a romantic evening snow view, rest well for the night, and then leisurely descend the mountain the next day, making for a delightful winter experience. 🚄🚗 Transportation Guide: 1. 🚇 Shinkansen: Departing from Tokyo, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Nagano, which is more convenient than driving. 2. 🚖 Self-driving or chartered car: For an in-depth experience of Nagano's unique beauty, with the freedom to stop and admire the scenery whenever you wish. 📍 After arriving in Nagano: (You can choose to stay in a hotel near JR stations depending on your arrival time), Ogasawara Shrine is located on Ogasawara Mountain in the northwest of Nagano City. There's no train access to the mountain; only the dedicated Route 70 and Route 73 Alpico buses can take you up the mountain. #Japan #Travel #JapanTravel #Hokkaido