Togakushi Shrine Okusha & Cedar Avenue
shrine
Togakushi Shrine Okusha & Cedar Avenue
戸隠神社 奥社・杉並木
Overview
A 2km forest approach through 400-year-old cedar giants leading to a sacred shrine at the base of dramatic cliff walls.
The 2km trail to Togakushi Okusha (inner shrine) passes through one of Japan's most atmospheric sacred landscapes. After a torii gate and thatched-roof shrine gate, the path enters a tunnel of 400-year-old cedar trees, their massive trunks creating a cathedral-like canopy. The inner shrine sits at the base of Togakushi Mountain's dramatic rock walls, legendary home of the cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu hid. The area is also famous for its handmade soba, made with locally grown buckwheat.
Local tips
Visit on a misty morning when fog threads through the cedar avenue. The atmosphere becomes almost otherworldly. Have soba at Uzuraya (arrive before noon) after the hike.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 戸隠神社 奥社・杉並木
- Nearest station
- Nagano Station (bus to Togakushi Okusha, 1hr)
- Payment
- Cards accepted
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