Togakushi Shrine Okusha & Cedar Avenue

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.