Togakushi Shrine’s Okusha (Upper Shrine)

#holidayitinerary
Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting **Togakushi Shrine’s Okusha (Upper Shrine)**, complete with mystical lore, logistics, and insider tips for an unforgettable experience!

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### **🌿 Why Visit Okusha Shrine?**
Okusha is the crown jewel of the **Togakushi Five Shrines**, nestled in Nagano’s sacred mountains. According to Shinto legend, this shrine honors **Tajikarao**, the deity who threw the rock door that hid the Sun Goddess, restoring light to the world . The approach to the shrine is a **2km path lined with 400-year-old cedar trees**, creating a surreal, almost mystical atmosphere .

**Highlights**:
- **Zuishinmon Gate**: A striking red gate marking the start of the cedar-lined path .
- **Kuzuryusha Shrine**: The oldest shrine in the complex, dedicated to a nine-headed dragon deity .
- **Spiritual Energy**: Many visitors report feeling a profound sense of peace amid the ancient forest .

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### **🚌 How to Get There**
#### **From Nagano Station**
1. **By Bus**: Take **Alpico Bus 70** from Bus Stop 7 (near Nagano Station’s Zenkoji exit). The ride to **Togakushi Okusha Iriguchi** takes ~70 minutes (¥1,350 one way) .
- *Winter Note* (Dec–Mar): Buses only go as far as **Chusha (Middle Shrine)**. From there, it’s a **4km walk/snowshoe** to Okusha .
2. **By Car**: Drive ~30 minutes from Nagano to the Okusha parking lot (¥500/day) .

#### **From Tokyo**
- Take the **Hokuriku Shinkansen** to Nagano (100 mins, ~¥8,000), then transfer to the bus .

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### **🥾 The Hike to Okusha**
- **Route**: From the bus stop, follow signs to **Zuishinmon Gate** (15-min walk), then proceed through the **cedar avenue** (25 mins) to reach Okusha .
- **Difficulty**: Easy to moderate. The final stretch has steep, icy steps in winter—**crampons recommended** .
- **Time**: Allow **1.5–2 hours round-trip** (excluding exploration) .

**Pro Tip**: For a quieter experience, visit **Kagami-ike Pond** first (30-min detour), a mirror-like pond reflecting Mount Togakushi .

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### **⏰ Best Time to Visit**
- **Spring–Autumn** (April–Nov): Lush greenery or vibrant fall foliage. The cedar path is magical in **May–June** ("shinryoku" season) .
- **Winter** (Dec–Mar): Snow transforms the path into a serene wonderland, but prepare for icy trails .

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### **🎒 Solo Traveler Tips**
1. **Pack Smart**: Waterproof shoes, layers (mountain weather changes fast), and snacks. Rent snow boots in winter at Chusha’s info center .
2. **Eat Local**: Try **Togakushi soba**—buckwheat noodles are a regional specialty. **Uzuraya** near Chusha is a top pick .
3. **Combine with Kamikochi**: If staying overnight, pair Okusha with a day trip to **Kamikochi** (stunning alpine scenery) .