Hike

Togakushi Shrine to Togakushi East Campground

Distance: 8.5km / 5.3 miles

Time: About 5+ hours

Type: Loop trail

Start: Park the car at Togakushi East campground. Take the bus to Togakushi Shrine as the start point. If arriving by public transport go straight to Togakushi Shrine

Finish: Togakushi East campground

My favorite points: pairing culture and hiking into one experience. The chains and ladders. The ridge line section with panoramic views. Finishing at the pleasant campground.

Description

Many people visit Togakushi Shine for the tall trees but not so many go beyond this popular photo spot. However, this is one of the most fun hikes in the area and should definitely be considered to pair up a great cultural attraction with a "test of strength".

Test of strength is a good thing to talk about straight up. This hike is more on the advanced side and for those not too concerned with heights. There is some level of exposure on the ridge line and some scaling ropes required for this adventurous hike. This is definitely for the more experienced hikers.

The hike up Mt. Togakushi is a well-loved route in Nagano Prefecture, offering a mix of spiritual and natural appeal. The mountain is part of the larger Togakushi range and is home to Togakushi Shrine, one of Japan’s most famous shrine complexes, deeply connected to Japanese mythology. This hike combines forest trails, rugged mountain paths, and ancient spiritual sites, making it as much a cultural experience as a physical one.

The trail starts near the base of Togakushi Shrine, with a scenic path lined by ancient cedar trees leading up to Okusha (the Inner Shrine), the most revered section of the shrine complex. The approach to Okusha is famous for its towering trees and a sense of quiet mystery. After visiting the shrine, the route becomes steeper and more challenging as you head toward the summit of Mt. Togakushi. This section involves navigating rocky terrain, narrow ridges, and sometimes even chains and ropes to assist with the steeper climbs, making it suitable for intermediate to experienced hikers.

The ascent to the peak takes around 3 hours, depending on your pace and the weather. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including a clear view of the Japanese Alps on a clear day. In autumn, the colors are particularly vibrant, and the trail transforms with deep reds and oranges, making it one of the best times to hike here. You then follow the ridge line to the north and descent towards the Togakushi East campground which takes a few more hours to reach.

Mt. Togakushi is more than just a climb; it’s a journey that intertwines nature, spirituality, and adventure, drawing both hikers and pilgrims alike.

I've added an actual hikers detailed experience (in Japanese that can be translated) to showcase the best details and photos of the hike for better understanding.