Day Tours
Togakushi Kodo Full Pilgrimage Walking Tour – Ichino-Torii – Hokosha – Hinomikosha – Chusha – Kuzuryusha – Okusha
A full-day pilgrimage tour along the complete Togakushi Kodo, one of Nagano's most revered sacred trails. We travel by private vehicle from Narai-juku to Togakushi, then walk the entire pilgrimage route on foot — starting at Ichino-Torii, the traditional entrance to the sacred Togakushi area, and continuing through all five of its shrines: Hokosha, Hinomikosha, Chusha, Kuzuryusha, and Okusha — through forest, along old religious sites, and beneath the famous Ancient Cedar Avenue, with a traditional Togakushi soba lunch near Chusha along the way. Departure and return: Samurai Hotel Narai-so.
← Back to Day ToursPrice includes direct vehicle transfer to Togakushi and parking fees. Available May 1–November 25, weekdays only.
Reserve this tour →Kagami-ike (Mirror Pond), reflecting Mt. Togakushi (click to enlarge)
Togakushi area map, showing the Togakushi Kodo trail and its five shrines (courtesy of the Togakushi Tourism Association, togakushi-21.jp) — click to enlarge
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7:15 AM
Depart Samurai Hotel Narai-so
Travel by private vehicle from Narai-juku to Togakushi.
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9:10 AM
Arrive at Ichino-Torii
Prepare for the full Togakushi Kodo pilgrimage walk. The tour vehicle drops off the guests and later relocates to the Okusha Entrance Parking Area.
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9:20 AM
Togakushi Kodo walk begins
Begin at Ichino-Torii, the traditional entrance to the sacred Togakushi area.
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10:30 AM
Haraizawa area
Follow the historic pilgrimage trail through forests and old religious sites.
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10:50 AM
Yunomine Viewpoint area
Continue along the old trail with views of the Togakushi mountain area.
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11:30 AM
Hokosha Shrine
Arrive at the first of the five Togakushi shrines and visit its historic wooden shrine building.
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11:45 AM
Continue along Kanmichi
Walk the ancient forest path connecting Hokosha with the upper shrines.
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11:55 AM
Hinomikosha Shrine
Visit the peaceful shrine associated with Ame-no-Uzume, deity of dance and performing arts.
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12:05 PM
Continue to Chusha
Follow the traditional pilgrimage trail through the forest.
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12:20 PM
Chusha Shrine
Visit the central shrine and learn about the Amano-Iwato mythology associated with Togakushi.
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12:30–1:15 PM
Togakushi Soba Lunch
Enjoy traditional Togakushi soba near Chusha.
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1:15 PM
Continue along Togakushi Kodo
Walk from Chusha toward the Okusha approach.
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1:50 PM
Okusha Approach Entrance
Short rest before entering the final and most sacred section of the pilgrimage.
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1:55 PM
Okusha pilgrimage walk begins
Walk along the approximately 2 km approach through the forest.
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2:15 PM
Zuishinmon Gate
Pass through the historic red gate marking the entrance to the sacred cedar forest.
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2:15–2:35 PM
Ancient Cedar Avenue
Walk beneath the famous avenue of centuries-old cedar trees.
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2:35 PM
Kuzuryusha Shrine
Visit one of the oldest sacred sites in Togakushi.
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2:45 PM
Okusha Shrine
Reach the innermost shrine at the foot of Mt. Togakushi.
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2:45–3:05 PM
Shrine visit & rest
Enjoy the spiritual atmosphere and mountain surroundings.
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3:05 PM
Begin return walk
Walk back through the ancient cedar avenue toward the Okusha entrance.
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3:45 PM
Okusha Entrance Parking Area
Finish the walking tour. Meet the tour vehicle at the parking area.
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4:00 PM
Depart Togakushi
Return directly to Narai-juku by private vehicle.
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6:00 PM
Arrive at Samurai Hotel Narai-so
End of the tour.
The Togakushi Kodo trailhead, where the pilgrimage walk begins (click to enlarge)
Hokosha Shrine (click to enlarge)
Hinomikosha Shrine, tucked among the cedars (click to enlarge)
Chusha Shrine, the central shrine of Togakushi (click to enlarge)
Suzuri-ishi (Inkstone Rock), with the Northern Alps in the distance (click to enlarge)
The torii gate marking the start of the Okusha approach (click to enlarge)
The Ancient Cedar Avenue leading to Zuishinmon Gate (click to enlarge)
Okusha Shrine, the innermost shrine at the foot of Mt. Togakushi (click to enlarge)
Important notes
- This tour requires a private vehicle and driver-guide — please reserve in advance so we can arrange transport and the Togakushi soba lunch.
- Total walking distance: approximately 14–15 km.
- Walking time: approximately 5 hours, excluding shrine visits and lunch.
- Difficulty: moderate to challenging — please let us know in advance if anyone in your group would prefer a shorter alternative.
- Lunch: a traditional Togakushi soba lunch near Chusha is included partway through the walk.
- Togakushi sits at a higher elevation than Narai-juku and mountain weather can change quickly — please bring layers and rain protection appropriate for the season.
- The times above are the planned schedule; actual timing may shift slightly depending on the group's pace, shrine visit lengths, and weather.
- Please let us know of any dietary requirements in advance so we can arrange the soba lunch accordingly.
- The tour visits active places of worship — please be respectful of other visitors and any ongoing rituals or ceremonies at each shrine.