Togakushi Shrine

Togakushi Shrine is a Shinto shrine complex in the mountains northwest of central Nagano City, at the base of Mount Togakushi. It comprises five separate shrines: Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha, and Hinomikosha, spread across the forested area. The approach to Okusha, the upper shrine, runs about 2 kilometres and is lined for its final stretch with rows of Japanese cedars said to be around 400 years old and designated Natural Monuments. Roughly halfway along the approach stands a red gate called Zuishinmon. The shrine area is reached in about 60 minutes by car or bus from Nagano Station. From early January to late April the cedar avenue beyond Zuishinmon is often closed due to snow.