Guide to Visiting Togakushi Shrine in Winter
Everything you need to know about visiting Togakushi Shrine in winter, including how to get there, what to see, the climate, what to wear, and useful tips to make the most of your visit.
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In the forested hills surrounding Nagano City lies a scenic, multi-shrine hike that can easily be visited on a day trip. Snow-draped landscapes with glimpses of the surrounding Alps offer a peaceful alternative to Japan’s big cities where you can walk among ancient forests.
This is how I welcomed 2024, with a New Year’s Day hike from Togakushi Chusha (middle shrine) to Togakushi Okusha (upper shrine). After spending time in Yudanaka and visiting the snow monkeys, I was excited to hike to a spot that had long been on my bucket list. A crisp, blue-bird kind of day that promised great conditions for a day of hiking in the snow, it made for the nature-filled first day of the year I needed.
Using Nagano City as my base meant it was an easy journey by bus up to Mount Togakushi, first passing through the city and by the prominent Zenkoji Temple before winding as the road climbed the mountain. The higher the bus climbed, clear skies turned fog and eventually light snowfall.
In a little under an hour, the disembarked at Togakushi Chusha to begin the journey. A large wooden torii gate was surrounded by several inches of snow and this is where the journey began. For the next few hours, I passed through forest, by frozen lakes and bubbling streams, always surrounded by the best the Japanese Alps has to offer.
The pinnacle point was setting my sights upon Zuishinmon, the red gate that marks the halfway point to the upper shrine. From here, I walked the snowy path flanked by centuries-old cedar trees, the most scenic point along the hike. The final stretch is usually a rocky incline, however after a month or so of snowfall, this was incredibly icy and is why I recommend you wear crampons for this hike in winter (don’t be like me, you will slip over otherwise, no matter how much tread your boots have).
Doing this hike on New Year’s also meant I was able to participate in Hatsumode, the cultural tradition of the first shrine or temple visit for the year. This is typically completed in the first three days of the year which means it can get busy, but even though this hike was busier than usual for winter, it was still quiet, uncrowded, and enjoyable.
What is Togakushi Shrine?
Located at the foot of Mount Togakushi, there are five shrines that make up the Togakushi Shrine (Togakushi Jinja); Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha, and Hinomikosha.
How long is the Togakushi Shrine hike?
The walk from Hokosha to Okusha (the lower to upper shrine) is 5.5km long and takes around 2.5 hours to complete. In winter, expect this to take closer to 3-3.5 hours as the trail will likely be covered in snow and ice.
You can complete any length of the hike though, and in winter you will have to start from Chusha (middle shrine) as this is as far as the bus goes in winter. The distance between them middle and upper shrine is approximately 2km and will take around 1.5 hours return depending on the conditions.
How to get to Togakushi Shrine in winter
Togakushi is easily accessible from Nagano centre either by bus or car. If you aren’t hiring a car in Japan, then there are several buses running, so just plan your day around the bus timetable.
By bus
The most convenient service from Nagano is the Alpico bus number 70 a 3-minute walk from Nagano Station Zenkoji exit. In winter the bus only goes to Togakushi Chusha (middle shrine), so you’ll need to disembark there and walk the rest of the way to the upper shrine.
The service typically takes around 55 minutes and the first service starts from around 7 am. I recommend purchasing the Zenkoji Togakushi 1-day ticket for a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the area. The ticket costs 3,000 yen and can be purchased from the Alpico ticket office next to the bus stop.
By car
You can drive from destinations throughout Nagano Prefecture easily and there is a large car park at near the path to the upper shrine. This is the largest car park and requires payment. Alternatively, there are smaller free car parks at Hinomikosha and Chusha.
In winter, the road can be icy so winter tyres and a 4WD are recommended - this is the road up to the ski resort after all. The drive takes around one hour from central Nagano or Hakuba, or 1.5 hours from Matsumoto.
Weather in Togakushi in Winter
Winter in Japan runs from December to February and much of Nagano Prefecture is known for its top skiing destinations. At Togakushi, you can expect snowfall from late November through to March, with ice and snow lingering at the upper shrine into April.
You can check snow depths and weather forecasts for the nearby Togakushi ski resort for an indication of what the conditions are like on the mountain, though the shrines are at a lower elevation.
What the wear to hike to Togakushi in winter
Nagano experiences cold and wetter winters, with the mountains in the prefecture seeing considerable snowfall. Even if it’s not snowing in Nagano City, the weather on Togakushi can be snowy, concealed in cloud, or rainy.
It’s important to wear the right clothing as there are limited places to stop and warm up on the walk between the shrines. Since you will be hiking, layers are key. Thermal underlayers, a wool or fleece middle layer, and a weather-proof outer jacket will have you well-prepared. Don’t forget gloves and a beanie to ward off the cold.
As the path is typically covered in deep snow or ice, appropriate footwear is essential. Snowboots or waterproof hiking boots are best and I recommend packing a pair of crampons in case you need them. This is the only item I regret not packing when I completed the hike, while most of the path was covered in fluffy snow, the final stretch to the top shrine involved very icy stairs and inclines. I saw a lot of people slipping and it definitely slowed me down - so pack the crampons, you won’t regret it.
RECOMMENDED | JAPAN WINTER PACKING LIST
Top tips for visiting Togakushi in winter
Dress appropriately including snow-proof shoes
Pack crampons (you can pick these up from an outdoors store or even Don Quijote)
Pack water and some light snacks
Ensure you arrive with enough time to make the return journey during daylight hours
Check the bus timetables before travelling
Don’t forget your camera and to enjoy the stunning scenery!
You can incorporate a day trip to Togakushi in this 10-day Japan itinerary that gets you off the typical Golden Route and showcases more of Japan than just it’s three big cities.
