Togakushi Shrine (ˉB_, Togakushi Jinja) consists of a lower, middle and upper shrine in the forested mountains northwest of central Nagano. The shrines are related to an important story in Japanese mythology in which the Sun Goddess hid herself in a cave in present day Takachiho on Kyushu after her brother had misbehaved, thereby bringing darkness to the world.
In order to get the sunlight back, the other deities tried to lure the Sun Goddess out of the cave by performing spectacular dance performances in front of it. As the Sun Goddess took a peek out, one of the deities grabbed the cave's stone door and threw it away to prevent her from hiding again. The stone door flew all the way to Togakushi in Nagano Prefecture, which is also how the area got its name: Togakushi literally means "hiding door".
Today, the upper shrine worships the deity who grabbed and threw away the stone door, while the middle shrine enshrines the deity who organized the dance performances.
The shrines of Togakushi are connected by roads and hiking trails up the mountain's forested slopes. Visitors first arrive at the torii gate of the lower shrine, where a long flight of stairs leads to the praying hall. A two kilometer ascent from there takes you to the middle shrine, which stands at the top of a small town of shops and restaurants. The shrine features a praying hall with nice architecture, a small waterfall, and sacred trees which are over 800 years old.
The entrance to the upper shrine is a further two kilometers uphill from the middle shrine. From the parking lot and bus stop starts the two kilometer long approach to the shrine, which is lined by over 300 tall cryptomeria trees, passes the thatched-roof Zuishinmon Gate along the way, and ends with a series of stone steps. The shrine's main hall spectacularly stands in the steep mountainside of Mount Togakushi with the mountain peaks towering above. Note that the path to the upper shrine gets closed beyond Zuishinmon Gate in winter.
An alternative trail to the upper shrine leads via Kagamiike ("Mirror Pond"), a serene pond which reflects the surrounding mountain landscape nicely. Note also that the Togakure Ninpo Museum is situated just next to the entrance to the upper shrine, while the Kids Ninja Village is close in proximity to the middle shrine, making interesting additions to the shrine visits.
Getting there and around
Express buses for tourists run every hour between Nagano Station and the three Togakushi shrines. The one way trip takes just under an hour and costs 2000 yen. Seat reservations should be made in advance online or at the Alpico Bus ticket office at Nagano Station, although it is possible to board the bus without reservation if there are vacant seats.
A separate bus operates hourly between the three shrines for 400 yen per ride.
How to get to and around Nagano
Hours and Fees
Hours
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Nagano
-
-
![]()
Yadoya Shiroganeya Limited to one group per day (2 to 8 people) Fully booked traditional building inView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Yadoya-Shiroganeya in Nagano offers traditional Japanese ryokan with family rooms. Each room features a private bathroom, fireplace, and garden or mountain views.Dining Experience
Guests enjoy a dinner with local cuisine and a variety of menus catering to special diets. The on-site hot spring bath provides relaxation after a day of activities.Convenient Facilities
The ryokan provides free WiFi, daily housekeeping, laundry service, and free on-site private parking. Additional amenities include bicycle parking, meeting rooms, and luggage storage.Activities and Location
Located 93 km from Matsumoto Airport, the ryokan offers skiing, hiking, and cycling. Guests appreciate the host, family-friendly environment, and delicious dinner. -
![]()
ShioriyaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Shioriya in Nagano offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and tatami floors. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, work desk, free toiletries, shower, slippers, TV, dining area, electric kettle, and wardrobe.Guest Facilities
Guests can enjoy a lounge, shared kitchen, luggage storage, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include free on-site private parking, ensuring convenience during the stay.Breakfast and Activities
A delicious breakfast is provided by the property, highly appreciated by guests. The guest house is situated 72 km from Matsumoto Airport and offers skiing activities.Guest Satisfaction
Shioriya is highly rated for its friendly host, comfortable rooms, and excellent breakfast. -
![]()
1166 BackpackersView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
1166 Backpackers in Nagano offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and tatami floors. Each room includes a kitchenette, washing machine, and essential amenities such as a tea and coffee maker, hairdryer, and shower.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, shared kitchen, daily housekeeping service, and full-day security. Additional facilities include bicycle parking, bike hire, luggage storage, and a dining area.Convenient Location
Located 74 km from Matsumoto Airport, the hostel is praised for its friendly staff and excellent service support. The convenient location enhances the overall stay experience. -
![]()
Jizokan Matsuya RyokanJust 250 metres from Zenko-ji Temple, Matsuya Ryokan offers simple Japanese rooms with tatami-mat floors, a green-tea maker and an attached Western bathroom. The hotel features public baths. Guests at Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan stay in rooms with shoji paper screens and traditional futon bedding. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a TV and slippers. Zenko-ji-shita Subway Station is 600 metres away, and Shinano Art Museum is 650 metres from the ryokan. JR Nagano Train Station is 3 km away. A Japanese breakfast and a Japanese course dinner are served at the dining room or the guest room.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Hotel Metropolitan NaganoHotel Metropolitan Nagano features elegantly decorated rooms and a wide range of dining options, including a Japanese restaurant, a Chinese restaurant and a cafe. The hotel is conveniently located right next to the JR Nagano Train Station. All rooms feature carpeted floors, a seating area, and comes with a flat-screen TV, a desk and a wardrobe. There is a bath tub, a hairdryer and free toiletries in the en suite bathroom. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Nagano Metropolitan Hotel provides luggage storage and dry cleaning services. A massage salon on the ground floor can provide guests with a vigorous massage. Zenko-ji temple, one of Japan?fs National Treasures, is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Shinano Art Museum and the Joyama Park are located within a 5-minute walk from the temple. The Iris cafe serves hearty breakfast buffet in the morning, while Shinano Japanese restaurant offers sushi and teppanyaki cuisines prepared right in front of the guests.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Chisun Grand NaganoLocated a 5-minute walk from JR Nagano Station, Chisun Grand Nagano offers clean, non-smoking guest rooms. We also offer a variety of complimentary amenities in the lobby. In support of the SDGs, we have not provided amenities in the rooms; instead, guests are welcome to bring whatever they need during their stay. Air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a smart TV, refrigerator, and electric kettle. Slippers and nightwear, an air purifier with humidifier, and a unit bath (with hairdryer) are also provided. Dry cleaning services and courier services are available at the front desk. Private parking is available on-site for an additional fee. If the parking lot is full, guests may be directed to a nearby affiliated parking lot. A smoking area is available in the lobby. *Smoking in the guest rooms will incur a special cleaning fee of 20,000 yen. Restaurant "Asama" on the 12th floor serves a Japanese breakfast made with locally grown white rice. Grilled fish and miso soup are also available. Please note that on busy days, admission may be divided into three shifts, and time and number restrictions may be put in place. Zenkoji Temple is a 10-minute drive away. Nagano Grand Chisun Hotel is a 25-minute drive from Iizuna Kogen Ski Resort and a 1.5-hour drive from Snow Monkey Park. A convenience store is a 4-minute walk away.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-ZenkojiguchiOnly a 2-minute walk from JR Nagano Station (Zenko-ji Exit), your ideal base for exploring Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi, and Jigokudani Monkey Park. ??Highlights & Services Same-day luggage storage: Available before check-in (arrival day) & after check-out (departure day) at our 24-hour front desk. Travel light! Dining: Japanese/Western breakfast buffet on-site Convenience: 1st-floor convenience store & coin-launderette Connectivity: Free WiFi in all rooms ??Rooms Air-conditioned, simple rooms with fridge, VOD flat-screen TV, slippers, sleepwear, and en suite bathroom (hairdryer & toothbrush sets provided). ??Access Zenko-ji Temple: 10-min drive Togakushi Shrine: 45-min drive Nagano Big Hat / Olympic Stadium: 10?20 min drive Make our hotel your home base for discovering Nagano?fs urban charm, rich history, and alpine nature.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Hotel NewNagano NeXTView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel NewNagano NeXT in Nagano offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and soundproofing. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free WiFi.Convenient Facilities
Guests benefit from free WiFi, a lift, 24-hour front desk, full-day security, and luggage storage. The hotel provides a buffet breakfast and a range of amenities including a refrigerator, electric kettle, and sofa bed.Prime Location
Located 73 km from Matsumoto Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its proximity to public transport options and excellent breakfast. Guests appreciate the attentive staff and excellent service support. -
![]()
Chateraise Hotel NaganoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Chateraise Hotel Nagano in Nagano offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, city views, and modern amenities including free WiFi, work desks, and flat-screen TVs.Dining Experience
Guests can enjoy Japanese and European cuisines at the on-site restaurant, complemented by a buffet breakfast. The hotel also provides a public bath and a 24-hour front desk for added convenience.Convenient Facilities
The hotel features a lift, daily housekeeping service, luggage storage, and paid on-site private parking. Additional amenities include free toiletries, slippers, and a hairdryer.Accessibility
Located 73 km from Matsumoto Airport, the hotel offers easy access to local attractions. -
![]()
Dormy Inn NaganoSituated conveniently a minute's stroll away from JR Nagano Station, Dormy Inn Nagano features a 24-hour front desk and a public hot spring facility with an open-air bath and sauna. Free WiFi access is available throughout the entire property. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a desk, refrigerator, an air-humidifier and an electric kettle. Rooms come with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and personal lockers. Guests will find luggage storage service offered at the front desk. Trouser presses and ironing facilities can be provided free of charge upon request. Coin-operated laundry machines and drink vending machines are also available. A Japanese-style and Western breakfast buffet consisting of local specialities is on offer at the on-site restaurant. Matsumoto Airport is a 90-minute bus ride away from JR Nagano Station. Zenkoji Temple is 1.9 km from Dormy Inn Nagano, while Togakushi Shrine is 14 km from the property.View on Booking.com
-
Experiences around Nagano
-
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano day tourVisit Zenko-ji Temple - one of the oldest and most important temples in JapanView on Klook -
![]()
-
![]()
Tokyo Departure | Nikko/Karuizawa/Gunma/Yokohama Customized Private Car Charter Day TripDeparting from Tokyo city, 10-hour chartered one-day tourView on Klook
-
