Togakushi Okusha Inner Shrine Trail

The Togakushi Okusha Inner Shrine Trail leads through the cedar forests of Togakushi, Nagano City, to the inner sanctuary of Togakushi Shrine at the base of Mount Togakushi. The trail begins near the Chussha (middle shrine) bus stop, reached by Alpico Bus from Nagano station, and covers 6 km round trip with about 200 m of elevation gain. The first stretch runs along a paved approach lined with souvenir shops and soba restaurants before entering the famous cedar avenue, a straight corridor of trees planted roughly 400 years ago. Beyond the Zuishin-mon gate, the surface changes to a dirt and root-strewn forest path that climbs gradually toward the Okusha shrine buildings at the trail's end, set against the cliffs of Mount Togakushi. The final approach has stone steps and exposed tree roots that can be slippery when wet. There is no water source along the trail beyond the shrine precinct, so hikers should carry their own. Restrooms are available near the Chussha bus stop and at the trailhead parking area, but not near the Okusha shrine itself. Most visitors treat the Okusha shrine as the turn-around point; a smaller number continue onto steeper unmarked forest tracks toward the mountain, which require more experience. In winter, the trail is often snow-covered and manageable with snowshoes, though the cedar avenue remains the highlight in any season.