Question 1

Can I get there by bus from Nagano Station?

Accepted Answer

Alpico Kotsu buses bound for Togakushi Kogen run from JR Nagano Station: about 1 hour 10 minutes to Togakushi Chusha and about 1 hour 20 minutes to Okusha-iriguchi. Services vary by season, so please check the timetable in advance.

Question 2

What is the approach to Okusha like?

Accepted Answer

The approach is about 2 km one way. Past the thatched red Zuishinmon gate at the midpoint, an avenue of cedars over 400 years old, designated a natural monument, continues. There are stone steps towards the end, so please come in clothing and shoes suitable for walking in the hills. Private vehicles cannot enter.

Question 3

Where are the well-known Togakushi soba restaurants?

Accepted Answer

Togakushi is famous for Shinshu soba, and many soba restaurants line the approach around Chusha. You can try traditional Togakushi soba served on bamboo baskets woven from nemagari bamboo. It makes a good lunch after visiting the shrines.

Question 4

Can I visit with a pushchair or wheelchair?

Accepted Answer

The approach to Okusha has gravel paths and stone steps, and parts are difficult with a pushchair or wheelchair. Chusha is relatively easy to reach and can be visited close to the main facilities such as the amulet office.

Question 5

Can I visit in winter?

Accepted Answer

Visits are possible in winter, but the approach to Okusha is prone to snow and ice, so warm clothing and shoes with non-slip soles are needed. In the snow season the path narrows and snow can fall from the trees, so care is needed.

Question 6

Can I stay near Togakushi Shrine?

Accepted Answer

Togakushi has several long-established shukubo pilgrim lodgings, where you can stay within the sacred precinct and eat vegetarian temple cuisine. There are also ordinary inns and pensions in the area. Please see the official website or each lodging's own website.

Question 7

Can I get a goshuin stamp at all five shrines?

Accepted Answer

You can receive a goshuin at each of the five shrines, but the offices have different opening times. To collect all five, we recommend allowing a full day. Please see the official website for details.

Question 8

How long does it take to visit all five shrines?

Accepted Answer

Visiting all five involves a lot of walking; the approach to Okusha alone is about 4 km there and back. Even driving between the shrines, allow 5-6 hours. Okusha alone takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours there and back.

Question 9

What are the differences between the deities of each shrine?

Accepted Answer

Each shrine enshrines a different deity: Okusha (Ame-no-Tajikarao-no-Mikoto; good fortune and the fulfilment of wishes), Chusha (Ame-no-Yagokoroomoikane-no-Mikoto; wisdom and study), Hokosha (Ame-no-Uwaharu-no-Mikoto; protection of women and children), Kuzuryusha (Kuzuryu-no-Okami; matchmaking and rainmaking) and Hinomikosha (Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto; dance, music and the performing arts, and matchmaking).

Question 10

Is there parking at Togakushi Shrine?

Accepted Answer

There are car parks at the entrance to the Okusha approach, at Chusha and at Hokosha. They are extremely busy at weekends and in peak seasons, so we recommend visiting early in the morning or using public transport.

Question 11

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

3690 Togakushi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture (near the great torii gate of the Okusha shrine)

Question 12

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 13

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Free.

Question 14

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

The grounds can be visited all year round.

Question 15

What are the visiting hours?

Accepted Answer

The shrine grounds may be visited at any time. Hours at the offices selling amulets differ by shrine (around 8:30 to around 17:00 at Chusha as a guide).

Question 16

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 1 hour 10 minutes from JR Nagano Station on the Alpico Kotsu bus bound for Togakushi Kogen, alighting at Togakushi Chusha or Okusha-iriguchi. By car it is about 1 hour from central Nagano City.

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