Togakushi Shrine

Togakushi Shrine is a historic shrine founded during the reign of Emperor Jimmu. The shrine's main building adopts the traditional Japanese architectural style of "nagaya-zukuri" with a deep eave, creating a powerful structure. In addition, around Togakushi Shrine, there are must-see spots for those interested in history and culture, such as the "Togakushi Ninpo Museum" where the secret techniques of Togakushi Shrine are taught and the "Togakushi Ruins" designated as a national historic site. Why not feel the history and culture of Japan around Togakushi Shrine?

Togakushi Shrine is located at the foot of Mount Togakushi in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by mystical nature. The scenery changes beautifully with each season, and especially in autumn, the leaves turn red and become a must-see. The area around the shrine is filled with mountains, including Mount Togakushi, making it a recommended spot for outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers and trekkers. Forest bathing is also a great way to refresh your mind and body. Why not experience the scenery of old Japan in the nature-rich area around Togakushi Shrine?

Around Togakushi Shrine, there are many delicious gourmet dishes made with locally grown vegetables and ingredients. Especially famous is "Togakushi Soba". The cool climate of the highlands, with large temperature differences between day and night, is suitable for cultivating soba with a strong sweetness. In addition, you can enjoy local flavors such as grilled ayu fish and bamboo leaf-wrapped rice dumplings. Why not try some delicious gourmet dishes while visiting Togakushi Shrine?

Togakushi Shrine offers a pilgrimage called "Goshajinuri" which consists of visiting five shrines. Each shrine has its own unique characteristics and allows you to feel the history and culture. The five shrines that make up the Goshajinuri are "Okusha," "Kuzuryu Shrine," "Nakasha," "Hinomikosha," and "Hokosha," starting from the back of the mountain. Okusha offers blessings for good luck, wish fulfillment, and bountiful harvests, while Kuzuryu Shrine offers blessings for water-related matters such as rain and flood control. Nakasha offers blessings for academic achievement, Hinomikosha offers blessings for matchmaking and dance performances, and the closest Hokosha offers blessings for warding off misfortune and ensuring household safety. As you will be walking for a long time in the mountains, it is recommended to wear comfortable sneakers.

Togakure is known for its ninja legends. The roots of "Togakure-ryu Ninjutsu" go back 800 years to the Genpei War. In the first year of Yowa (1181), a retainer of Kiso Yoshinaka named Ninkadaisuke joined the battle against the Heike clan. Daisuke had been practicing Shugendo in Togakure and Iizuna for a long time, and had acquired various skills. Then, in the third year of Juei (1184), after Yoshinaka was killed, he fled to Iga and learned Iga-ryu Ninjutsu there. He returned to Togakure and founded Togakure-ryu Ninjutsu. He is also known as Togakure Daisuke, the founder of Togakure-ryu. While Iga and Koga are famous for ninjutsu, Togakure-ryu Ninjutsu is the only ancient martial art that is still practiced today.