Soaked in History, Exuding Culture, Togakushi
The Tale of Water Weaving Life:
A Journey to Uncover the Mysteries of Togakushi, Nagano
Togakushi’s nature and spirituality have been brought together to make a unique experience for you. By touching the water source, which is protected by the water deities, you will come in contact with the mysteries of Mt. Togakushi. By worshiping at the temple, dining with a spectacular view, and trying the soba-making activity, you will be able to immerse yourself in the culture that was cultivated by water and has been protected by many Japanese predecessors for so long, giving you time to reflect upon the future and think of how best to protect nature and maintain the harmony of different beliefs. We wish to invite you on a journey through Togakushi’s beautiful nature where you will rediscover your way of life.
Togakushi
Togakushi, located in the northern area of Nagano Prefecture, is home to many old religious beliefs as well as an abundance of nature; these two aspects are the reasons behind Togakushi being a very unique place. Togakushi features clean water sources, a beautiful mountain range, and Togakushi Shrine, making this a very historically famous spot. The nature and culture of this area continue to heal and teach the people who visit. Seasonal changes in Togakushi are quite extreme, giving visitors a new, exciting experience every time they visit.
Learn About
the History of Togakushi
The History of Faith in Nature and Buddhism that Shaped this Passionate Area
Togakushi has long been worshipped as a sacred place of Shintoism, and the Kuzuryu (Nine-headed Dragon Deity) is believed to protect the sacred water source. Approximately 1,300 years ago, the land prospered as a home for Buddhism and Shinto-Buddhist syncretism; however, roughly 150 years ago, as the times changed, the center of focus for the faith in this area slowly became Shinto. It’s a rare situation where the faith of the land changed from Shinto to Buddhism and then back to Shinto, and currently, faith and nature coexist together to protect this land. The harm
Learn About
Nature in Togakushi
A Place Where Four Naturally Distinct Seasons Help to Mend your Spirit
Togakushi is a mysterious place surrounded by an abundance of nature with beautiful mountains, clear streams, and scenery that changes with the seasons, fascinating all who visit. Mt. Togakushi is especially famous for mountain climbing/hiking, providing visitors a chance to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the area. Furthermore, the area features a huge forest that supports the lives of many plants and animals. This is a place where you can truly enjoy the beauty of nature, such as with the cherry blossoms in spring, or with the vivid-green trees in summer, or with the colored leaves in fall, or even with the snowy view in winter. Nature in Togakushi heals the spirits of all who visit and deeply moves them emotionally.
Learn About
the Gushing Spring Water in Togakushi
A Natural and Historical Activity to Experience the Blessings of Togakushi Through All Five Senses
The pure water of Togakushi from the sacred water source originating from Kuzuryu Shrine has long been enjoyed by many. Water that has melted from snow in the mountains is used for Shinto rituals and stands as a symbol of the villager’s faith. The water is drawn from under the cherry trees in spring. In summer, people dip their feet into the stream. The spectacular views in fall and winter can also be enjoyed. The water at Kuzuryu Shrine tells a beautiful tale about the history and nature found in Togakushi and plays a crucial role in connecting them together.
Learn About
Activities in Togakushi
A Natural and Historical Activity to Experience the Blessings of Togakushi Through All Five Senses
Many activities are available for visitors to enjoy and appreciate the bountiful nature and culture of Togakushi. Through meals that use local fresh ingredients and even the soba-making activities, visitors will be able to experience and feel satisfied with the great taste of Togakushi water. Visitors can also use e-bikes to enjoy the beautiful scenery as they visit Togakushi Shrine and come into contact with the faith and history of Togakushi. Togakushi is a place filled with activities you can enjoy with all five senses.
Vehicle pickup and drop-off service is available
Stay
in Togakushi
Heal Your Mind and Body at this Accommodation Experience Surrounded by Nature
Choose to stay at either the awai thatched-roof accommodation facility, the Togakushi trailer house, or an accommodation facility in Earthboat Togakushi and enjoy a lodging experience unique to Togakushi. Immerse yourself in a special retreat where the soothing sounds of nature surround and rejuvenate you. Explore the locations and atmospheres of the rooms at each facility, and enjoy a night in Togakushi perfectly tailored to your style and purpose.
Tour
Participate in Tours
Learn More About the Charms of Togakushi
Togakushi has a long history dating back more than 1,000 years. Experience the mysteries of the land that seep into the air while you learn more about Togakushi by trying the many activities available. The lush nature and ancient beliefs have mixed well together, and we will guide you through them on this very special journey.
Guide
Tour Guide
Naohiro Orihara
Tourism Content Producer
/ Interpreter Guide
- With a variety of officially recognized experience, such as at the Canadian Rockies and Yellowknife, he is a nature and tourism professional.
- He is able to offer his experiences as a planning producer for Hoshino Resorts, his experiences working as a guide, and his experiences outdoors in nature at places such as Oirase Valley and the Hakkoda Mountains area.
- As a specialist for the Ministry of the Environment, he is in charge of promoting the national parks as well as working as a planning coordinator.
- After becoming independent, he created content for tourism and worked as a national DMO advisor. He is an expert able to convey the charm of nature in real time.
Current Occupation: Representative Director of CAN, a General Incorporated Association Focused on Planning National Park Utilization
A portion of the tour fee will be donated to nature conservation activities in the Togakushi area of the national park.
The donation will be used for the maintenance of forests and trails in the protected areas of the national park, as well as for environmental education. It aims to create a positive cycle of conservation and sustainable use, contributing to a long-lasting system.
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