Discovering Togakushi: A Pilgrimage of Five Shrines | Nagano, Japan Travel

Discovering Togakushi: A Pilgrimage of Five Shrines | Nagano, Japan Travel

Deep in the mountains of Nagano lies Mount Togakushi. Since ancient times, this place has been revered as sacred. The mountain itself is believed to be a sacred place where gods dwell, and it has long been a center of Shugendo and mountain worship. At its base stands Togakushi Shrine, with over 2,000 years of history. It is made up of five shrines: Hokosha, Hinomikosya, Chusha, Okusha, and Kuzuryusha. Each enshrines a different deity and offers unique blessings. Visiting all five is called the ‘Five Shrine Pilgrimage,’ which can be completed on foot in a single journey. In this video, we will follow the route from Hokosha to Kuzuryusha, about 6 kilometers. Please stay with us until the end. Feel Japan offers travel ideas in Japan. Follow us and be inspired to discover the unknown wonders of Japan. If you like this video, give us a thumbs up. Your comments are also welcome. The pilgrimage begins at Hokosha. The steep stone steps to the shrine number about 270. Climbing them leads to the solemn main hall. It was founded in 949. The deity is Ameno-Uwaharu-no-Mikoto, known as the guardian of women and children. Blessings include safe childbirth, protection from misfortune, and matchmaking. After your visit, continue from behind the shrine toward Hinomikosha. From here, a gentle uphill path continues. About 15 minutes on foot through a quiet forest. You arrive at the second shrine, Hinomikosha. It is the smallest of the five shrines. Founded in 1098. The deity is Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, known as the goddess of performing arts and dance. Blessings include good fortune, matchmaking, and the arts. Now, continue through the forest toward Chusha. Leaving the forest, you enter an area of daily life. This is the most lively area among the five shrines. Shops and restaurants line the streets. One of the most famous is “Uzuraya.” It serves freshly made soba every morning, and it is so popular that lines form before opening. The soba here is called Togakushi Soba, and it is counted among Japan’s three great soba noodles. Served in small bite-sized portions, easy to eat. Enjoy them with tempura made from local ingredients. From Hinomikosha, it takes 15 minutes on foot to Chusha. A large torii gate welcomes visitors. In the precincts stand a sacred tree over 700 years old and three cedars over 800 years old. Founded in 1087. The deity is Ameno-Yagokoro-Omoikane-no-Mikoto, known as the god of wisdom and learning. Blessings include success in studies and business prosperity. From Chusha, climb about 40 minutes further up the mountain, where the entrance to Okusha appears. From here, it is 2 kilometers to the shrine. Along the way, a thatched-roof building painted in red appears. This is Zuishinmon, marking the sacred domain beyond. It is the oldest existing structure of Togakushi Shrine, built in 1710 and still standing today. Passing through the gate, the famous cedar avenue begins. Cedar trees over 400 years old stretch for 500 meters. When the avenue ends, the path turns into stone steps. Climbing for 20 minutes brings you to Okusha. Some say it was founded as early as 210 BC. The deity is Ame-no-Tajikarao-no-Mikoto, known as the god of strength. Blessings include good fortune, wish fulfillment, abundant harvests, and victory in sports. Next to Okusha stands Kuzuryusha. It is even older than Okusha, though its founding date is unclear. The deity is Kuzuryu-Okami, known as the local guardian god of Togakushi. Blessings include rain, matchmaking, and more. With a visit to Kuzuryusha, the pilgrimage is complete. Would you like to experience the Togakushi Five Shrine Pilgrimage? The nature, the history, and the sacred air truly touch the heart when walked in person. Next time, visit Togakushi yourself and feel the journey of the five shrines. Thank you for watching the video until the end. Please subscribe to this channel, give us a thumbs up, and leave a comment. Various links are listed in the overview. We welcome your recommendations and requests in the comments and on the social media.

Togakushi Shrine is a sacred site in the mountains of Nagano with a history of over 2,000 years.
It consists of five shrines, each offering unique blessings and experiences.

Togakushi Shrine Hōkō-sha
https://maps.app.goo.gl/L3D6xdBPwP7711SQ7
Togakushi Shrine Hinomiko-sha
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6ej2oyMxFgZG723r9
Uzura-ya
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6apwEFzG48rcZtau6
Togakushi Shrine Chū-sha
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1zByTe9pX442drbMA
Togakushi Shrine Oku-sha
https://maps.app.goo.gl/owFjGL65mpsNbGLaA
Togakushi Shrine Kuzuryū-sha
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VEjpAUduAUE13XMU6

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00:00 Opening
00:18 Overview
03:44 Hōkō-sha
06:37 Hinomiko-sha
09:21 Uzura-ya
10:32 Chū-sha
13:29 Zuishinmon
16:29 Oku-sha
17:28 Kuzuryū-sha
18:33 Closing