Minimum Guests
2 Person
Activate Day
0 Nights/ 1 DaysBest Travel Time
|
Period |
Weather & Scenery |
Highlights & Tips |
|
May - Jun |
Mild (10-20°C), blooming fruit trees |
Cherry/peach blossoms at Hokosha; minimal crowd; snow patches in shaded areas |
|
Jul - Aug |
Cool (15-25°C), lush greenery |
Prime hiking season; 400-year cedar avenue in full shade; avoid noon heat |
|
Oct - Nov |
Crisp (5-18°C), autumn foliage |
Red/gold leaves contrast with vermilion torii; hot soba perfect post-hike |
|
Dec - Feb |
Cold (-5-8°C), heavy snow |
Snowshoeing available; "snow country" serenity; check trail accessibility |
Local Culinary & Cultural Highlights
|
Experience |
Details |
|
Togakushi Soba |
Must-try at Chusha: "Zaru-soba" (cold soba with dipping sauce) or "Kake-soba" (hot soup soba). Recommended: Chusha Soba-ya |
|
Chestnut Sweets |
Stop at Obuse Town (en route) for "Mont Blanc"—creamy chestnut dessert at Sakurai-kanseido |
|
Sacred Rituals |
Okusha offers "Omamori" (blessed amulets); ask shrine priests for English explanations |
|
Forest Therapy |
Cedar avenue emits phytoncides—ideal for mindful walking |
Essential Gear List
|
Category |
Items |
|
Footwear |
Waterproof hiking shoes (snow boots Dec-Feb); trail runners May-Oct |
|
Clothing |
Layered system: quick-dry base + fleece; rain jacket (Jun-Sep) |
|
Equipment |
Light trekking poles (optional, for descents); 1.5L water bottle |
|
Extras |
Insect repellent (May-Aug); camera (cedar avenue & torii gate photo ops) |
|
Documents |
Cash (small shops have no card readers); bus timetable (updated 2025) |
Safety & Logistics Tips
1. Transport: From JR Nagano Station, take Bus #57/58 to "Togakushi Hokosha" (¥1,200 one-way, 60 mins). Buses run hourly .
2. Trail Markings: Paths are well-signposted in Japanese/English; follow red "Okusha" arrows.
3. Weather Alert: Check Togakushi Weather 1 day prior—avoid trails during thunderstorms.
4. Accessibility: Hokosha-Chusha section is stroller-friendly; Okusha ascent has gentle slopes (no stairs).
Tour Timeline
If you need to increase or reduce the number of travellers, please contact us for customised arrangements.
-
1-Day Hiking Trail (Hokosha → Chusha → Okusha, Moderate Difficulty)
Difficulty: ★★☆ | Distance: 8.5km | Elevation Gain: 420m
Suitable for: All fitness levels; cultural & nature enthusiasts
Checkpoint
Altitude
Time
Duration
Key Actions
Hokosha (Lower Shrine)
830m
08:30
0min
Arrive via bus from Nagano Station (1hr); explore shrine grounds—note the ancient "Hidden Gate" symbolism
Trailhead Start
850m
09:00
0min
Begin hike on paved path; follow "Okusha" signs; initial section lined with apple orchards
Mid-Trail Rest Stop
920m
10:00
1hr
Pause at wooden bench; view Togakushi Volcano; refill water at vending machine
Chusha (Middle Shrine)
980m
11:00
1hr
Visit 700-year-old sacred tree; lunch at local soba shop (try "Togakushi soba"—handmade specialty )
Cedar Avenue Entrance
1020m
12:00
1hr
Enter 2km path lined with 400-year cedar trees—comparable to California Redwood Park
Vermilion Torii Gate
1150m
13:00
1hr
Photograph iconic torii gate; respect stone cairns (prayer offerings, do not disturb)
Okusha (Upper Shrine)
1250m
13:30
30min
Participate in "Ni-rei Ni-haku I-rei" (2 bows, 2 claps, 1 bow) ritual; explore shrine museum
Descend to Chusha
980m
14:30
1hr
Take shortcut trail; enjoy autumn foliage (Oct) or snow-dusted pines (Dec)
Bus Departure (Chusha)
980m
15:30
0min
Return to Nagano Station via bus (1hr10min); total hiking time: 6.5hrs
- None
Accommodation
We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.
Your Feedback