Nagano

Togakushi Chusha Shrine

Spirited shrine in the middle of a restful village

Vicky Amin Nov 25, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Chōzuya (purification spring) and a huge cedar tree at the front plaza of the shrine.</p>

<p>Both the pavement and stone stairs will bring you to the main hall of Chusha Shrine.</p>

<p>Shamusho (the shrine's administrative office).</p>

<p>View of the main hall and the shamusho.</p>

<p>Worshipers lining up before performing their prayers.</p>

<p>Ema (wooden plaques of wishes) by the shrine.</p>

<p>The sacred centuries years old tree.</p>

<p>There is a small sacred waterfall behind the shrine's main hall.</p>

<p>Bird-view angle from the shrine's plaza.</p>

<p>Senchosha, a small shrine on the side of Chusha Shrine.</p>

Togakushi Jinja Shrine is situated at the lower entrance of Togakushi Village, ascending towards the mountain in honor to the gods of Mt. Togakushi. Chusha Shrine stands as the middle part of the spiritual trail.

Set in the heart of the village, it is no wonder that Chusha has a livelier atmosphere compared to the other shrines in Togakushi. It is built to worship the deity who held a dance performance to lure the Sun Goddess out of her hiding cave. Chusha Shrine attracts tourists with its delicate architecture. The prayer hall and the sacred trees dating from 800 years ago frame the graveled courtyard.

Vicky Amin @vicky.amin632

A traveler, budding travel writer, and amateur author. Writing is my way to redo my amazing journey all over again. I started "Cheating the World" project and with it, I've made two of my annual trips in a form of a book: "Cheating Southern Vietnam", and "Cheating Hong Kong & Macau" (still in Ba...