Togakushi Okusha Shrine

Walk the avenue of cedars to reach the uppermost shrine

Vicky Amin Nov 26, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Okusha, the last and the highest shrine of Togakushi Jinja Shrine which worships the deity who threw the stone door and lured the Goddess of Sun away from her hideout. The shrine itself is surprisingly small, nevertheless it attracts many visitors who enjoy the fantastic scenery on the verge of Mt. Togakushi's steep mountainside.</p>

<p>The outer entrance of the shrine, just near the Okusha bus stop. Your 2km walk begins from here.</p>

<p>Pathway from the outer to inner entrance.</p>

<p>The inner entrance of the shrine, also marks the start of majestic cedar-lined path (杉並木; suginamiki).</p>

<p>A closer look at Zuishinmon Gate, the gate to Okusha Shrine.</p>

<p>The tranquil pathway to the shrine, under the shades of centuries old cedar trees.</p>

<p>Despite the sunlight that sometimes penetrate through the woods, the serene aura remains.</p>

<p>The cedar pathway ends here, and it's time to make the ascent to the upper shrine.</p>

<p>A series of stone steps will be the last landmark before reaching Okusha Shrine.</p>

<p>Entrance to the main plaza of Okusha Shrine.</p>

<p>A cat's point of view towards the shrine with Mt. Togakushi in the background. People line up to cleanse themselves with water from the spring.</p>

<p>Just below the Okusha Shrine plaza, stands Kuzuryusha Shrine, where the god of rain and the landowner god of Togakushi Village reside.</p>

<p>View from Okusha Shrine. From here on, hikers can climb to the top of Mt. Togakushi.</p>

As the highest worship point of Togakushi Shrine, Okusha serves as a dramatic destination for pilgrims who have undertaken the hike from the base of the village.

Nature calls from the hundred acre woods, refreshing you after the 2 km hike to the shrine honoring Mount Togakushi. Stroll through the avenue of century old cedar trees (cryptomeria japonica) that will take you to the top of the hill, completing your quest of visiting the last shrine of Togakushi.

Things to Do in Nagano

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...