Togakushi's Okusha and Kuzuryusha stand at the end of a walking approach. Visit each before requesting their goshuin at Okusha's counter. Earlier photographs of the cedar avenue and goshuin are accompanied by guidance allowing time for both the walk and the counter.
Goshuin of Togakushi Shrine — Okusha · Confirmation of worship
- Location of goshuin
- Goshuin of Okusha Shrine and Kuzuryusha Shrine are available at the Okusha Shrine awarding office. Please be sure to visit each company.
- Normal reception
- Official information will be held from 9:00 to 17:00. In winter, the counter and hours are different.
- Walking distance and time
- Walk up the approximately 2km approach path. The estimated one-way trip is approximately 35 to 40 minutes, but additional time is required for visiting the shrine, resting, and waiting.
- Goshuin Books
- Available at Okusha Shrine, Chusha Shrine, and Hokosha Shrine. The amount and inventory are subject to confirmation on the day.
Visit Okusha Shrine and Kuzuryusha Shrine, each of the two shrines.
Goshuin of Okusha Shrine is at the beginning of this page, and goshuin of Kuzuryusha Shrine is also left in the main text. Although they are adjacent, they are separate shrines among the five shrines, and goshuin is also different. Officials explain that it cannot be awarded to those who have not visited the shrine.
The counter is the same Okusha Shrine awarding office, so when requesting goshuin, please tell us the shrine you visited and the goshuin you would like. The ink calligraphy and seals in the photo are records from 2013, and do not guarantee the current design or marking method.
Even if you count backwards from the end of reception, walking time will not be reduced.
The appearance of the road changes between the first half and the second half of the approach. Past the Zuishinmon gate, the path becomes steeper after the cedar trees, and at the end there are stone steps. Don't rush to make it to the reception time, but plan your breaks and return time according to your physical condition.
In winter, it is necessary not only to change the awarding place, but also to check the snowfall and the condition of the approach. Please do not treat past closure/construction experiences mentioned in the text as the current situation, but give priority to official announcements from the year of your visit.
Access and location map
Take a local bus from Nagano Station towards Togakushi. General vehicles are not allowed to enter approximately 2km of the Okusha Shrine approach road. The official walking guideline is approximately 15 minutes from the approach entrance to Zuishinmon, and approximately 20-25 minutes from Zuishinmon to Okusha Shrine, with the latter half having a slope and natural stone steps. The pin on the map is near Okusha Shrine and is not the entrance to the approach that can be reached by car.
Location: Togakushi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture (Okusha Shrine · Kuzuryusha Shrine).
Open Togakushi Shrine — Okusha on Google Maps/Check route
Previous visit records and photos (posted in 2014)
The following account preserves the original visit experience and historical introduction. The photographs and encounters at the counter date from that publication; they do not describe a new visit. Old access instructions have been replaced by the checked information above. Historical accounts and spiritual benefits are presented as traditions and beliefs.
In Japanese mythology, this shrine is said to have been created by the flying “Ama no Iwato” and was built at the foot of Mt. Togakushi, which is famous nationwide as a power spot.
It has a history of more than 2,000 years and consists of five shrines: Okusha Shrine, Chusha Shrine, Hokosha Shrine, Kuzuryusha Shrine, and Hinomikosha Shrine, and each shrine is connected by an ancient natural approach called Shinto.
First, we will introduce Okusha Shrine and Kuzuryusha Shrine from the top of Mt. Togakushi, which is said to be the headquarters.
Okusha Shrine
Enshrined deity: Ame-no-Tajikarao-no-Mikoto.
The deity who opened the heavenly rock cave with unmatched strength, traditionally associated with good fortune, fulfilled wishes, abundant harvests and sporting success.
The headquarters of Togakushi Shrine is located about 30 minutes up a mountain path lined with giant cedar trees over 400 years old, about 2 km from the Otorii gate.
A relatively gentle slope continues from the large torii gate to the red thatched Zuishinmon Gate, and after passing through the Zuishinmon Gate, you will have to climb up a slope with stone steps through the ruins of Shugendo's Daikodo Hall and Inbo Temple.
Goshuin was received at the shrine office in front of Okusha Shrine.
If you look up at the quay at the top of the mountain, you can see evidence of Ama no Iwato flying there.
Kuzuryusha
Enshrined deity: Kuzuryu no Okami
As the god of water, the source of life, since ancient times it has been said to have divine virtues such as praying for rain, abundant harvests, marriage, and, strangely, the protection of tooth decay.
It is said that it is specially believed to have the divine virtue of fulfilling one's wishes.
It is said that he was worshiped as a landowner god even before Amante Rikio-no-Mikoto was enshrined at Okusha Shrine.
It is enshrined alongside Okusha Shrine, and I was able to receive goshuin together at Okusha Shrine's office.
Notes from the visit
Togakushi is famous for its soba production, and famous soba restaurants are lined up everywhere.
“Uzuraya” in front of Chusha Shrine is a long-established store that is famous throughout the country, but due to its popularity, registration closes soon after opening...
I stopped by Okusha Shrine Mae Shokudo Naosuke, located between the large torii gate from the parking lot of Okusha Shrine, and the Kumazasa and soba soft-serve ice cream and soba noodles that I could eat while looking out at the cedar trees and stream were very delicious.
Sources and scope of verification
- goshuin｜About Togakushi Shrine｜Togakushi Shrine: Okusha Shrine and Kuzuryusha Shrine at the Okusha Shrine awarding place, necessity of visiting, reception 9:00 to 17:00, winter change
- Access｜Togakushi Shrine: Approximately 2km walking approach, time required by section, terrain, transportation and parking
Official sources were checked on 2026-11-07. Specific counter/approach conditions for the 2026-2027 winter season/offering for each goshuin and the day's entry method cannot be confirmed at this time. Designs, prices and arrangements shown in earlier photographs may have changed.
Goshuin and travel information has been checked against official and other cited sources, with unconfirmed points identified. Earlier photographs and personal experiences remain records of their original visits. Check the stated dates for limited designs.