Togakushi Shrine, spread across three precincts on the slopes of Mt. Togakushi, is approached via a 2 km avenue of 400-year-old cryptomeria cedars that frame a stunning autumn colour display in mid-October. Maples, larches, and oaks surrounding the cedar avenue turn fiery red and orange, creating a contrast of ancient dark evergreens against brilliant seasonal colour. The area is also famous as the birthplace of ninjutsu, and the Togakure Ninpo Museum adds a cultural stop along the forested trail. Soba noodle restaurants in the village serve locally grown Togakushi soba, making it a satisfying full-day excursion from Nagano city.
- Type
- Venue
- Category
- Autumn Leaves
- Season
- Autumn
- Month
- Mid to Late October
- Region
- Chubu
- Prefecture
- Nagano
- City
- Nagano
Highlights
- ◆Iconic 2 km avenue of 400-year-old cryptomeria cedars
- ◆Maples and larches blazing orange amid ancient dark evergreens
- ◆Birthplace of ninjutsu with nearby ninja history museum
- ◆Renowned Togakushi soba noodle restaurants in the village
- ◆Accessible day trip from Nagano city (approx. 50 min by bus)