[A 4 km round-walk] Step into a Mythical Realm at Togakushi Shrine Okusha Known as one of Japan’s most powerful "power spots," the Okusha is the crown jewel of the five Togakushi shrines. The journey begins at the iconic red Zuishinmon Gate, leading you through an awe-inspiring avenue of 280 giant cedar trees. This sacred trail, beautiful in every season, culminates at the Inner Shrine dedicated to the deity of courage and wisdom. It’s not just a hike; it’s a deep dive into Japan’s spiritual roots.

Walk to the gate and visit the main shrineAs the central hub of the five shrines of Togakushi, Chusha is dedicated to the deity of wisdom and the arts. The shrine is instantly recognizable by its majestic, 800-year-old Three Cedars (Sanjunotsugi), which are believed to be a powerful "power spot" for visitors. It is also the cultural heart of the village, surrounded by traditional Soba restaurants and pilgrim inns. Whether you are seeking academic success or simply wish to admire the intricate dragon carvings on the ceiling of the main hall, Chusha offers a serene and culturally rich experience.

[One of the Lunch OPTIONS] Known for its iconic traditional architecture and welcoming hospitality, Uzuraya is the most renowned soba shop in the Togakushi area. They specialise in "Ni-hachi" soba (a classic 8:2 buckwheat-to-wheat ratio), served in the traditional Bocchi-mori style—five small bundles of noodles representing the five shrines of Togakushi. The secret to their flavour lies in the use of local spring water and the highest quality buckwheat flour. Their Vegetable Tempura, featuring seasonal mountain greens, is also a crowd favourite for its light and crispy texture.

[One of the Lunch OPTIONS] "awai restaurant" offers a unique dining experience that honours the deep spiritual heritage of Togakushi. The name "awai" signifies the "space between"—the connection between nature and humans, tradition and the present. Here, guests can enjoy innovative cuisine crafted from seasonal local ingredients while surrounded by the nostalgic architecture of a landmark built in the early 20th century.

The journey to the park involves a scenic 2km walk along an unpaved forest trail, surrounded by majestic cedar trees, offering a true immersion into Japan’s pristine nature. The park itself is relatively compact; one hour is usually more than enough to see everything. However, please remember these are wild animals. You may encounter monkeys on the trail before even reaching the park entrance. We strongly recommend heading straight into the park first to see the main hot spring area. If you spend too much time with monkeys outside the gates, your time inside may be cut short. For a unique experience, look across the river from the park to the historic inn. In winter, you can often see monkeys and overnight guests sharing the outdoor bath! This facility also offers day-trip bathing for ¥1,500. If your timing is perfect, you might even find yourself soaking in the hot spring alongside a curious snow monkey. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

[CLOSED on Sndays & New Year's Holiday] Established in 1805, this historic brewery boasts a legacy spanning over 220 years. Tamamura Honten produces both the award-winning traditional sake "Engi" and the pioneer of Japan’s craft beer scene, "Shiga Kogen Beer." Part of the magnificent 150-year-old wooden structure has been beautifully preserved and transformed into an art gallery. Here, you can immerse yourself in the owner’s curated art collection while enjoying tastings and shopping. Experience more than just a brewery, discover a true sanctuary of Japanese culture.

With 1,350 years of history, Shibu Onsen is one of Nagano's oldest hot spring towns. Traditional wooden ryokans and stone-paved streets create a nostalgic atmosphere, with retro game parlors, shrines, and temples. Keep an eye out—local wild monkeys also live here, scurrying across the rooftops! The town is famous for its nine communal onsens (Soto-yu). It is a local tradition to collect stamps from all nine onsens on a special "Tenugui" towel; completing the set is said to grant a wish. While these onsens are locked for overnight guests, visitors can experience the main onsen, O-yu, by purchasing a ticket for ¥800. Shibu Onsen’s charm lies in its maze-like back alleys. On our tour, an expert guide will lead you through these secret paths, following the ultimate route designed to showcase the very best of Shibu Onsen’s historic charm without getting lost.