Enjoy simple snow fun activities (included) or beginner-friendly skiing (at own expense) at Togakushi Ski Resort, a quiet and scenic resort ideal for families and experienced skiers.

Once departed from the ski resort, you can begin your cultural exploration at Togakushi Chusha, one of five major shrines in the Togakushi complex. Your guide will share the ancient Shinto legends, including the local myth surrounding the local gods of Togakushi and legend of the “hidden door” that gives Togakushi its name. You will also have some free time in this area to take pictures and potentially purchase local charms from the shrine monks.

After concluding at the Chusha, the tour will head deeper into the forest, and will drop you off on the iconic pilgrimage trail lined by massive cedar trees — around a 20-minute walk to reach them, and in the non-winter months leads all the way up the far back Okusha Shrine. Although we cannot visit this particular shrine during this time of year, the towering cedars with snowy conditions are a famous photo spot that allow for great appreciation for these wonderful Shinto objects.