Why this route

Beat the crowds, in morning peace

Discover the spiritual heart of Nagano on this 7-hour trekking tour, focused on the mystical Okusha Upper Shrine and the world-famous Giant Cedar Avenue. Most visitors climb during the busiest hours — this trek does the opposite, tackling the steep ascent first thing in the morning, avoiding the midday crowds for a more serene experience. Your guide is a Nagano local, leading in English — and happy to help in Japanese too.

On this trek

Highlights

01

Feel the tranquility of the Giant Cedar Avenue and Okusha Shrine.

02

Trek the historic Kanmichi, the old Path of the Gods, through lush forest.

03

Savor authentic Togakushi soba, at a restaurant chosen by your guide.

04

Choose your start. Join directly at the Togakushi trailhead, or travel together from Nagano Station.

05

Avoid the midday crowds, with a route timed for a more serene experience.

The route

Seven hours, one old road

Discover the spiritual heart of Nagano on a trekking route built for travelers who want a genuine connection with nature — and the physical accomplishment that comes with it. Whether you meet your guide directly at the Togakushi Okusha entrance or travel together from Nagano Station on the express bus, the climb to the Upper Shrine comes first, while your legs are freshest and the morning light is still low through the trees.

The 400-year cedar avenue leading to Togakushi Okusha
The cedar avenue to Okusha — some of these trees have stood for four hundred years.

After descending from the Upper Shrine, the trail continues along the Kanmichi, the old Path of the Gods. It isn't purely downhill — expect a dynamic, undulating trail with a few short climbs of its own, giving you time to actually notice the forest rather than rush through it.

"Your guide picks the restaurant, so lunch is one less thing to plan."

Lunch is Togakushi's famous soul food: handmade soba, buckwheat noodles rooted in centuries of local history. Your guide chooses the restaurant, picking a good one for the day.

A guest pausing on the cedar-lined approach to Togakushi Okusha
Through the Zuishinmon gate and onto the old approach — the same path pilgrims have walked for centuries.

From lunch, one more gentle climb leads down toward the Middle Shrine (Chusha), where the afternoon slows: grand shrine architecture, the quiet energy of ancient trees, and free time for souvenirs before the express bus carries you back to Nagano Station.

Standard schedule

How the day unfolds

08:00
Meeting Point A — optionalNagano Station West Exit, 2nd-floor bridge near the Don Quijote building.
08:20
Depart by Highland Express BusTogether from Nagano Station toward Togakushi.
09:20
Meeting Point B — main startTogakushi Okusha Entrance bus stop. Briefing, then the trek begins.
09:20
Trek to OkushaThe cedar avenue, the steep final ascent, shrine visit.
10:40
Kanmichi trailUndulating forest path toward the lunch spot.
12:00
Soba lunchAuthentic buckwheat noodles at a restaurant chosen by your guide.
13:15
Middle Shrine & free timeChusha grounds, souvenir shopping.
~15:00
Back at Nagano StationTour ends at Chusha, then the express bus home.
Good to know

Before you book

What's included

  • INProfessional trekking guide
  • INGuide's choice of local soba restaurant
  • INGuided walk of the shrines & Kanmichi trail
  • NOT INCLUDEDExpress bus, Meeting Point A only — ¥5,000 round trip
  • NOT INCLUDEDSoba lunch — approx. ¥2,000
  • NOT INCLUDEDPersonal expenses and souvenirs

Know before you go

  • Involves a steep stone ascent and undulating forest paths — not recommended for low fitness levels or mobility impairments.
  • No sandals or flip-flops; hiking shoes required. Sorry, pets can't join this tour.
  • Bring comfortable clothes, a daypack, water, insect repellent, and a camera.
  • Let your guide know about buckwheat or gluten allergies when booking — alternatives can be arranged.
  • Runs rain or snow, but is cancelled automatically if express buses are suspended.
Meeting Point A08:00

Nagano Station West Exit — 2nd-floor pedestrian bridge near the "Don Quijote" building. Travel together by express bus.

Meeting Point B09:20

Togakushi Okusha Entrance bus stop — meet your guide directly at the trailhead.

Rates

Tour price, by group size

1 person
¥13,000/person
2–3 people
¥12,000/person
4+ people
¥11,000/person

All prices include tax. The per-person rate depends on your total group size (adults + kids), and is calculated for you in the booking form below. Kids 12 and under are half price. It covers your guide, who also picks the soba restaurant. Confirm your booking by email to reserve your date, then pay securely by card before the deadline we send you (up to 7 days before your tour). Nothing is charged until you pay. Bus fare and lunch are separate, small, and paid in cash on the day. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour. If you have already paid, the card processing fee is deducted from your refund. No refund within 24 hours of the tour.

Running late or need to reach your guide? ryu@naganotrail.com · +81‑80‑2392‑8423

Reserve your spot

Booking form

1
Choose your datePick an open date and send your details. Nothing is charged.
2
Confirm by emailClick "Confirm my booking" in the email we send you (within 24 hours). Your date is reserved the moment you confirm — first come, first served.
3
Pay by the deadlineAfter you confirm, you get a secure payment link and a payment deadline (up to 7 days before your tour). Bookings not paid by the deadline are cancelled.

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