Best trails in Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park
Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park offers a variety of attractions, including stunning landscapes, ancient shrines, local beliefs, and myths. Established in 2015, it is one of Japan's newest national parks. It features mountain ranges, volcanoes, calderas, beautiful valleys, and lakes. Togakushi Shrine is known as the collective name for the five shrines Oku-sha, Kuzuryu-sha, Naka-sha, Hinomiko-sha, and Hoko-sha. You can visit any of the historic shrines, or all five. Lake Nojiri and the aforementioned Togakushi Shrine are located in the southern section of the park. Mountain climbers can visit the majestic Mt. Myoko, Mt. Amakasari, and Mt. Hiuchi in the north of the park.
Mt. Hiuchi is known as one of the most beautiful mountains in Japan, and the color of the mountain changes with each season, creating beautiful scenery. The difficulty of climbing is not that high. The most difficult part is climbing the final stairs, but the trail is relatively gentle up to that point. In autumn, be sure to stop by Takanoike Pond, where the vibrant autumn leaves create a breathtaking view. Within the national park, there are various accommodations and hot springs, including Myoko Kogen Onsenkyo. In winter, it is also a very popular place for snowboarding and skiing.
Top trails
- (90)•Moderate•3.1 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrTogakushi Shrine Walking Tour (戸隠神社 五社参拝ツアー) A shrine with a history spanning more than 2,000 years, Togakushi Shrine is located at the foot of the sacred Mount Togakushi. The shrine consists of five shrines - Okusha, Chusha, Houkosya, Kuzuryusya, and Hinomikosha. This walking tour leads you to five shrines of grand Togakushi Shrines.
- (37)•Moderate•2.2 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrTogakushi Shrine (Okusha) (戸隠神社 (奥社)) A shrine with a history spanning more than 2,000 years, Togakushi Shrine is located at the foot of the sacred Mount Togakushi. The shrine consists of five shrines - Okusha, Chusha, Houkosya, Kuzuryusya, and Hinomikosha. This path continues to the Okusha of Togakush Shrine, which is known for the divine approach with 400 plus years old cedar trees lined up from the Zuijin Gate. The approach among cedar trees has been designated as a historical site and...
- (18)•Moderate•2.7 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrTogakushi Shrine: Okusha - Chusha (戸隠神社: 奥社 - 中社) A shrine with a history spanning more than 2,000 years, Togakushi Shrine is located at the foot of the sacred Mount Togakushi. The shrine consists of five shrines - Okusha, Chusha, Houkosya, Kuzuryusya, and Hinomikosha. This walking route starts from the Chusha continues to the Okusha.
- (15)•Moderate•3.3 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrTogakushi Land of Reverence for Mountains Course (戸隠「山岳信仰の地」コース) A power spot Togakushi is known for the sacred Togakushi Shrine with over 2000 years of history. This route offers you opportunities to observe a blended environment with abundant nature and mountain worship history of the area.
- (6)•Moderate•1.7 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrTogakushi Winter Trekking Route (戸隠冬のトレッキングルート) A gorgeous winter trekking route passes through the approach to the Okusha of Togakushi Shrine, a famous power spot. In wintertime, the sacred forest is wrapped with snow, and you can wander through with your snowshoes.
