Togakushi Shrine
A pilgrimage into the heart of myth, where the door of heaven was thrown.
A mystical complex of five shrines hidden in the forests of Nagano, linked to one of Japan's most important myths: the return of the sun goddess Amaterasu.
History of the Shrine
The history of Togakushi Shrine is rooted directly in the core mythology of Japan. According to the 'Kojiki', the sun goddess Amaterasu, angered by her brother's behavior, hid herself in a celestial rock cave, Amano-Iwato, plunging the world into darkness. The other eight million kami gathered to devise a plan to lure her out. After a raucous and clever performance by the goddess of mirth, a curious Amaterasu peeked out.
At that moment, the incredibly strong kami Ame-no-Tajikarao-no-mikoto seized the stone door of the cave and hurled it away with all his might to prevent her from ever hiding again. Legend says that this stone door landed here on earth, creating the Togakushi mountains. The name 'Togakushi' itself means 'hiding door'. The shrine was established to honor the kami involved in this cosmic event. For centuries, it has been a major center for 'Shugendo', a syncretic faith of mountain asceticism, attracting warrior-monks who trained in its challenging terrain.
The Enshrined Kami
The 'Okusha' (Upper Shrine) is dedicated to Ame-no-Tajikarao-no-mikoto, the god of immense physical strength and sports. By opening the heavenly rock door, he was responsible for bringing light and hope back to the universe. He is worshipped by those seeking the strength to overcome great obstacles and to open their own 'door' to a brighter future.
The other shrines in the complex are dedicated to the other kami involved in the myth, such as Ame-no-Uwaharu-no-mikoto (the kami of wisdom who devised the plan) and Himegami (the goddess of matchmaking). Collectively, the shrine honors the 'Yaoyorozu-no-kami' (eight million gods) and their ability to cooperate to achieve a great purpose.
What to See
The shrine consists of five distinct parts, connected by a pilgrimage trail. The 'Okusha' (Upper Shrine) is the most famous and dramatic. The final approach to it is a 2-kilometer path lined with over 500 magnificent, giant cedar trees, some over 400 years old. This avenue of ancient trees creates a deeply spiritual and awe-inspiring atmosphere, culminating in a steep climb to the shrine which sits at the base of the imposing cliffs of Mt. Togakushi.
The 'Chusha' (Middle Shrine) is dedicated to the kami of wisdom and is surrounded by several ancient 'sacred trees'. The 'Hokosha' (Lower Shrine) is dedicated to a female kami and is prayed to for matchmaking and safe childbirth. The entire pilgrimage across the five shrines is a powerful experience of connecting with nature and mythology.
Major Festivals
The main festival is held every seven years (counted as six years in the traditional way), where a portable shrine is carried between the Upper and Lower shrines. The 'Togakushi Soba Festival' in autumn is also very famous. The area is renowned for its delicious soba noodles, which are said to have been first brought here by mountain ascetics. The festival celebrates the new soba harvest and attracts noodle lovers from all over Japan.