Togakushi Kogen — Nagano to the Shrine of FiveSanctuaries.
Distance
55 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
1,200 m
Togakushi Kogen — Nagano to the Shrine of Five Sanctuaries.
A highland loop from Nagano's great Zenko-ji temple up the Togakushi Bird Line into the cedar forests and soba fields of the Togakushi plateau. The road threads the five sanctuaries of Togakushi Shrine and the mirror-still Kagami-ike, with the serrated ridge of Mount Togakushi overhead.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance55 km
Days1
Total climb1,200 m
DifficultyModerate
Loading map...
The route.
Zenko-ji Temple, NaganoStart · Start at Nagano's great 7th-century pilgrimage temple, then climb the Togakushi Bird Line out of the city.
Togakushi Kogen OverlookScenic Point · The Bird Line breaks out of the beech onto the plateau. On a clear morning the Northern Alps line the horizon behind you.
Togakushi Shrine HokoshaScenic Point · The lower sanctuary, first of the five. A long stone stairway under giant cedars.
Togakushi Shrine ChushaScenic Point · The middle sanctuary, wrapped in the soba village. Park here to walk to the upper shrine later.
Kagami-ike (Mirror Pond)Photo Spot · The jagged ridge of Mount Togakushi reflected in a still tarn — the plateau's signature view, best with no wind.
Togakushi Shrine OkushaScenic Point · The upper sanctuary at the end of a famous 2km avenue of 400-year-old cedars. The walk in is part of the pilgrimage.
Togakushi Soba VillageRestaurant · Togakushi is a birthplace of Japanese soba. Buckwheat noodles served in coiled 'bocchi' bundles on a bamboo tray.
Togakushi VillageEnd · End on the plateau. Descend the Togakushi Highway back to Nagano, or push on to the Naena Falls road.
More routes in Japan
Saba Kaido — Kyoto to Obama over the Mackerel RoadJP 26 · 220 kmShigisan-Ikoma Skyline — Osaka & Nara Night-View RidgeJP 29 · 50 kmMount Ibuki Driveway — Lake Biwa & the Alps PanoramaJP 25 · 55 kmMatsuhime Pass — Otsuki to Okutama over Route 139JP 19 · 65 kmNihondaira & Kunozan — Shizuoka Fuji BalconyJP 22 · 55 kmShikoku Karst — Tengu Kogen Skyline (Route 383)JP 38 · 92 km
Save this ride. Open the app.
Clone it to your planner, customize dates and stops, then ride. All free.
Open in MotoVault
Navigate this route with GPS