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Day Trip to Togakushi (Nagano) from Matsumoto
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Joined 2026
Togakushi in Nagano is renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery, including Mt. Togakushi (1,904 m), as well as its deep tradition of mountain worship and historic shrines. From Matsumoto, we will go along the Nagano Expressway, enjoying beautiful views on the way. In Togakushi, we will walk through a spiritual path of 400‑year‑old cedar trees leading to the shrines. We will also visit the scenic Kagami Pond and Togakushi Ninja Museum, where you can learn about the “Togakure‑ryu” ninja school.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Matsumoto, Matsumoto Station or another convenient meeting point
- We will confirm the exact pick-up location, based on mutual convenience.
Entrance to Okusha (Main Upper Shrine)
We will walk along a spiritual path lined with 400‑year‑old cedar trees — a majestic avenue leading to the shrine, surrounded by ancient forest. After about a 40‑minute walk, we will reach Okusha Shrine and Kuzuryusha, the Nine‑Headed Dragon Shrine.
At Okusha, the deity Ame‑no‑Tachikarao‑no‑Mikoto (the god of strength and power) is enshrined. At Kuzuryusha, the deity Kuzuryu‑no‑Okami is worshipped as the god of water, rain, protection from tooth decay, and blessings for marriage and love.
Lunch
It is suggested that you enjoy Togakushi Soba, the local specialty buckwheat noodles.
Ninja Museum of Togakushi
It exhibits authentic tools, weapons, and historical documents related to the ninjas of the Togakure‑ryu school. The displays explain the philosophy behind ninjutsu — not only combat skills, but also intelligence, endurance, and living in harmony with nature.
The Ninja House (Karakuri Yashiki) is a fun, trick‑filled building with hidden doors, secret passages, and rotating walls. You can experience how ninjas used clever architecture to escape or hide from enemies.
Kagami Pond
This is the most famous waterscape in Togakushi. Kagami‑ike translates to “Mirror Lake” and on calm days, the surrounding peaks of Mount Togakushi reflect perfectly on its surface — a breathtaking sight.
Togakushi Chusha (Middle Shrine)/Hinomikosha (Fire God Shrine)/Hokosha (Lower Shrine)
We will visit the other three shrines as follows:
Chusha (Middle Shrine):
Here, the deity Ame‑no‑Yagokoro‑Omoikane‑no‑Mikoto is enshrined. This shrine offers blessings for academic achievement, business prosperity, good fortune, protection from misfortune, and family well‑being.
Hinomikosha (Fire God Shrine):
This shrine enshrines Ame‑no‑Uzume‑no‑Mikoto along with three other deities. It is known for blessings related to performing arts and entertainment, marriage and love, and fire prevention.
Hokosha (Lower Shrine):
Here, Ame‑no‑Uwaharu‑no‑Mikoto is enshrined. This shrine offers blessings for pioneering and creative endeavors, academic and artistic achievement, sewing and craftsmanship, safe childbirth, and protection of women and children.
Leaving Togakushi for Matsumoto
We will head back to Matsumoto, taking the Joshinetsu Expressway and the Nagano Expressway.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Matsumoto
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
*Guide fee
*Hotel pick-up
*Gasoline, toll, and parking fees for transportation by Nissan ROOX
*Lunch (typically, JPY 2,000 -3,000 per person)
*Admission fee to Togakushi Ninja Museum (JPY 700 per person)
*Other admission fees, if any, to facilities, museums, etc. (for you and the guide)
*Personal expenses
Tour Important Information
*This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
*Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
*Togakushi is located in the mountains, so in the case of bad weather, the tour may need to be changed or cancelled. If such a situation seems likely, the guide will discuss an alternative plan with you.
*I recommend arranging your own travel insurance in case of any unexpected accidents or emergencies, as travel insurance is not included in our tours (apart from my standard car insurance).
*This tour is conducted from April through October.
*To avoid heavy traffic, I recommend planning your visit on a weekday.
Important message from the supplier
- My family car is currently a small "kei" car and has space for up to two guests. If you are three or more people, or if you prefer a larger vehicle, I can try to arrange a rental car for you for an additional fee. In such cases, please understand that I need to confirm the availability of a rental car before accepting the tour.
- Travel insurance is not included in our tours (apart from my standard car insurance). I recommend arranging your own travel insurance in case of any unexpected accidents or emergencies.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2026
About Tour Guide Yoshiko O.
Hello! My name is Yoshiko. I am a national licensed guide‑interpreter in English and Chinese, and I also speak a little French.
I live in Azumino City in Nagano Prefecture, a place known for its stunning views of the Northern Japan Alps, peaceful rural scenery, and crystal‑clear spring water.
Earlier in my career, I worked as a tax consultant and spent time living in England and China. Captivated by Azumino’s natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere, I eventually relocated here from Tokyo.
I would love to show you Azumino’s most beautiful and fascinating places, and introduce you to its culture, history, and local specialties. I am flexible with tour plans, so please feel free to share your interests and requests. I look forward to welcoming you and guiding you through Azumino and the surrounding region.
Reviews
Cieas C.
“A journey of humanism, compassion, and the little things in life.”
Incredibly kind, deeply responsible, and genuinely patient—to travel and see the world with Yoshiko san and her husband is a true gift. The words above are no hyperbole, nor a social formula. This is the kind of people they are, deep down—two parents who have children of their own and have learned to wholeheartedly care for others. "We wanderers, ever seeking the lonelier way, begin no day where we have ended another day; and no sunrise finds us where sunset left us. And Almitra the seeress said, Blessed be this day and this place and your spirit that has spoken. And he answered, Was it I who spoke? Was I not also a listener?" (The Prophet, Khalil Gibran) Yoshiko san and her husband showed a way to listen, a memory to carry, and one must be grateful to have their company on such a lonely journey. The nature, the spirit, and the story no one yet knows. Look again. Did one see the white, two-winged messenger in the picture that carries the spirit of those who see it? "Do believe in my very real gratitude. I think you know that this is not just a formula." (Simone Weil, Waiting for God) 本当にありがとうございました。 Sincerely, C.
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Yoshiko O.
Dear Cieas, Thank you so much for your very kind review comment. It was truly a pleasure to visit Zenkoji Temple, the Matsushiro Castle Ruins, and the Togakushi Shrines with you, and to share so many interesting conversations along the way. Seeing these timeless landscapes together and hearing your impressions and insights made me realize many things as well. The lotus flowers we viewed from the upper stairs of the Sanmon Gate at Zenkoji Temple were especially lovely. The town of Matsushiro made us reflect on the lives of people during the Warring States and Edo periods. The Togakushi mountains revealed their unique shapes and character. I hope that your trip to Nagano Prefecture has inspired you even further and will continue to support your creative work. Wishing you all the best for the rest of your stay in Japan, and much joy in the future. Warm regards, Yoshiko
Sue L.
“Amazing Azumino with the best company!”
I was planning to visit Azumino after my hike & stay in Kamikochi / Matsumoto, and while the city is nearby, navigating the area is time-consuming just by taking public transport. So I was so glad to have met Yoshiko san, during my first time ever using Gowithguide! She was very friendly, kind, communicative, and was able to adapt to my requests and interests. For instance, when I mentioned that I loved nature and museums (Azumino has an Art Line!), she recommended the best place for viewing the Northern Alps and gave advice on planning our route better. We were blessed with the best weather, and I learned many new things thanks to this tour, including the significance of the local gods Dosojin -- very apt for a drive around the area! Apart from taking me to places where i've always wanted to go, she also took me to have soft serve at a local farm, which was the best activity to do after a hot day. Although it was a short half day trip, I felt like I made a friend in Yoshiko san and her equally kind & attentive husband who kindly drove us around on that day. As a solo female traveler, traveling with a reliable guide like Yoshiko made me feel safe and taken care of. I look forward to meeting the both of them again during my next trips to Nagano, and would happily introduce them to my friends visiting the area!
Yoshiko O.
Dear Sue, Thank you so much for going with me in Azumino and for your kind comments. I am very glad that, with such fine weather, we were able to enjoy the panoramic views of the Northern Japan Alps, and that both Chihiro Museum Azumino and the spacious Chihiro Park fascinated you. As it was a hot day, we enjoyed delicious ice cream together at the crowded Northern Alps Dairy Farm Shop at the end of the trip. Seeing you appreciate the nature and culture of Azumino made me happy as well, and I am grateful to have been part of your journey. Thank you again for your warm encouragement. I hope the nature and peaceful atmosphere of Azumino refreshed you, and I wish you all the very best for the future. I look forward to welcoming you again in Nagano. Warm regards, Yoshiko
$327/ per group
More tours by Yoshiko O.
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Azumino (Nagano), Japan Alps Views, Winery, Wasabi, Shrine - Day Trip from Matsumoto or Hakuba
You will enjoy a panoramic view of the Northern Alps and visit a vast farm where authentic wasabi is grown in clear spring water. In addition to the wasabi fields, you can take in the picturesque scenery featuring iconic waterwheels. In the afternoon, you will visit Hotaka Shrine with a long history, where the deity of safe journeys is enshrined. There is also a unique monument of another deity, Dosojin. Finally, you will visit a scenic winery. You can relax on the terrace and enjoy a drink.
Azumino (Nagano), Japan Alps Views, Winery, Wasabi, Shrine - Day Trip from Matsumoto or Hakuba
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Matsumoto Castle & Azumino (Daio Wasabi, Chihiro Art Museum) with Northern Alps - from Matsumoto
The tour begins at Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic original castles. From there, you continue to Daio Wasabi Farm, known for its pure spring‑water fields and picturesque waterwheels. Next, you head to the hilltop of Ikeda-machi Craft Park, with views of the Northern Japan Alps. The final stop is Chihiro Art Museum Azumino, dedicated to illustrator Iwasaki Chihiro, set within a spacious park and featuring her watercolor works alongside an international collection of picture‑book art.
Matsumoto Castle & Azumino (Daio Wasabi, Chihiro Art Museum) with Northern Alps - from Matsumoto
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Azumino Winery, Sake Brewery (Daisekkei), Daio Wasabi Farm from Hakuba or Matsumoto (Nagano)
We will visit the scenic Azumino Winery and the long‑established Daisekkei Sake Brewery, as well as the famous Daio Wasabi Farm. Along the way, you can enjoy the peaceful rural landscape of Azumino.
Azumino Winery, Sake Brewery (Daisekkei), Daio Wasabi Farm from Hakuba or Matsumoto (Nagano)
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Gofukuji Temple and Narai‑juku Post Town on the Kisoji Valley of the Nakasendo Route, from Matsumoto
We will visit Gofukuji Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple known as a center of mountain worship (Shugendō), with several statues and buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties. Then we will head to Narai‑juku, a post town on the Kisoji, an Important Preservation District lined with traditional buildings and craft shops from the Edo Period (1603–1867). We will stop by craft shops featuring traditional Kiso shikki (lacquerware) along with other regional handicrafts.
Gofukuji Temple and Narai‑juku Post Town on the Kisoji Valley of the Nakasendo Route, from Matsumoto
Other Popular Day Trip Tours in Nagano
Azumino (Nagano), Japan Alps Views, Winery, Wasabi, Shrine - Day Trip from Matsumoto or Hakuba
You will enjoy a panoramic view of the Northern Alps and visit a vast farm where authentic wasabi is grown in clear spring water. In addition to the wasabi fields, you can take in the picturesque scenery featuring iconic waterwheels. In the afternoon, you will visit Hotaka Shrine with a long history, where the deity of safe journeys is enshrined. There is also a unique monument of another deity, Dosojin. Finally, you will visit a scenic winery. You can relax on the terrace and enjoy a drink.
Azumino (Nagano), Japan Alps Views, Winery, Wasabi, Shrine - Day Trip from Matsumoto or Hakuba
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Kiso Valley Post Towns: Narai‑juku, Tsumago‑juku, and Magome‑juku from Matsumoto
We will explore the historic post towns of the Edo Period (1603–1867) along the Kiso Valley on the Nakasendo route—Narai‑juku, Tsumago‑juku, and Magome‑juku—on a journey of about 120 km from Matsumoto, through a region set between Mt. Ontake and the Central Japan Alps. Along the way, we will also stop by a local craft shop featuring traditional lacquerware and other regional handicrafts.
Kiso Valley Post Towns: Narai‑juku, Tsumago‑juku, and Magome‑juku from Matsumoto
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Day Trip to Wild Monkey Park (Nagano) from Matsumoto
We will visit the Wild Snow Monkey Park, where you can observe wild monkeys at close range. This area is known for its dramatic natural features: it sits at an altitude of about 850 meters, surrounded by steep cliffs and hot‑spring steam. The monkeys live freely in this environment, bathing in the hot spring, caring for their babies, which makes watching them truly heartwarming. On our way from Matsumoto, we can also enjoy beautiful mountain scenery, passing through areas such as Zenkoji‑daira.
Day Trip to Wild Monkey Park (Nagano) from Matsumoto