By Alex
Towering trees line the avenue in neat rows, forming a tunnel-like space. This path leading to Okusha Shrine offers visitors a sense of humility and spiritual renewal in any season. On foggy or snowy days, time seems to stand still here, as if warriors or deities from the Warring States period might emerge from between the great trees at any moment.
▲ Towering trees along the path make visitors feel small and offer a spiritually refreshing experience. (Photo by inagakiyasuto @Twitter)
The five shrines on Mount Togakushi in Nagano Prefecture—Okusha, Kushinadahime Shrine, Nakasha, Hōkōsha, and Hinokamitama Shrine—are collectively known as Togakushi Shrine, with a history of over 2,000 years. The internet-famous Sacred Tree Avenue, about 500 meters long, leads to Okusha. It’s said the cedar trees here are all over 400 years old.
▲ Pass through the Zuijinmon Gate to reach the sacred cedar avenue. (Photo by inagakiyasuto @Twitter)
▲ It feels like entering another world after passing through the Zuijinmon Gate. (Photo by tokyostreetview @IG)
The walk from the entrance to Okusha is about 2 kilometers, taking roughly 30 to 40 minutes. Visitors first pass through a torii gate before reaching the Zuijinmon Gate, which has a thatched roof and vermilion-colored pillars. Beyond it lies the Sacred Tree Avenue. Walking to the end of the avenue leads to Okusha and Kushinadahime Shrine.
▲ (Photo by pere_peri_peru @IG)
As the most important shrine among the Togakushi shrines, Okusha enshrines the deity Amenohiwashino-mikoto. Known as the god of strength, worshippers pray here not only for success and a bountiful harvest but also for victory in sports competitions. Nearby Kushinadahime Shrine, the oldest of the five, primarily enshrines the water and rain deity Kushinadahime-no-Kami, and is also visited by female worshippers seeking good fortune in love.
▲ (Photo by bk0116_83093889 @IG)
▲ (Photo by bk0116_82806499 @IG)
▲ (Photo by sakaitakahiro @IG)
▲ The Sacred Tree Avenue is about 500 meters long, with cedar trees over 400 years old lining both sides. (Photo by minnano_tozanki @IG)
▲ Time feels suspended here, as if warriors or deities from the Warring States period might emerge from the trees at any moment. (Photo by yukalzzl @IG)
▲ Okusha (Photo by fantasistacamera @IG)
▲ Kushinadahime Shrine (Photo by toshihito99 @IG)
Source:Nagano Prefecture Tourism Guide, The Gate