[2-Day Nagano Secret Spot Tour] Kamikochi, the Furusato of the gods, Togakushi Shrine, a mysterious giant tree approach, Zenkoji Temple, a national treasure | Stay at a hot spring hotel in Hakuba | Depart from Shinjuku

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- Attractions -

Kamikochi, "God's Furusato"

Kamikochi is located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Although it is located in the mountains, it is surrounded by Yakedake, Hotaka Mountain Range and other mountains. In addition, the Azusa River runs through it, forming a unique natural landscape. In summer, Kamikochi is a famous summer resort in the hearts of the Japanese. Not only is the climate pleasant, but the mountain scenery along the way is also amazing. Beginner tourists are recommended to go to the "Taisho Pond ~ Kappa Bridge" route, and tourists with considerable hiking experience are recommended to go deep into the "Kappa Bridge ~ Myojin Bridge" route. After arriving at Myojin Pond, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the lake scenery that seems like a fairyland!

※When choosing a route, please consider your own ability and the time required for the return trip to avoid being late or getting injured.

◆Taisho Pond

The lake was formed naturally in 1915 when the eruption of Yakedake blocked part of the Azusagawa River and changed the local landscape. From the shore of Taisho Pond, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Hotaka Mountain Range reflected in the water, making you feel like you are in a fantasy world.

◆Kappa Bridge

Kappa Bridge is the most representative building in Kamikochi. It is built with wood from both sides of the Azusa River. As the weather changes, you can enjoy different views from the bridge. In the novel "Kappa" by the famous writer Akutagawa Ryunosuke, Kappa Bridge and Taisho Pond are mentioned in particular. Because of this, Kappa Bridge became famous and became a representative attraction of Kamikochi.

◆Myojin Pond

If you want to go to Myojin Pond, you can choose two routes. One is to go upstream along the left bank of the Azusa River, and the other is to go through the Takezawa Wetland and reach the "Hodaka Shrine Okunomiya" to enjoy the beautiful Myojin Pond. Because Myojin Pond is often foggy in the morning, the area is shrouded in a mysterious and solemn atmosphere, as if there is a god guarding the area living in the pond, which attracts many climbers to see the real face.

※Please note that this product does not include the 300 yen admission fee to Myojin Pond.

・Togakushi Shrine

Deep in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, there is a mysterious holy place that seems to be isolated from the world. That is the Togakushi Shrine with a history of more than 2,000 years. Surrounded by towering cedar trees, the air is fresh and peaceful. Walking in is like traveling through time and space and stepping into a divine realm full of spiritual energy.

"Nakasha" is the center of the entire Togakushi Shrine. The approach is surrounded by magnificent cedar trees on both sides, and you can feel the solemn atmosphere as soon as you step in. There are three "Sanbonsugi" trees standing side by side in front of the shrine. It is said that they are particularly spiritual sacred trees, and many people come here specifically to pray for inspiration and wisdom. The distance from the entrance to the shrine of "Okusha" is about 2 kilometers, and the scenery along the way is spectacular. The first half to Zuishinmon is a gentle slope, which takes about 15 minutes to reach; after entering the cedar forest, the slope becomes steeper, and the last section is an uphill road composed of natural stones and stone steps, which takes about 20 to 25 minutes to walk. Although the whole road is not short, the scenery along the way is very spectacular, and it is a favorite of many photography enthusiasts and meditative worshippers.

※Please note that some roads in Ohno are closed due to snowfall in winter. Please be informed.

・Zenkoji Temple

Zenko-ji Temple is a famous Buddhist temple in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, with a history of more than 1,400 years. The main statue, "Ichiko Sanson Amida Nyorai", is considered one of the oldest Buddhist statues in Japan. The most eye-catching is the national treasure-level main hall. This wooden building not only reflects the magnificent style of traditional Japanese architecture, but also serves as a religious center. The "Order Tour" in the temple is an experience not to be missed. Through the dark passage set up under the main hall, believers grope for the "key to paradise" connected to the Gohonzon in a state of complete darkness. It is said that those who touch the key can establish a connection with the Gohonzon, making the Order Tour a unique spiritual and physical practice.

There are also many shops and restaurants around Zenko-ji Temple, offering a variety of Nagano specialties such as soba noodles and oyaki (おやき), allowing visitors to enjoy local cuisine after visiting the temple and enrich their travel experience. Whether it is history, religion or culture, Zenko-ji Temple is a tourist attraction that cannot be missed.