The Mythical village of Togakushi (2/2)

Hidden in the middle of the Japanese Alps (Nagano), the Togakushi temple is brimming with mythological stories. We presented you previously its popular 5 temples pilgrimmage, now it's time to tell you more about it.

Togakushi temple consists of 5 temples : Oku-sha, Chû-sha, Hoko-sha, Hinomiko-sha and Kuzuryu-sha.
Each of them enshrines one of the Gods that managed to bring the Sun back to the people of Japan, but also the dragon that descended from the sky after the "miraculous opening of Amano-Iwato cave" episode (if you missed an episode, you can catch-up here).

Before reaching the first, you can enjoy a 2km (about 6560ft.) long hiking, packed with 400 years old cedar trees.

Main building within the temple's enclosure, the "high" temple Oku-sha (奥社), is devoted to the god of strength Amenotajikarao-no-mikoto, who broke down the cave's door. It's built at the base of a 100m (about 328 ft.) high precipice, located at the foot of Mount Togakushi. Getting there, you will find a more than 700 years old tree, and three cedar trees of more than 800 years.

Once the torii threshold crossed, you will find the oldest temple (constructed well before the Togakushi temple), specially dedicated to the God of Rain dragon, Kuzuryu-sha (九頭龍社). Don't get fooled by it's small size : it's said it can make things come true.

If you don't have much time on site, we recommend to visit those two main temples.

Then for the minor temples.

The "middle" temple Chû-sha (中社) enshrines the shinto Divinity of intelligence and wisdom, Omoikane. It was constructed the same year as Hoko-sha.

You can find 1.5 km further (about 4900ft.) the  Hinomiko-sha (火之御子社). Among other gods, it enshrines The Godess Ame no Uzume no Mikoto, deity of cheerfulness.

Then, you can pray to the God Ameno Uwaharu no Mikoto at the "down" temple, Hoko-sha (宝光社). He is a shinto God of learning and of arts, as well as protector of women and children.

This pilgrimmage is the perfect occasion to purify both body and spirit, being able to recieve the blessing of numerous divinities.

But Togakushi village is rich in surprising places.

We recommend to venture out until you reach the Kagami Lake. In Autumn, the surrounding mountains's colours mixed with the silence make it a peaceful haven. You could eat in the small Kagami Lake Donguri House cottage. The lake and temples are located in the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, allowing you to hear the distant waterfalls Naena or the song of the Blue-and-white flycatcher in summer.

With friends or family, you probably enjoy ninja based buildings ! In Togakushi village, you can find the Ninja village for children Chibiko Ninja Mura (where even grown-ups can have fun), the Togakure Ninpo Museum a bit more dedicated to adults, or to satisfy everyone, the Togakushi Ninja Karakuri Yashiki, a labyrinth like house that you have to cross while avoiding the traps.

After all those adventures, don't miss the final act which is enjoying a meal made of the local speciality : the soba noodles, or the bamboo parfumed dishes.

Togakushi claims to be the bithplace of soba. True or not, this village presents very high quality buckwheat noodles. You can find many different types : light and refreshing zaru soba, or warm and comforting kake soba, served with many side dishes.

Many other advetures await at Togakushi, but we've ran out of time, so we trust you to find out with your own eyes...

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