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Best trails in Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park

Best trails in Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park

4.5(437 reviews)

·

Japan
: 
#11 of 29 national parks

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Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park offers a variety of attractions, including stunning landscapes, ancient shrines, local beliefs, and myths. Established in 2015, it is one of Japan's newest national parks. It features mountain ranges, volcanoes, calderas, beautiful valleys, and lakes. Togakushi Shrine is known as the collective name for the five shrines Oku-sha, Kuzuryu-sha, Naka-sha, Hinomiko-sha, and Hoko-sha. You can visit any of the historic shrines, or all five. Lake Nojiri and the aforementioned Togakushi Shrine are located in the southern section of the park. Mountain climbers can visit the majestic Mt. Myoko, Mt. Amakasari, and Mt. Hiuchi in the north of the park.

Mt. Hiuchi is known as one of the most beautiful mountains in Japan, and the color of the mountain changes with each season, creating beautiful scenery. The difficulty of climbing is not that high. The most difficult part is climbing the final stairs, but the trail is relatively gentle up to that point. In autumn, be sure to stop by Takanoike Pond, where the vibrant autumn leaves create a breathtaking view. Within the national park, there are various accommodations and hot springs, including Myoko Kogen Onsenkyo. In winter, it is also a very popular place for snowboarding and skiing.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Togakushi Shrine Walking Tour

    4.6 (128)·Moderate·3.1 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    This trail is a mix of quiet forest paths, village roads, and stairs. The most famous part of the trail is the final walk to the Upper Shrine. This path is a grand avenue lined with over 200 massive, 400-year-old Japanese cedar trees, leading to a steep final staircase. The path also connects to the Middle Shrine, which features its own 800-year-old sacred trees. On a calm day, the trail offers a perfect reflection of the jagged, snow-capped Togakushi mountains.

  2. #2 - Togakushi Shrine (Okusha)

    4.6 (50)·Moderate·2.2 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    This trail begins with a long, flat walk on a wide gravel path that passes through the iconic, red-roofed Zuishinmon Gate. Beyond the gate, you enter the breathtaking Cedar Avenue, lined with over 300 massive, 400-year-old Japanese Cedars. The final section becomes a steep climb with uneven stone stairs leading up to the main shrine. At the top, you will find the Okusha and the Nine-Headed Dragon Shrine, nestled directly against the jagged, sheer cliffs of Mount Togakushi. The reward is the...

  3. #3 - Togakushi Shrine: Okusha - Chusha

    4.6 (23)·Moderate·2.3 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Togakushi Shrine: Okusha - Chusha (戸隠神社: 奥社 - 中社) A shrine with a history spanning more than 2,000 years, Togakushi Shrine is located at the foot of the sacred Mount Togakushi. The shrine consists of five shrines - Okusha, Chusha, Houkosya, Kuzuryusya, and Hinomikosha. This walking route starts from the Chusha continues to the Okusha.

  4. #4 - Kagami Pond - Kotoriga Ike Pond Trail

    4.6 (14)·Moderate·3.8 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Kagami Pond - Kotoriga Ike Pond Trail (鏡池 - 小鳥ヶ池) A trail leads you to the beautiful Kagami Pond via Kotoriga Ike Pond from Togakushi Shrine.

  5. #5 - Togakushi Land of Reverence for Mountains Course

    4.6 (18)·Moderate·3.3 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Togakushi Land of Reverence for Mountains Course (戸隠「山岳信仰の地」コース) A power spot Togakushi is known for the sacred Togakushi Shrine with over 2000 years of history. This route offers you opportunities to observe a blended environment with abundant nature and mountain worship history of the area.

  6. #6 - Togakushi Winter Trekking Route

    4.9 (9)·Moderate·1.8 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Togakushi Winter Trekking Route (戸隠冬のトレッキングルート) A gorgeous winter trekking route passes through the approach to the Okusha of Togakushi Shrine, a famous power spot. In wintertime, the sacred forest is wrapped with snow, and you can wander through with your snowshoes.

  7. #7 - Mount Myoko: Tsubame Trail

    4.6 (15)·Hard·6.4 mi
    This trail is characterized by steep, root-covered earthen tracks that ascend through a cool, dense forest of Japanese beech and deciduous trees before transitioning into the exposed alpine zone near the summit. The ascent involves rock scrambling and navigating areas prone to mud and loose rock. The trail rewards hikers with views of Myōkō-ike Pond and the historic Myōkō Shrine. Hikers are rewarded with a breathtaking vista of the surrounding volcanic peaks and the vast Niigata plains.

  8. #8 - Togakushi Kodo: Okusha - Ichino Torii

    4.4 (15)·Hard·9.8 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    Togakushi Kodo: Okusha - Ichino Torii (戸隠古道: 奥社 - 一ノ鳥居) Togakushi Kodo is an ancient pilgrimage route that leads from the Ichino-torii to the Okusha of Togakushi Shrine in the wilderness.

  9. #9 - Lake Nojiri Loop

    4.6 (15)·Moderate·9.2 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Lake Nojiri Loop (野尻湖ループ) A path goes around Lake Nojiri, which offers remarkable sceneries of the lake and the surrounding vibrant green.

  10. #10 - Komyo Falls - Shomyo Falls - Tsubame Onsen

    4.0 (16)·Hard·3.1 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Komyo Falls - Shomyo Falls - Tsubame Onsen (光明滝 - 称明滝 - 燕温泉) A trekking trail leads you to the scenic Komyo Falls and Shomyo Falls from great hot springs Tsubame Onsen.
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park is Togakushi Shrine Walking Tour, which has a 4.6 star rating from 128 reviews. This trail is 3.1 mi long with an elevation gain of 941 ft.

What is the longest trail in Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park is Shinshu Togakushi Trail Run Course. This trail is estimated to be 28.5 mi long.

How many trails are in Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park?

There are 56 trails in Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park.These trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom 437 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park?

Mount Akakura - Mount Myoko - Mount Yakeyama Ridgeline Course has the most elevation gain with 8,992 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Shinshu Togakushi Trail Run Course, which has 8,454 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 32 camping trails in Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park and the most popular is Togakushi Shrine Walking Tour with an average 4.6 star rating from 128 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 6 running trails in Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park and the most popular is Lake Nojiri Loop with an average 4.6 star rating from 15 community reviews.