- Category: Parks / gardensArea: Nagano / Obuse
Kawanakajima Kosenjo Park Kawanakajima Kosenjo Park, in the city of Nagano, is where the historic Battles of Kawanakajima took place between 1553 and 1564. In the battles, feudal military leaders Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin fought for the rule of the Kanto area. Throughout the park are statues and monuments of the two leaders. Also in the spacious, 12,000㎡ park is a lawn area, river and cherry blossoms.
- Category: Nature / sceneryArea: Nagano / Obuse
Lake Kagami-ike Lake Kagami-ike locates about an hour walk away from Togakushi Shrine’s subshrine, Chusha. Though the lake is a bit of a detour from the Togakushi Kodo Trail, it is worth wandering into for the breathtaking views. The surrounding trees and mountains are reflected perfectly in the lake, and the reflections during the fall foliage leave visitors speechless.
- Category: Theme parkArea: Nagano / Obuse
Kids Ninja Village Nagano prefecture’s Togakushi area is one of Japan’s ninja towns. In fact, the ninjas in Togakushi are referred to as “Togakushi-ryu Ninja”, meaning “Togakushi-style”. Kids Ninja Village is a ninja-themed amusement facility, where visitors can dress up as ninjas and experience the ninja life. Throw ninja stars, watch ninja shows and more at Kids Ninja Village in Togakushi!
- Category: Shrine / templeArea: Nagano / Obuse
Zenkoji Temple Zenkoji Temple in Nagano prefecture is one of the most representative Buddhist temples in japan. It was built in 642, when Buddhism had just arrived in Japan, and did not havem any sects. Zenkoji therefore is not affiliated with any sects, which is unique for a Buddhist temple. One famous tradition at the temple is to tour the underground passage, where visitors search for the “key to paradise” in pitch-black darkness. Every seven years, the temple holds their “gokaicho”, where they show their replica Buddha statue to the public. The real statue, the one that was given to Zenkoji when it was founded, is not shown, since it is considered extremely sacred.
- Category: Shrine / templeArea: Nagano / Obuse
Togakushi Shrine Togakushi Shrine lies on the foot of Mount Togakushi in Nagano prefecture. The shrine holds a history of over 2,000 years, and is a spiritual power spot. The shrine consists of five smaller shrines: Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha and Hinomikosha. The hike through these five shrines is nice and relaxing, with a beautiful 500 meter cedar tree road between the last two shrines, Chusha and Okusha. At the many soba restaurants on the hiking trail, you can stop by for a quick meal.