Mount Togakushi, Summit and Mountain in Nagano, Japan

Mount Togakushi rises to 1904 m in the Togakushi range, about 20 km northwest of central Nagano, within Myōkō-Togakushi Renzan National Park. Its upper part is exposed grey rock forming a jagged crest with several sharp peaks and notches, the leftmost high point being the most prominent, while the flanks and base are covered in layered forest above a lake. The rock is old and brittle, so the mountain is rated for advanced hikers.

The mountain's name comes from a Japanese myth where the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave and deities threw the stone door to this location. This mythological connection has made it a place of religious importance since ancient times.

The name Togakushi means "hiding door," from the myth in which the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave and a deity threw the stone door to this mountain. At the base, Okusha Shrine and Kuzuryūsha Shrine sit on the mountain, while Chūsha, Hōkōsha and Hinomikosha stand in the village. Until the Meiji-era persecution of Buddhism, Okusha enshrined Kannon, and the mountain was a Shugendō training site.

The full hiking route takes seven to eight hours and passes through rocky ridges, steep slopes, and sections with climbing ladders and chains. Visitors should arrive with sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and snacks, as facilities along the way are limited.

The Togakure ninja school established its bases in this mountain during the 12th century, leaving behind a hidden warrior tradition now preserved in the Togakure Ninpo Museum. Visitors can learn about this martial arts heritage that remains tied to the mountain.