Togakushi Shrine in Nagano is a place you must visit at least once in your lifetime. Visiting in winter lets you feel the atmosphere of nature even more, making it an unforgettable experience. In winter, I recommend walking from the Zuishinmon Gate at Okusha back to Chusha. Be mindful of the time, as bus service is limited. It's best to reserve round-trip seats in advance so you have a seat on the way back.
Togakushi Shrine | Review by hdwf2002
Other Reviews by hdwf2002
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Chikubu Island
Chikubu Island is a small island about 2 km in circumference, located about 6 km offshore in the northern part of Lake Biwa. On the island is Hogon Temple, one of the three Benzaiten temples in Japan, and the Tsukubusuma Shrine.
If you visit Lake Biwa, I highly recommend taking a boat across the lake and stopping at Chikubu Island. There are three ports offering round-trip island tours, or you can choose a route that crosses Lake Biwa. If your schedule allows, choose the latter. Take a boat from Imazu Port on the west side of Lake Biwa to Chikubu Island, then continue to Nagahama Port on the east side. During the crossing, you can enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lake Biwa. Of course, Chikubu Island has Tsukubusuma Shrine. Remember to try throwing a round ceramic tile through the torii gate, and your wish will come true. Finally, stop by the port for an Omi beef bun. Visiting Chikubu Island takes about 1–1.5 hours. Make sure to keep track of the boat departure time. After returning to Nagahama Port, you can also visit Kurokabe Market if you have time.
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Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Inside a 600,000 square meter area, there is a zoo, botanical garden, and an amusement park. The scale is so big that you cannot go around this zoo, botanical garden in one day. Especially in the zoo, there are 450 types of animals, many of them are quite popular like the Koala, a symbol of the zoo.
Nagoya's Higashiyama Zoo completely changed my impression of zoos. The animals are kept behind low fences in comfortable spaces, so visitors don't feel like their living areas are cramped. The grounds are also spacious and great for children to run around. The zoo has a wide variety of animals, but the most special are probably the polar bears. You can see them up close without traveling to the Arctic Circle, which is quite a sight. Besides visiting the zoo, you can also go boating on the lake and enjoy the retro amusement rides. It's highly recommended for families with children. Transportation is convenient, so if you're visiting Nagoya, you can plan a day trip here.
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Biwako Valley
Set in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, with easy access from the Keihanshin area, Biwako Valley is a nature resort tucked inside the Hira mountain range, 1,100 meters up over the western shores of Lake Biwa. From ski slopes in winter and so much more, this spot is well sought after for its lineup of thrilling things to do.
Biwako Valley is a great place to look out over Lake Biwa. From JR Shiga Station, you need to take a shuttle bus to the ropeway station. At 1,100 meters above ground level, it offers skiing in winter and is highly recommended as a summer getaway from the heat in Japan. The temperature at the top is instantly 4–6 degrees cooler, making it very comfortable. You can sit on the observation deck for free and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Biwa, or pay to enter the observation café at the summit, which is heated when it's cold. After enjoying the lake views, you can also head farther into the mountains for the chairlift and art installations and recreational facilities. Most importantly, these are also free to use. Just be sure to check the times for the ropeway down and the shuttle bus. If they don't line up well, you may have a long wait, or you may need to walk or take a taxi back to the station.
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