Nagano長野

Founded, by tradition, in 644, and open to pilgrims of every sect. Its hidden Buddha is never shown. Below the National Treasure main hall (1707), the Okaidan is a pitch-dark passage where you feel along the wall for the "key to paradise". The morning service, O-asaji, is held at sunrise every day; stay in one of the 39 temple lodgings (shukubō) on the approach to see it.

The grounds are free. The inner sanctuary with the Okaidan is ¥800 and a set ticket for everything ¥1,500 (prices from April 2026). In 2027 the stand-in image goes on show for the Gokaichō, 4 April–19 June: book Nagano hotels early for spring 2027.

A mountain-worship village at about 1,200 m under the jagged ridge of Mt Togakushi. Walk the 2 km approach to the Okusha shrine, the last 500 m through an avenue of cedars planted around 1612. Kagami-ike pond mirrors the ridge, and its leaves usually peak in mid October.

Togakushi soba is one of Japan's "three great soba", served in horseshoe bundles on a bamboo tray. From early January to late April the path is closed beyond the Zuishinmon gate.

A small, walkable town of chestnuts and Hokusai, who painted here in his eighties. The Hokusai-kan museum is about 12 minutes from the station. Chestnut sweet shops ring the centre; Obuse-dō's seasonal Suzaku runs 10 September–18 October 2026.

Obuse Winery makes its Domaine Sogga wines from its own vineyards, a 15-minute walk from the station. Obuse is a limited express stop on the way to Yudanaka, so it fits into the same day.