Nagano City, Japan — Togakushi Shrine, one of Nagano’s most famous Shinto shrines, has tightened winter access rules at its Okusha (Inner Shrine) as foreign visitor numbers rise and safety concerns increase.
During the winter season, the shrine has blocked access beyond the Zuishinmon Gate using safety nets. Entry to the Okusha area will remain closed until spring due to avalanche risks and repeated cases of unsafe and inappropriate visitor behavior.
Social Media Drives Winter Tourism Surge
Togakushi Shrine’s cedar tree path, a 500-meter approach lined with more than 200 tall cedar trees, has become a popular winter photo spot on social media. Snow-covered images shared online have attracted a growing number of overseas visitors over the past year.
Many tourists attempted to walk the path during winter to take photos, despite dangerous weather and snow conditions.
Avalanche Risk and Winter Safety Issues
The area surrounding the shrine is known for high avalanche risk in winter. Local authorities reported four mountain rescue incidents last season, including one fatal accident.
Officials also noted frequent safety violations, such as visitors leaving metal crampons (ice cleats) on roads and paths, creating hazards for others.
Environmental Impact and Cultural Respect
Additional problems have emerged due to winter restroom closures, with some visitors using areas near the sacred path. Shrine staff said they must clean large amounts of trash and waste after the snow melts in spring.
“The approach path is part of the shrine grounds and is considered sacred,” said Yuichi Kusukawa, a Shinto priest at Togakushi Shrine. “We must balance welcoming visitors while protecting safety and cultural values.”
Tourism Industry Response
To improve awareness, the local tourism association is distributing information leaflets in English and Chinese to bus passengers and visitors, explaining winter restrictions and safety risks.
A Warning Sign for Japan’s Winter Tourism
The situation at Togakushi Shrine highlights growing challenges for Japan’s winter tourism and overtourism management, especially as social media drives travelers to remote and sacred locations.
As inbound tourism continues to grow, more destinations across Japan may introduce seasonal access limits to protect visitor safety, the environment, and cultural heritage.
