The most atmospheric snowshoe day in the region
In winter, the Togakushi highlands become a silent world of white — the 400-year-old cedar avenue to Okusha shrine buried in deep, pristine snow. Snowshoeing here is otherworldly and deeply peaceful.
This full-day tour combines the region’s most spiritual landscape with the joy of floating over fresh powder, guided expertly from start to finish.
The winter forest is anything but empty: animal footprints stitched across the snow, shapes sculpted by the wind, and giant old trees you can only reach when deep snow covers the bush. Your guide photographs the day and shares the pictures with you afterwards.
Everything taken care of
- Certified mountain guide
With you for the full day. - Return private transport
From Hakuba to Togakushi. - Snowshoes & poles
All winter equipment provided. - Lunch & hot drinks
A warming meal and breaks.
A typical itinerary
- 09:30
Meet & gear up
Snowshoe fitting and a short lesson on walking with snowshoes and poles — complete beginners are welcome.
- 10:00
Into the silent forest
Snowshoe beneath snow-laden cedars and beeches, following rabbit and fox tracks across untouched powder.
- 11:15
Kagami-ike snowfield
In winter the mirror pond becomes a vast white plain — panoramic views of the Togakushi range (conditions permitting).
- 12:30
Togakushi soba lunch
Warm up with the region’s famous handmade soba at a restaurant near the shrine entrance.
- 13:30
Okusha giant cedars
Walk the shrine approach among 400-year-old trees — a forest at its most magical under deep snow.
- 14:30
Finish & return
Private transfer back to Hakuba.
What to wear & bring
Dress for a winter forest — we handle all the technical equipment.
- Waterproof jacket & pants
- Warm layers (avoid cotton)
- Winter boots (rentals can be arranged)
- Warm gloves — plus a spare pair
- Hat & neck warmer
- Sunglasses or goggles
- Small backpack & water bottle
- Camera or phone — you’ll want it
We provide: snowshoes, poles, gaiters, hot tea and all safety equipment — fitted for you on the day.
Moments from this experience
Good to know
It is a full day but at a gentle, well-paced rhythm with a long warm lunch break — reasonable fitness is all you need.
A warming local meal — Togakushi is famous for its soba, and winter is when it tastes best.
Private return transfer from Hakuba is included — a scenic mountain drive of about 75 minutes each way.
The 400-year-old cedar avenue to the Okusha shrine lies buried in deep, silent snow — one of the most atmospheric places in Japan.
Exceptional — giant cedars, shrine gates and untouched snow. Bring spare batteries; cold drains them fast.
We recommend age 10 and up for the full day. For younger children, our half-day Hakuba tours are a better fit.
