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Myōkō-Togakushi Renzan NP, Nagano
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This red gate began as a Buddhist Nio gate. In 1868, when Buddhism and Shinto were separated, the Nio were replaced by Shinto guardian kami—changing its protectors, not its place.
The Buddhist Nio who once guarded this gate were moved to Kankei-ji, beside Zenkoji. The Nagano City Museum records a 1498 inscription on the pair; each wooden figure stands 2.8 m tall.
Beyond Zuishinmon, 11 monastic residences once lined the path’s south side. Excavations uncovered foundations and 18th-century Hizen blue-and-white dishes—evidence that this forest route was also a lived-in settlement.
About 450 m beyond the gate, 60 foundation stones outline a temple hall, nine bays by five. A Togakushi chronicle records its construction in 1098; archaeological remains reveal its remarkable footprint.
Built in 1710, Zuishinmon is regarded as the oldest surviving structure associated with the Togakushi shrines. Its thatched roof has sheltered this mountain threshold for more than 3 centuries.
Beyond the gate, cedar rows stretch about 500 m, planted roughly 400 years ago to shape the approach to Okusha. This towering corridor is a deliberately planted sacred avenue, not a chance arrangement.
