Episode 12 of the podcast is the first of my intended travel guides for recommended destinations in the snow country. Located just outside of Nagano City, Togakushi is home to some of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines and one of the snow country’s most important cultural landscapes. Mount Togakushi has been a focal point of devotion for more than 1000 years with its shrines and the story of Togakushi linked to Shinto creation myths,  giving it true significance within Japanese culture . Part of the wider Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Togakushi’s spiritual significance is matched by its natural beauty making it a fantastic destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts; while also home to the Togakure-ryu school of ninjitsu, famous ‘soba’, 'takezaiku' bamboo craft and picturesque Togakushi Ski Resort. Links to relevant information are also available on the episode page on the Snow Country Stories Japan website and chapter markers are listed below. Based in Nagano, I guide tours to Togakushi – one of my favourite places to guide – so if you’re interested in that make sure listen onto the end of the episode when I provide a little information about my services and checkout the ‘Tours’ section of the Snow Country Stories Japan website. Of course, if you want to head there by yourself, I also provide information about how to do so and the best times to visit. For more information about the podcast and your host, visit our website: www.snowcountrystories.com. Make sure to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.  00:00   Amaterasu & The Heavenly Rock Cave 04:52   Episode Introduction 07:30   Togakushi: Where It Is & Why It Matters 11:40   Togakushi Shrine Complex 13:50   Hiking Trails & Wildlife 16:48   Togakure-ryu Ninja Museum 20:34   Togakushi ‘Soba’ & ‘Takezaiku’  22:28   Best Times of Year to Visit 25:18   Togakushi Ski Resort 27:27   How to Get There 29:10   Where to Stay 30:35   My Guided Tours in Togakushi 32:04   Episode Close