Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Hotaka Shrine (Hodakajinja/Hodakajinja) is an ancient shrine located in the center of Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, and has deep ties to mountain worship, which worships the Northern Alps (Hotaka mountain range). The main deity is said to be Hotakaminomikoto, who has long been revered as the guardian deity of the Azumino and Matsumoto regions. The shrine grounds have a tranquil atmosphere, and are home to a shrine forest, a magnificent torii gate, and a traditional shrine building, making it popular with locals and tourists alike. The views of the Northern Alps and the changing seasons (spring flowers, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves, and the tranquility of winter) are also part of the shrine's charm.
Highlights
- Worship hall and main hall: The calming appearance of traditional shrine architecture. When praying, please observe the proper etiquette of temizu (purifying your hands) and two bows, two claps, and one bow.
- Torii gate and approach: The quiet approach leads to the temple grounds, allowing you to stroll along the path. You can also enjoy the changing colors of the trees with each season.
– Shrine forest (precincts forest): The old forest remains, and the fresh greenery in spring and summer and the autumn leaves are beautiful. It is also a great spot for taking photos.
- An atmosphere of mountain worship: You can sense the faith in the Hotaka mountain range, and you can see festivals and stone monuments related to mountain climbing and mountain opening.
- Festivals and annual festivals: Local festivals (such as annual festivals and autumn festivals) feature portable shrines, processions, and traditional performing arts, which you may be able to see depending on the timing of your visit (the dates vary from year to year).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train + Walk: The nearest station is Hotaka Station on the JR Oito Line. It is about a 10-minute walk from the station (this may vary depending on walking speed and route).
- By car: Access to the surrounding area is via public roads (national and prefectural roads). Parking spaces for worshippers may be available, but as the number of spaces is limited, we recommend arriving early during peak seasons. Search "Hotaka Shrine Azumino City" on your car navigation system.
- Bus: Local buses may operate. The departure and arrival times and number of buses vary depending on the season and day of the week, so please check the timetable in advance.
- Approximate route from Tokyo: The most common route is to take the JR train towards Matsumoto (using the express train is convenient), then take the Oito Line from Matsumoto to Hotaka Station.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Quick visit: 20-30 minutes (only visit to the main shrine and stroll around the grounds)
- If you want to look around at your own pace: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (including taking photos of the temple grounds and getting a temple seal at the shrine office)
- If you also plan to visit nearby sightseeing spots: Half a day to a full day (including museums and wasabi fields around Hotaka)
Nearby spots
– Daio Wasabi Farm: A representative tourist spot in Azumino. The scenery of the spring water and wasabi fields is popular (about 10-15 minutes by car).
– Azumino Chihiro Art Museum: An art museum exhibiting the works of picture book author Chihiro Iwasaki (approximately 10-15 minutes by car).
– Alps Azumino National Government Park: A large park where you can enjoy nature and seasonal flowers and activities (approximately 20 minutes by car).
– Viewpoints of the Northern Alps: Viewpoints and trailheads overlooking the Hotaka mountain range are scattered around the area. A base for mountain sightseeing and hiking.
- Matsumoto City Center (Matsumoto Castle, etc.): Accessible by train. Convenient for combining historical and cultural sightseeing.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Manners: Bow once in front of the torii gate, purify yourself with the water basin, and bow twice, clap twice, and bow once more at the worship hall. There may be areas where photography is prohibited or during religious ceremonies where signs asking people to refrain from taking photos are displayed. The temple grounds are sacred places, so please act quietly.
- Crowds: During festivals, holidays, and tourist seasons, the number of visitors increases, and there may be long lines at the parking lot and shrine office. If you wish to receive a goshuin (temple seal), please allow yourself plenty of time.
- Seasonal precautions: In winter, snow and ice can make the approach to the shrine slippery, so please take measures to protect yourself from the cold and prevent slipping (such as wearing non-slip shoes or chains). In summer, there are areas where the sun is strong and there are many insects (mosquitoes), so it is useful to bring a hat and insect repellent.
- When visiting by car: The surrounding roads can be congested during the tourist season. Please be careful when driving as there are narrow alleys and residential roads.
- Information on festivals and events: The dates of the annual festivals and religious ceremonies vary from year to year, so it is a good idea to check the shrine's guide and Azumino City tourist information in advance.
Additional Information (Visiting Tips)
– Early mornings and evenings offer a quiet and calm atmosphere, and the view of the Northern Alps is different.
– Combine it with other nearby tourist attractions to make a full day of sightseeing (wasabi fields, Chihiro Art Museum, Alps Park, etc.).
– If you have a goshuin or amulet, please check the opening hours of the shrine office.
If necessary, we will search for and post the official contact information for Hotaka Shrine and the latest worship information (dates of the annual festival, visiting hours, availability of parking, etc.). Please let us know if you have any requests.
