Talk about one that got away - Togakushi's Okusha Shrine was high on our Nagano wishlist but time wasn't on our side. This isn't just another shrine - it's the grand finale of the Five-Shrine Pilgrimage, the innermost sanctuary where they worship a god of strength (who, according to legend, was strong enough to help coax the sun goddess out of her cave - talk about a power move!).

The approach alone sounds incredible - you pass through this massive Zuishinmon Gate and walk under these ancient cedar trees that are supposedly so impressive they've got their own spiritual vibe going on. It's the kind of place that reminds you Japan still has some truly powerful sacred spaces tucked away in its mountains.

For anyone with more time in Nagano than we had: this is apparently where athletes come to pray for success (so you know it's got some serious mojo), and farmers ask for good harvests. Between the legendary status, those mammoth cedars, and its reputation as a power spot, this is definitely going on our "must-visit" list for next time. Sometimes the hardest part of travel is deciding what to skip!