Nikko Futarasan Shrine is a historic shrine that dates back to the beginning of the Nikko mountain religion. Including the Main Shrine in Nikko City's Yamauchi area, Chugushi Shrine on the shore of Lake Chuzenji, and the Okumiya Shrine on Mt. Nantai, it has been registered as one of the 3 members of the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage Site", along with Rinno-ji Temple. In this article, we will mainly introduce the Main Shrine, since it's the easiest to access for sightseeing.
About Nikko Futarasan Shrine
The Shinto shrine is the main shrine on the sacred mountain, Mt. Futara, which has an altitude of 2486 meters. Mt. Futara is now known as Mt. Nantai. It was founded more than 1200 years ago by the priest, Shodo Shonin, and it prospered as the center of the Nikko mountain religion. The 3400 hectare area in the Nikko National Park is designated as the sanctuary, and consists of 3 areas: the Main Shrine, the Chugushi Shrine, and the Okumiya Shrine. The Main Shrine, which we will introduce in this article, is located to the west of Toshogu Temple, and is visited by many tourists from both in and out of Japan.
Highlights of Nikko Futarasan Shrine (Main Shrine)
The first highlight is the Main Shrine itself. It was built by the Tokugawa Shogunate in the Edo Period, and has been designated an Important Cultural Property. Although renovations such as repainting and roof repairs have been carried out, the colorful decorations and sculptures still convey the architectural style from the time of its foundation, and it is considered to be the oldest building in Nikko.
The worship hall in front of the main hall is simple and unadorned by sculptures and other decorations, and is just as it was at the time of its construction. The worship hall is also designated as an Important Cultural Property, along with the main hall. The second highlight is the Shinkyo Bridge, which is said to be the gateway to Nikko. It is an arched wooden bridge, about 28 meters long and 7 meters wide, that crosses the Otani River along National Route 120. Both the main hall and the worship hall, as well as the Shinkyo Bridge, are registered as world heritage sites.
Blessed Spots at Nikko Futarasan Shrine
Futarasan Shrine is considered one of the most powerful spots in Nikko, with its main deity, Onamuchi no Mikoto, being the god of good luck and marriages. There are several blessed spots in the main shrine. First, the Futara Reisen, a wonder-working spring. The spring gets its water from the Yakushi spring in the mountains and Takio Shrine's Sake no Izumi, and is believed to be able to cure diseases of the eyes. They even sell bottles for 300 yen that you can use to take some of the water home with you. The second point is the married trees. The large cedar and oak trees overlap, and are believed to be beneficial to marriages. Votive tablets are available to buy, so you can write your wish on one and hang it on the votive platform.
Access to Nikko Futarasan Shrine
To get to the Main Shrine, take the Tobu bus from JR/Tobu Nikko Station headed to either Chuzenji Onsen or Oyumoto Onsen, and get off at the Nishi-Sando bus stop, and walk about 7 minutes
Spot Information
- Spot name：Futarasan Shrine
- Street Adress： 2307 Yamauchi, Nikko-shi, Tochigi prefecture
- Access： About 7 minutes walk from Nishi-Sando bus stop
- Ticket：200 yen (Main Shrine park entrance fee)
- Business Hours: April-November: 8:30~17:00, November-March: 9:00~16:00 (Last entry is 30 minutes before close)
- Closed: Open year round
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