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FUTARASAN SHRINE

Futarasan Shrine is one of the most significant Shinto shrines. Futarasan Shrine is part of the World Heritage site at Nikko.

Futarasan Shrine is a Shinto shrine in the city of Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. To distinguish Futarasan Shrine from the shrine in nearby Utsunomiya, it is also called Nikko Futarasan Shrine. It enshrines three deities: Ōkuninushi, Tagorihime, and Ajisukitakahikone.


Picture: Shinmon (Sacred Gate) Futarasan Shrine

Together with Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple, it forms the Temples and Shrines of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shrine possesses two swords that are National treasures of Japan. Additionally, dozens of buildings and cultural artifacts are listed as Important Cultural Assets.

In the ancient time, people in Japan respected high mountains because they believed that the mountains handled various phenomena such as clouds, rain, snow and thunder. These phenomena give water for people's lives. They believed that God was there. This is the beginning of mountainous worship. Mt Futara has been respected since early days. Buddhist monk Shodo entered Mt Nikko and established Nikko-san (later called Rinnoji Temple) in 766. Within a few years, he added more facilities, which is the origin of Futarasan Shrine. Since then Futarasan Shrine has been considered one of the most significant shrines.

FUTARASAN HIGHLIGHTS

Haiden (Oratory)
Haiden is single layered curvature and Irimoya style roof. The Irimoya style is that two styles of roof are combined. Upper part of the roof seems to be a triangle because it is made from two slopes, which are put on both sides of a ridge. You will find gables there. Also, the lower part of the roof has eaves on all sides, and this construction is called Kiritsuma style.


Bake Toro (Ghost Lantern)
The Copper Lantern is called Ghost Lantern because fire moves in a strange way. There are many scars on the lantern because of sword attacks by guards. It was not strange that guards were scared of the fire in the dark. It is designated as an important cultural property.

Futara Reisen (Spiritual Fountain of Futara)
The water comes from cave of Mt. Korei, which is located on the back of Honden main hall. People believe that spring has two effects; the water might have a spiritual effect on eye disease, and it makes a tasty sake.

Swords
There are more than 130 swords in Futarasan Shrine. Many are either National Treasures or designated an Important Cultural Property.


Shinkyo (Sacred Bridge)
This beautiful red bridge is a part of Futarasan Shrine but in a separate location. The World Heritage Bus stops in front of the bridge. In feudal times, only the shogun was permitted to cross the bridge.

Open: 8am – 4pm, 7 days a week

More Futarasan Shrine Pictures.

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