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Futarasan Shrine: A World Heritage Destination in Nikkō, Tochigi

  • The main worship hall of Futarasan Shrine is designated an important national cultural property and is part of the World Heritage inscription.

    The main worship hall of Futarasan Shrine is designated an important national cultural property and is part of the World Heritage inscription.

  • The Betsugū Hongū-jinja, originally Shōdō’s shrine to the mountain, formed the core of the World Heritage Futarasan complex.

    The Betsugū Hongū-jinja, originally Shōdō’s shrine to the mountain, formed the core of the World Heritage Futarasan complex.

  • The Chugūshi shrine stands on the shore of Lake Chūzenji, with the peak of Nantai visible behind its Karamon gate.

    The Chugūshi shrine stands on the shore of Lake Chūzenji, with the peak of Nantai visible behind its Karamon gate.

  • The two-storied gate leading to Futarasan Shrine, viewed from Tōshōgū.

    The two-storied gate leading to Futarasan Shrine, viewed from Tōshōgū.

  • The bridge Shinkyō serves as the “front door” for the Nikkō temples and shrines. Visitors can walk across it for a small fee.

    The bridge Shinkyō serves as the “front door” for the Nikkō temples and shrines. Visitors can walk across it for a small fee.

  • The honden hall viewed from the Shin’en garden. The fence surrounding it is also designated as an important cultural property. The large tree at center is an object of veneration at the shrine, while the bamboo-grass grove at back left is a popular stop for people hoping to meet the perfect partner.

    The honden hall viewed from the Shin’en garden. The fence surrounding it is also designated as an important cultural property. The large tree at center is an object of veneration at the shrine, while the bamboo-grass grove at back left is a popular stop for people hoping to meet the perfect partner.

  • Climb a bit up the hill at the rear of the shrine for a view of the back of the main hall.

    Climb a bit up the hill at the rear of the shrine for a view of the back of the main hall.

  • The Mitomo Shrine is dedicated to Sukona Hikona no Mikoto, a deity of wisdom and medicine. The red torii gate at back left marks the entrance to the Futara Reisen, a spring of water held to grant eternal youth.

    The Mitomo Shrine is dedicated to Sukona Hikona no Mikoto, a deity of wisdom and medicine. The red torii gate at back left marks the entrance to the Futara Reisen, a spring of water held to grant eternal youth.

  • A festival held from mid-September to late November each year features a ring woven from bamboo grass before the worship hall. Visitors pass through the ring three times in all, returning to the front once around the left side and once around the right before heading straight through to pay their respects at the haiden.

    A festival held from mid-September to late November each year features a ring woven from bamboo grass before the worship hall. Visitors pass through the ring three times in all, returning to the front once around the left side and once around the right before heading straight through to pay their respects at the haiden.

  • On the left side of the haiden stands the “good relations komainu,” or guardian dog. The character 良 (good) on this side is matched with 縁 (relations/ties) on the other.

    On the left side of the haiden stands the “good relations komainu,” or guardian dog. The character 良 (good) on this side is matched with 縁 (relations/ties) on the other.

  • These pairs of cryptomeria trees joined at the roots are held to bring good fortune in romance, relations between married couples, and family life. At left are the Oyako-sugi, “parent and child cedars,” and at right are the Koibito-sugi, the “lovers’ cedars.”

    These pairs of cryptomeria trees joined at the roots are held to bring good fortune in romance, relations between married couples, and family life. At left are the Oyako-sugi, “parent and child cedars,” and at right are the Koibito-sugi, the “lovers’ cedars.”

  • The torii in front of the Takinoo Shrine gate features a small stone target at top center. Throw three rocks at the hole to test your luck; only the truly fortunate will be able to send all three through.

    The torii in front of the Takinoo Shrine gate features a small stone target at top center. Throw three rocks at the hole to test your luck; only the truly fortunate will be able to send all three through.

  • The haiden worship hall (at right) and honden main hall at Takinoo Shrine.

    The haiden worship hall (at right) and honden main hall at Takinoo Shrine.

  • This stone is a spot to pray for fortune in child-bearing.

    This stone is a spot to pray for fortune in child-bearing.

  • The east torii gate of Chūgūshi Shrine, located just off of National Route 120 on the north shore of Lake Chūzenji.

    The east torii gate of Chūgūshi Shrine, located just off of National Route 120 on the north shore of Lake Chūzenji.

  • The shrine’s haiden worship hall and a glimpse of the roof of the main honden at back right; both are important cultural properties.

    The shrine’s haiden worship hall and a glimpse of the roof of the main honden at back right; both are important cultural properties.

  • The trailhead leading to the Okunomiya. Climbers, most of whom are well equipped for the mountains, pay a ¥1,000 fee to enter the Mount Nantai trail.

    The trailhead leading to the Okunomiya. Climbers, most of whom are well equipped for the mountains, pay a ¥1,000 fee to enter the Mount Nantai trail.

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