What to know
Futarasan Shrine (二荒山神社, Futarasan Jinja) sits next to Toshogu in central Nikko. Much older than its lavish neighbor, Futarasan was founded in 782 by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko and also founded nearby Rinnoji Temple. The shrine honors the deities of Nikko's three most sacred peaks: Mount Nantai, Mount Nyoho, and Mount Taro. Futarasan is an alternative name for Mount Nantai, the tallest of the three.
Most of the shrine grounds are free to enter, except for a small paid area to the left of the offering hall (haiden). This area contains a forested garden with several halls, a spring, ancient sacred trees, and closer views of the main hall (honden) behind the offering hall. Shinkyo Bridge, located one kilometer from the shrine, also belongs to Futarasan Shrine.
Two more Futarasan Shrines lie higher in the mountains in nearby Okunikko: one at the summit of Mount Nantai and another on the northern shore of Lake Chuzenji at the mountain's base. The trail up Mount Nantai starts from the latter shrine's grounds.
Futarasan Shrine is about 200 meters west of Toshogu, a 30-40 minute walk or 10 minute bus ride (350 yen one way, 600 yen day pass, covered by the Nikko Passes) from Tobu and JR Nikko stations.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 8:00 to 17:00 (April to October)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 300 yen (~$1.92) (small paid area)
- English name
- Original name
- Futarasan Shrine
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.