Futarasan Shrine Chuguji
日光二荒山神社中宮祠
A shrine said to have been founded in 784, standing at the climbing trailhead for Mount Nantai on the shore of Lake Chuzenji. It serves as a branch shrine of the main Futarasan Shrine in Nikko Sannai, and seven of its structures, including the main hall, are designated Important Cultural Properties. It also serves as the starting point for climbing Mount Nantai during the summer season.
A shrine serving as the Mount Nantai climbing trailhead
The grounds include the trailhead for climbing Mount Nantai, and during the open climbing season each year from May to October, many climbers aim for the 2,486-meter summit from here. Mount Nantai itself is considered the sacred body of Futarasan Shrine, so the climb is still carried out today as a religious act of "pilgrimage climbing" rather than mere mountaineering.
A shrine complex of Important Cultural Properties
Seven structures, including the main hall and worship hall, are designated national Important Cultural Properties, and the shrine stands in a scenic location on the north shore of Lake Chuzenji at the foot of Mount Nantai. In contrast to the main Futarasan Shrine in Nikko Sannai, this is called the "Chuguji" (middle shrine) and serves as an important base for mountain worship.
The treasure hall and view of Lake Chuzenji
The treasure hall on the grounds displays valuable cultural properties related to mountain worship. Thanks to its location on the shore of Lake Chuzenji, another appeal is being able to enjoy the lake view between worship.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Visitors can enjoy worshipping while viewing Mount Nantai's remaining snow.
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
The Mount Nantai climbing season (May-October), when climbers can be seen.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
More visitors worship here combined with the autumn leaves on the shore of Lake Chuzenji.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
Viewing hours are shortened, so pay attention to your visit timing.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 20-30 minutes (about 40 minutes including the treasure hall)
- Crowd levels
- Mostly visited by those stopping by during Lake Chuzenji sightseeing
- Best time to visit
- Efficient to visit along with Chuzenji Temple (Tachiki Kannon) during a lakeshore stroll
| Address | 2484 Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi |
|---|---|
| Hours | April-October 8:30-16:30, November-March 10:00-15:30 (treasure hall closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) |
| Admission | Free to enter the grounds / Treasure hall: adults ¥1,000 |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 15 min walk from Tobu-Nikko Station (About 50 minutes by Tobu Bus bound for "Chuzenji Onsen," then a 15-minute walk)