Nikko Futarasan Shrine
日光二荒山神社
An ancient shrine considered the origin of Nikko's mountain worship, with Mount Nantai as its sacred body. Said to have been founded in 782, it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" along with Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple. Known for blessings of matchmaking, its sacred garden features a 700-year-old sacred tree.
The origin of Mount Nikko worship
The shrine's origin traces to the Nara-period priest Shodo Shonin's successful climb of Mount Nantai, and the name "Futarasan" derives from an old name for the mountain. The place name "Nikko" is also said to derive from an alternate reading of the characters for "Futara" (二荒, read as "nikou").
The god of matchmaking
The shrine's main deity is Onamuchi-no-Mikoto, known for blessings of matchmaking. The grounds include the "Meoto-sugi" (married cedar) trees, said to bring good relationships, and "matchmaking bamboo grass," drawing many worshippers hoping for successful romance.
The sacred garden and Bake-doro lantern
The paid sacred garden includes the "Bake-doro" ("goblin lantern"), said to bear sword marks from a samurai who slashed at it after mistaking its nightly transformations for a goblin, along with a 700-year-old great cedar sacred tree, offering a quiet, sacred atmosphere distinct from Toshogu and Taiyuin.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery on the grounds color the sacred garden.
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
The Mount Nantai climbing season (during the open climbing period), when climbers can be seen.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The sacred garden's autumn leaves are beautiful, offering an enjoyable contrast with the Bake-doro lantern.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
The snow-covered grounds are the very picture of stillness.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 20-30 minutes (about 40 minutes including the sacred garden)
- Crowd levels
- Often less crowded than Toshogu Shrine
- Best time to visit
- Efficient to visit combined with Taiyuin (adjacent)
| Address | 2307 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi |
|---|---|
| Hours | April-October 8:30-16:00, November-March 9:30-15:00 (sacred garden viewing) |
| Admission | Free to enter the grounds / Sacred garden (paid area) adults ¥300 |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 3 min walk from Tobu-Nikko Station (Tobu Bus to "Taiyuin/Futarasan-jinja-mae," then a 3-minute walk)