Kokuhei Chusha Ichinomiya (Shimotsuke Province (one of claimants))

Futarasan Shrine (Nikko)

二荒山神社

/ Futarasan Jinja

Admission
Free (garden area: 300 JPY)
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
500 JPY
Access
35 min walk
Hours
April-Oct 8:00-17:00, Nov-Mar 8:00-16:00

Overview

Futarasan Shrine predates the famous Toshogu by over 800 years and represents the older mountain-worship tradition of Nikko. Its territory technically encompasses the sacred mountains, Lake Chuzenji, and the Kegon Falls, making it one of the largest shrine jurisdictions in Japan.

History

Founding

📜According to tradition
782 [天応2年]

Founded in 782 by the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin. The shrine spans three locations: the main shrine near Toshogu, a middle shrine at Lake Chuzenji, and an inner shrine at the summit of Mount Nantai. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Shrines and Temples of Nikko.' Two swords are designated National Treasures.

782📜According to tradition

Founded by Shodo Shonin

1999📄Documented

Included in UNESCO World Heritage Site

Enshrined Deities

primary Deity

God of nation-building, agriculture, medicine, and en-musubi (binding of fates/relationships)

secondary Deity

Goddess of the distant sea; one of the Munakata Three Goddesses

Ajisukitakahikone
secondary Deity

Blessings

Shrine Network

Did You Know?

💡

The shrine's territory technically includes Mount Nantai, Lake Chuzenji, and Kegon Falls — making its 'grounds' enormous.

Source: documented

Practical Information

Location Coordinates

36.7590, 139.5980

Physical Address

2307 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi

栃木県日光市山内2307

Access

Nikko Station

35 min walk

Hours

April-Oct 8:00-17:00, Nov-Mar 8:00-16:00

Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.

Related Shrines

Frequently Asked Questions

Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team

What is Futarasan Shrine (Nikko)?

Futarasan Shrine predates the famous Toshogu by over 800 years and represents the older mountain-worship tradition of Nikko. Its territory technically encompasses the sacred mountains, Lake Chuzenji, and the Kegon Falls, making it one of the largest shrine jurisdictions in Japan.

Where is Futarasan Shrine (Nikko) located?

Futarasan Shrine (Nikko) is located in Nikko, Tochigi. The full address is: 2307 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi.

What deities are enshrined at Futarasan Shrine (Nikko)?

The enshrined deities are: Okuninushi no Mikoto, Tagorihime no Mikoto, ajisukitakahikone.