Nikko Futarasan Shrine

History and Divine Virtue

The ichinomiya of old Shimotsuke Province, said to have begun with the opening of Nikko by the holy man Shodo in the Nara period. It venerates Mount Nantai (Futarasan) as its sacred mountain and enshrines three deities of one family — Onamuchi no Mikoto, Tagorihime no Mikoto, and Ajisukitakahikone no Mikoto — together as Futarasan Okami. With Toshogu and Rinnoji, it forms the World Heritage site "Shrines and Temples of Nikko," its sacred domain extending across the vast mountain country of the three peaks of Nikko: Nantai, Nyoho, and Taro. Since the principal deity Onamuchi is a god of en-musubi, the tying of bonds, devotion to good matches runs deep; within the grounds stands the "sacred tree of en-musubi," an oak growing from a cedar, cherished along with a fond play on words — sugi nara issho ni, "if you love, be together." The vermilion Shinkyo bridge across the Daiya River also belongs to Futarasan Shrine, adorning the gateway to Nikko. In contrast to the splendor of Toshogu, its charm lies in the stillness of a shrine devoted to the deities of the mountain.

Visiting Notes

• The classic route enters along the Kamishinmichi path, combined with a visit to Toshogu.
• Trees of en-musubi dot the grounds — the sacred tree of good matches, the paired "married couple" cedars, and the "parent and child" cedars.
• In the fee-charging garden flows the sacred spring Futara Reisen, with old traditions of healing eyes and restoring youth.

Deities and Location

Enshrined Deities

Ōnamuchi no Mikoto, Tagorihime no Mikoto, Ajisukitakahikone no Mikoto

Location

栃木県日光市山内 (Tochigi)

Access

From Nikko Station (JR or Tobu), take the bus to the Nishi-sando stop, then about 7 minutes on foot

Lineage

En-musubi: Bonds & Love

Visiting hours, goshuin (shrine stamps), and festival dates change; please confirm the latest information through each shrine's official announcements. If you find an error in this entry, we would be grateful if you let us know.