日光二荒山神社
2301 Sannai, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
Nantai Mountain, Nyohou Mountain, and Tarou Mountain are worshipped as sacred mountains, each enshrined as a mountain deity.
Nantai Mountain is dedicated to Ookuninushi no Mikoto, Nyohou Mountain to Tagorihime no Mikoto, and Tarou Mountain to Ajisukitakahikone no Mikoto. These are collectively known as "Nikko Sanzan" or "Nikko Daigongen".
At Rinnoji Temple, these deities are paired with corresponding Buddhas: Nantai Mountain with Senju Kannon, Nyohou Mountain with Amida Nyorai, and Tarou Mountain with Bato Kannon.
At the summit of Futara Mountain is the Okumiya shrine, with the Chugushi shrine on the shores of Lake Chuzenji and various auxiliary and branch shrines on Nyohou Mountain.
Spanning 3,400 hectares, it is the second-largest shrine area in Japan after Ise Shrine.
There are two torii gates leading to the shrine grounds.
One is near Rinnoji Temple, and the other is along the approach from Toshogu Shrine, featuring a two-story tower gate.
Built in 1978 to commemorate the 1200th anniversary of Nantai Mountain's enshrinement, this gate is an impressive structure with red-painted columns.
The first floor is particularly tall, giving the gate an impression of long legs compared to other shrine gates.
In front of the main hall is a spacious area, with red walls extending into the distance.
The Important Cultural Property, the worship hall, is a large gabled building with black-glazed tiles and red walls, built in 1619.
Its vivid red carved fish motifs on the gables are particularly striking.
Behind the lattice fence stands the main hall, constructed in 1619 through the donation of the second shogun, Tokugawa Hidetada.
It was slightly relocated to its current position in 1645 during the construction of other shrine buildings.
The hall retains its original Genwa-era architectural style, with intricate carvings and colorful, elaborate paintwork.
The Kagura Hall, next to the worship hall, is a two-story gabled structure.
Every April 2nd, traditional kagura dance is performed here, adding to the building's colorful and festive appearance.
To the left of the worship hall are rows of Important Cultural Properties and shrine buildings.
Hie Shrine, an Important Cultural Property, has red-painted columns and walls, with green and yellow brackets and transoms.
This single-bay gabled structure is simple in design, contrasting with its vivid colors.
The Mikoshi Hall, known as "Shinyosha," is a plain wooden structure.
This gabled building, constructed in the early Edo period, houses the mikoshi for three deities.
Next to the Mikoshi Hall is Okunomiya Shrine.
This shrine features a Hōgyō roof with a square layout, painted red with black doors.
The Hōgyō style is commonly seen in shrines and temples.
At the far end is the Tomono Shrine.
Dedicated to Sukunahikona no Mikoto, it is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
This single-bay structure features few notable carvings apart from those on the bracket arms.
The sacred spring at the back is known as "Yakushi's Sacred Water," believed to cure eye diseases.
Due to its designation as a World Heritage site, many visitors come to this area.
| Location | 2301 Sannai, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Website | http://www.futarasan.jp/ |
| Enshrined Deities | Futara-san Ookami (Ookuninushi no Mikoto, Tagorihime no Mikoto, Ajisukitakahikone no Mikoto) |
| Important Cultural Properties |
Main Hall Karamon Gate Yakuimon Gate and Lattice Fence Worship Hall Torii Mikoshi Hall Okunomiya Shrine Tomono Shrine Main Hall Hie Shrine Main Hall Shinkyo Bridge Separate Shrine Takino Shrine Main Hall Separate Shrine Takino Shrine Karamon Gate Separate Shrine Takino Shrine Worship Hall Separate Shrine Takino Shrine Tower Gate Separate Shrine Takino Shrine Torii Separate Shrine Takino Shrine Torii Separate Shrine Takino Shrine Torii Separate Shrine Hongu Shrine Main Hall Separate Shrine Hongu Shrine Karamon Gate and Lattice Fence Separate Shrine Hongu Shrine Worship Hall Separate Shrine Hongu Shrine Torii |