Futarasan Shrine, Shinto shrine complex in Nikko, Japan
Futarasan is a Shinto shrine in Nikko, Japan, whose main sanctuary stands west of Toshogu Shrine. Its honden has a dark tiled roof with deeply curved eaves over a red timber frame, green lattice panels and a base of rough grey stone; three stone lanterns stand before it. The haiden has a steep grey metal roof, a row of gold discs, red walls and white curtains in the doorways.
The shrine was founded in 767 by the monk Shōdō Shōnin, who built a small sanctuary for the deity of Mount Nantai. In 782 he reached the summit and established the inner shrine there. The main buildings were rebuilt in 1617 when Tokugawa Hidetada relocated the main shrine during the construction of Tōshō-gū.
The name derives from an older term for the sacred Mount Nantai, which plays a central role in the worship of the surrounding mountains. Pilgrims write wishes on small wooden tablets and hang them beneath the tall cedars, a practice that remains active today.
A forest path from Nikko Station leads to the shrine in about 45 minutes, or buses run from both stations in town. The main hall sits near Toshogu Shrine and can be reached via paved paths, while the mountain sanctuaries require longer hikes or a cable car.
Two swords classified as national treasures are kept inside, though visitors can see them only during rare exhibitions. The grounds extend over several thousand hectares and include eight mountain peaks and a remote waterfall.
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