Futarasan shrine
Futarasan jinja (二荒山神社) is a Shinto shrine in the city of Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It is also known as Nikkō Futarasan Shrine, to distinguish it from the Utsunomiya Futarayama Jinja, which shares the same kanji in its name. Both shrines claim the title of ichinomiya of the former Shimotsuke Province. The main festival of the shrine is held annually from April 13 to April 17.
| Futarasan jinja 二荒山神社 | |
|---|---|
The honden (main hall) lies within the enclosure. | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Shinto |
| Deity | Ōkuninushi Tagorihime Ajisukitakahikone |
| Festival | April 13–17 |
| Location | |
| Location | Nikkō, Tochigi |
Shown within Tochigi Prefecture Futarasan shrine (Japan) | |
| Geographic coordinates | 36°45′30″N 139°35′47″E |
| Architecture | |
| Founder | Shōdō Shōnin |
| Date established | 767 |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | i, iv, vi |
| Designated | 1999 |
| Reference no. | 913 |
| Website | |
| Official website | |
| Glossary of Shinto | |
The shrine consists of three geographically separate sections. The main shrine is located between Nikkō Tōshō-gū and the Taiyū-in Mausoleum. Many visitors go to all three, as well as to Rinnō-ji, which are part of the Shrines and Temples of Nikkō UNESCO World Heritage Site. The "middle shrine" is located off the shore of Lake Chuzenji. The "inner shrine" is located at the summit of Mount Nantai, the volcano overlooking the lake.
The shrine possesses two swords that are National treasures of Japan. Dozens of buildings and cultural artifacts are listed as National Important Cultural Properties. The precincts have been designated a National Historic Site.