Futarasan Shrine in Nikko

Nikko Futarasan Shrine was also Holy Land of mountain worship together with Rinnoji Temple. After Nikko Toshogu Shrine was built in the Edo Age (1603 - 1868) , these shrines and the temple became the subjects of faith.

The entrance of these holy shrines and Rinnoji Temple used to be the Shinkyo Bridge over Ohya River along Route120. The name of "Shinkyo" means the bridge of God in Japanese.

The Shinkyo Bridge was originally built in the Nara Age (710 - 794) . When Saint Shodo (735 - 817) visited Nikkyo, he was in problem to cross Ohya River. Then, "Jinsha Daisho" who is one of tutelary gods appeared in front of Saint Shodo and immediately built a bridge. This is the "Shinkyo" Bridge.

After paying the admission fee, you will approach to the bridge.
The current bridge was built in the Edo Age and has been repaired and maintained every twenty years. Balustrades on the both side of the bridge are well decorated with a genus hosta and fitments.

"Shinkyo" Bridge

From the end of the bridge, you will see a small shrine where Saint Shudo and "Jinsha Daisho" were deified.
In May, red color of the Shinkyo Bridge well matched with fresh green of trees along Ohya River. The current bridge was re-built in 1904 and is designated as an important property of Japan.

The Shinkyo Bridge belongs to Nikko Futarasan Shrine. Although the location of the Sinkyo Bridge is at the entrance of Nikko Shrines and temples, the main area of Nikko Futarasan Shrine is located behind Rinnoji Temple and west side of Nikko Toshogu Shrine.

If you walk to the west from Nikko Toshogu Shrine, you will see a two-storied gate of the shrine. The gate was built in 1987, but it fits well to the historical atmosphere of Nikko area.

After passing through the two-storied gate, you will see the main hall and the Worship Hall. The Main Hall was built in 1617 by the second "Shogun", TOKUGAWA Hidetada (1579 - 1632) . The Worship Hall was built in 1640s. These two buildings are designated as important properties of Japan.

Worship Hall

Worship Hall (Left) and The Main Hall (Right)

The architecture of the Main Hall is very gorgeous style.

To the west of the Main Hall, the "Daikokudo" Hall is located. The Hall has shingled roof used for high class buildings in the past. The "Daikokudo" Hall is also designated as an important property of Japan. A sacred fountain is located at the back of the "Daikokuden" Hall.

"Daikokudo" Hall

Sacred Fountain

After visiting the key sites of Nikko Futarasan Shrine, I left Nikko Futarasan Shrine through the "Jinmon" Gate shown behind the Torii Gate in the below picture. Many tourists visited Nikko Futarasan Shrine from Nikko Toshogu Shrine through the two-storied gate. On the other hand, there was no one on this approach. However, this approach seems the official approach to Nikko Futarasan Shrineu.

After visiting Nikko Futarasan Shrine, I headed for Taiyuin Temple, where the grave of the third "Shogun", TOKUGWA Iemitsu (1604 - 1651) , is located.

How to get there
To go to Nikko, you will take a Limited Express "Kegon" on Tobu Line from Asakusa Station. "Kegons" run at once or twice a hour. Or Take a Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya and change to the JR Nikko Line to JR Nikko Station.
Both from JR Nikko and Tobu Nikko Station, take a bus to "Shinkyo".

Other Historical Sites near by:
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Rinnoji Temple
Taiyuin Temple in Nikko
Ruins of Ashio Copper Mine