Nikko 2019: Futarasan Shrine (二荒山神社)

A path lined with stone lanterns connects Toshogu Shrine and the nearby Futarasan Shrine. There are actually three shrines named Futarasan in the greater Nikko area and each of them are dedicated to the deities of three nearby mountains. The other two Futarasan Shrines can be found on the north shore of Lake Chuzenji and at the top of Mount Nantai.

Futarasan is a lot smaller and less ornate than Toshogu but it’s also a lot quieter and it’s got some nice red buildings. The shrine was founded in 782 and interestingly the Shinkyo Bridge is part of the shrine even though the bridge is a half-mile away from it. Futarasan is conveniently right between Toshogu and the Taiyuin, (the subject of my next post) making is easy to visit all three in a row.