Nikko's Venerable Futara-san Shrine

For thousands of years, the Japanese have worshiped high mountains as the dwelling place of the gods, knowing that from them came clouds, rain, snow and thunder. Futara was an early name of Mt. Nantai, one of Japan's most sacred mountains. Established in the year 767, Futara-san Shrine is quiet and lovely, sitting just in front of Lake Chuzen-ji, and at the base of Mt. Nantai. Many local gods are enshrined here. Behind the shrine is the great mountain itself.