May 24, 2012 - 1 min read

Nikko's Venerable Futara-san Shrine

An ancient place of worship at the base of Mt. Nantai

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

Shrines in Japan are not showy, but red is a predominant color

The purification basin. Wash your hands here before entering to pray

One of the shrine's guardians

Shrine and temple guardians are there to frighten away enemies

Futara-san Shrine sits in front of Lake Chuzen-ji

A perfect combination of beautiful old trees, statue and red gate

The shrine is surrounded by nature

This statue is very, very old, as is the shrine itself

As you begin to climb the mountain, you find smaller shrines like this one

The mountain itself is holy

It is not an easy climb, but there is beauty all around you

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.

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Larry Knipfing

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

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