Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi [Tochigi]

【Overview of Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi】

Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi was founded in 782 (Ten’o 2) during the Nara period. When the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin successfully completed the arduous first ascent to the summit of Mount Nantai (also known as Mount Futara), he established the Okumiya (inner shrine) at the peak. Later, he built a shrine at this site—nestled at the foot of Mount Nantai and along the shores of Chuzenji Lake—to enshrine the deities, which marks the beginning of the present-day Chugushi. “Chugushi” literally means “middle shrine,” as it is situated halfway between the Okumiya at the mountain peak and the Honsha (main shrine) located at the base of the mountain. Together, these three sanctuaries comprise the grand complex known as Nikko Futarasan Shrine.

The shrine worships the same Oyako Sanjin (Trio of Parent and Child Deities) as the main shrine, collectively revered as Futarasan Okami:

Nikko Futarasan jinja Shrine [Tochigi]

Onamuchi no Mikoto = Representing Mount Nantai

Tagorihime no Mikoto = Representing Mount Nyohou

Ajisukitakahikone no Mikoto = Representing Mount Taro

【The Hama-Torii Gate】

The Hama-Torii (Beach Torii Gate) is also affectionately known as the Karakane-Torii (Bronze Torii Gate). It is a historic structure constructed during the Edo period in 1769 (Meiwa 6).

【The Hakkyakumon Gate】

At the top of the stone steps, a magnificent gate comes into view. This is known as a Hakkyakumon (Eight-Legged Gate), which is considered to possess a much higher prestige and pedigree than standard gate styles like the Yakuimon. This specific architectural style is widely adopted for the grand main gates (Sanmon) and iconic red gates (Akamon) of shrines and temples designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties.

【The Shaden (Main Shrine Buildings)】

Passing through this gate reveals the main shrine grounds.

Reconstructed in 1702 (Genroku 14), the main building is a beautiful structure featuring a vibrant red lacquer finish built in the Sangen-sha Nagare-zukuri style. Currently, the Haiden (worship hall) is undergoing a large-scale preservation and restoration project, which is scheduled for completion within the 2026 fiscal year. It was a bit a pity that I could not view the complete, unobstructed view during my visit…

【The Tohaimon Gate (Mount Nantai Trailhead)】

The trailhead is located directly to the right side of the main shrine building.

The Tohaimon (Ascetic Training Gate) serves as the formal entrance to the sacred realm, leading directly to the summit of the divine mountain itself, Mount Nantai.

Those wishing to climb the mountain must register for the Tohai (ascetic mountain climb) at the shrine administrative office located right in front of the gate and pay a trail maintenance fee of 1,000 yen.

【Suijin (Water God Monument)】

This stone monument sits peacefully in the lakeside area right next to the Hama-Torii gate.

It was erected in 1921 (Taisho 10) by the local Chugushi Ferryboat Association. The monument was built to express profound gratitude for the countless blessings of Chuzenji Lake (historically known as Sachi no Umi, the Lake of Happiness) that support their livelihoods, as well as to pray for maritime safety and protection against water-related disasters.

【The “Negai-Kae-Masu” Trout Statue】

In front of the Chugushi Inari Shrine sits a charming fish sculpture.

This statue uses the trout (masu)—a symbol of the rich natural bounty of Chuzenji Lake—as its central motif. It was installed as a playful yet heartfelt monument where visitors can pray for their wishes to come true, relying on a clever Japanese play on words where the verb ending -masu (signifying a positive outcome) sounds exactly like the word for trout (masu). Thus, it carries the prayers: “May things turn out well (Yoku nari-masu)” and “May your wishes be granted (Negai ga kanai-masu).”

【The Auxiliary Shrine: Chugushi Inari Shrine】

The Chugushi Inari Shrine was built toward the end of the Edo period in 1863 (Bunkyu 3), after formally receiving a divine branch spirit (Bunrei) from Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, the ultimate head shrine of Inari worship.

The enshrined deity is Ukanomitama no Kami.

Instead of the standard Senbon Torii (thousands of closely packed red torii gates) found at typical Inari shrines, the path to Chugushi Inari Shrine is beautifully lined with an abundance of vibrant red votive banners (Nobori-fuji).

【The Auxiliary Shrine: Myoken Shrine】

Myoken Shrine is a brand-new sanctuary that was newly established and enshrined here in September 2025.

The enshrined deity is Ame no Minakanushi no Kami.

【Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi Goshuin】

【Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi Nearby Tourist Spots】

Kegon Falls, Chuzen-ji Temple, Shinkyo Bridge, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Rinno-ji Temple, Taiyuin Mausoleum, Takinoo Shrine

Kegon Falls and Kegon Shrine [Tochigi]

Nikko-zan Chuzen-ji Temple [Tochigi]

Nikko Futarasan jinja Shrine [Tochigi]

Shinkyo Bridge [Tochigi]

Nikko Toshogu Shrine [Tochigi]

Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple and Taiyuin [Tochigi]

Takino’o Shrine [Tochigi]

Jiunji Temple, Kanman Gorge [Tochigi]

【Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi Access】

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Nikko-zan Chuzen-ji Temple [Tochigi] Kegon Falls and Kegon Shrine [Tochigi] Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple and Taiyuin [Tochigi] Takino’o Shrine [Tochigi]