Located in the World Heritage area of Nikko, Futarasan Shrine is one of the top attractions to visit during your trip to Nikko. Founded in 782, Futarasan was founded by the first Buddhist Head Priest in Nikko, Shodo Shonin. Shonin actually brought Buddhism to Nikko, and he also founded nearby Rinnoji Temple. Futarasan is mostly free to visit, with the exception of the Shrine’s garden where visitors have to pay a small fee of 300 yen enter.

Visitors can reach Futarasan Shrine by taking the Nikko sightseeing bus from Tobu Nikko station to Shinkyo Bridge. The bus ride will take approximately 5 minutes. From Shinkyo Bridge, you will enter the start of the Nikko Heritage Area and Futarasan Shrine will take approximately 15 minutes to reach. You can also get off at the Nishisando bus stop, and from there Futarasan Shrine is a 5 minute walk.

Futarasan is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to the three Mountain Gods/ Deities of Nikko. These Deities consist of the sacred mountains of Mount Nantai, Mount Nyoho, and Mount Taro. As visitors enter the grounds of Futarasan, they are greeted by its large Torii gate and steps leading up to the main shrine grounds. As you enter the main area of the shrine, you will be greeted by a golden Rabbit! The rabbit was unveiled to celebrate the 1240th anniversary of Shodo Shonin. Rabbits in Japan are said to represent good fortune and success. Over time Futarasan has also become known for the good fortune it brings to relationships and match making, therefore visitors will see a lot of heart shaped motifs around the shrine’s grounds.

The shrine is nestled among the forest and trees, and is a beautiful sight to witness. If you want to experience more of Futarasan, make sure to visit the paid area which consists of a forested garden including sacred Cedar trees, smaller worships halls and shrines, a sacred spring, as well as a small walking trail where statues of the Seven Lucky Gods can be found.

Futarasan is also home to two swords designated as National Treasure of Japan! There is a small shrine shop where visitors can buy a paper fortune or lucky charms specific to the shrine itself. As Futarasan is in the Heritage area, we also recommend visiting the nearby Taiyuin Temple , Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple.

Want to experience Futarasan Shrine for yourself?

Why not join our ’1 Day Tour : Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park’ tour . Available throughout the year, this is the perfect tour to venture out of Tokyo. The tour does not include Futarasan Shrine, but during free time you may wish to explore it. All tours are led by locally-based guides and will take you around the must-see sights in the region, as well as some lesser known gems. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner.

1 Day Tour

1 Day Tour : Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park
Period	April – October
Time	08:40 – 19:15
Meeting Place	Outside Asakusa Ekimise Department Store
Adult Rate	¥24,900
Child Rate	¥18,900