Nikko's Venerable Futara-san Shrine

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

Larry Knipfing May 24, 2012 - 1 min read

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

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

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

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

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.

Larry Knipfing @larry.knipfing

Born on Long Island, New York in 1958, I have spent the last 30 years of my life living in Japan, and enjoying every minute of it! I especially love photography, and Japan is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world to photograph! My other love is fiction writing and I have pub...