Nikko Futarasan Chugushi Shrine 日光二荒山中宮祠神社

Religious practice in this area was originally a blend of an early form of Shinto, Buddhism, and the mountain religion known as Shugendo. It was only with the separation of Shinto and Buddhism that occurred after the Meiji Restoration of 1868 that Futarasan, including Chugushi, became exclusively Shinto.

Chugushi Shrine Highlights

Kaguraden

Sacred dances (kagura) are offered to the gods, and Daikokuten, the god of wealth and one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods, is enshrined here.

Worship Hall (haiden) and Inner Sanctuary (honden)

Both structures were built in 1701 and are designated Important Cultural Properties. The worship hall is open to the public and many rites and ceremonies are held here. The inner sanctuary, located behind the worship hall, is where the main deity is enshrined.

Seven Lucky Gods (shichi fukujin)

In Japan, seven deities from the Hindu, Buddhism, and Shinto pantheons are collectively known as the Seven Lucky Gods. Stone figures of these seven deities are located around the shrine complex.

Entrance to Mt. Nantai

The entrance to the path leading to the summit of Mt. Nantai is just beyond the main buildings of the shrine precincts. The path is open during the climbing season, from May 5 through October 25.

Museum

The Chugushi Museum holds an excellent collection of swords, including Nenekirimaru, an Important Cultural Property renowned as Japan’s longest sword. Other treasures include three portable shrines (mikoshi), which were given to the shrine in 1389, a metal priest’s staff (shakujo), said to have been used by Shodo Shonin, and religious objects excavated at the summit of Mt. Nantai. The museum is located to the east of the shrine.

Imperial Residence

Between the main shrine buildings and the museum is a wooden, two-storied building used by Emperor Taisho (1879–1926) when he visited the area. It now serves as the shrine office and the office of the religious association affiliated with Mt. Nantai. It is not open to the public.

Chugushi Inari jinja Shrine

Outside the Chinese-style gate with curved gables that is the main entrance to the shrine compound is a shrine to Uga no Mitama no Kami, a deity associated with food and agriculture. Uga no Mitama no Kami is often identified with Inari, the deity of agriculture (particularly rice farming) and success in business.