The most renowned shrine of “the Shrines and Temples of Nikko”-a UNESCO world heritage site where Ieyasu Tokugawa, the great Shogun who started the Edo Period, is enshrined. Most of the shrine complex you see today was rebuilt in 17th century. The shrine contains 55 buildings including 8 national treasures and 34 listed buildings. The highlights are many colorful buildings which are richly decorated with gorgeous carvings. Do not miss the symbol of peace “Sleeping Cat”, and the “Three Monkeys” with the “see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil” poses!

Enter a spiritual world filled with natural beauty, lavish detailing, and vibrant coloring.

Nikko, the land where the gods lives. Nikko has been an important area for “Mountain Beliefs” since the Japanese monk Shodo Shonin became the founder of Nikko in 766. Many temples and shrines have been established in the Nikko area, making Nikko an extremely important center of faith and a place where spiritual energy meets.   After Tokugawa Ieyasu, who founded the Edo Shogunate, was named “Tosho Daigongen” and buried in Nikkō Tōshō-gū Shinto Shrine, Nikko was honored and cared for by the Shogunate, and became a well-known religious shrine. With the support of the Shogunate, many of Nikko's temples were properly maintained, and even the carvings on the buildings are lavish and beautiful, crystallizing the traditional craftsmanship of the whole of Japan.   World Heritage Site "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" The “Shrines and Temples of Nikko”, which was officially recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1999, consists of three temples and shrines, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Rinnoji Temple, and Nikko Futarasan Shrine, and has a total of 103 buildings (9 National Treasures and 94 Important Cultural Properties).   Nikkō Tōshō-gū is famous for honoring Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate, and there are many splendid and delicate carvings inside the shrine, which are said to be the masterpieces of the best craftsmen from all over Japan. Today, this traditional art has been passed down from the descendants of these craftsmen to the local Nikko traditional art of Nikko Bori (Nikko carving).   Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple, originally founded by Shodo Shonin, has a long history in Nikko. In addition to the main hall of the temple, which is known for being the largest wooden complex in the entire Eastern Japan region, the “Taiyuin Temple,” dedicated to Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Edo Shogunate, also attracts travelers with its intricate and beautiful carvings.   Nikko Futarasan Shrine was also built by Shodo Shonin and has been called “Shimono Province's first Shrine (present-day Tochigi Prefecture)” since ancient times. In addition to managing Mt. Nantai, which is a symbol of mountain beliefs, Nikko Futarasan Shrine also holds the “Yayoi Festival” every year, which symbolizes the visit of spring to the Nikko area and is a must-see festival for tourists.  

History of Futarasan Shrine About 1,200 years ago, a famous monk Shodo Shonin found Shihonryu-ji Temple (belong to Rinno-ji Temple) and Futarasan Shrine (today’s “Hongu Shrine” belong to Futarasan Shrine). It symbolized the begin of the mountain beliefs of Mount Nantai. Since then, Futarasan Shrine was called “Ichinomiya (first shrine) of Shimotsuke Province” and became the center of faith in Nikko.   What makes Futarasan Shrine different? The main deity of Futarasan Shrine is Okuniushi, who is known for good luck and success in love. Many people come here to pray for the success of their interpersonal relationships.   The wooden vermillion bridge “Shinkyo” located at the entrance of Mount Nikko is belonging to the shrine, welcomes visitors to the world heritage site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko”.   You can also visit the Oku-no-miya located at the summit of Mount Nantai and the Middle Shrine located on the shore of Lake Chuzenji, both are famous power spots in Nikko.   The shrine holds famous festival “Yayoi Festival” every April, you can see many beautiful mikoshi and enjoy traditional music during the event.   ※World Heritage Site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko” includes Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Rinno-ji Temple and Nikko Futarasan Shrine.

The Yayoi Festival is a traditional event in Nikko that marks the arrival of spring. Held annually from April 13 to April 17, this historic festival has been a part of Nikko’s cultural heritage for centuries. The festival is believed to have originated during the Jingokeiun era (767–770) as a grand ritual to celebrate the changing seasons. It was originally held in the third month of the lunar calendar, which is called "Yayoi" in Japan, meaning a time when nature flourishes. After the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1873, the festival continued in its current form, maintaining its deep-rooted traditions. Festival Highlights The festival officially begins on April 13 with a procession of beautifully decorated mikoshi (portable shrines) from the Honsha, Takiou, and Hongu Shrines. However, the most spectacular part of the event takes place on the final day, April 17. During the five-day celebration, various rituals are performed to honor the deities, but the most anticipated events are the Grand Festival (April 16) and the Procession of Floats (April 17). On these two days, eleven different neighborhoods from eastern and western Nikko bring out their elaborately adorned azalea floats and lively traditional musical bands, parading through the streets of the city. The highlight occurs when all the floats gather within the shrine grounds. Following an ancient custom, representatives from each town exchange greetings and name cards before the floats, accompanied by traditional hayashi (festival music), circle the shrine. On April 17, the festival reaches its climax when representatives from Ishiya-machi, the town responsible for that year’s festival, lead the crowd with spirited chants as they push the massive floats up the stone steps of the shrine’s sando (approach path) in a dramatic display of strength and unity. A Festival Steeped in Tradition The Yayoi Festival strictly follows ancient traditions, with every step of the ritual conducted as it has been for generations. Locals believe that any deviation from the traditional methods could bring misfortune, adding to the festival’s reputation as a “troublesome” or “chaotic” festival. Because of this, some people even refer to it as the “GOTA Festival”, where "GOTA" symbolizes trouble or disputes. This nickname has also led to the festival being called the “Quarrel Festival”, highlighting the passionate dedication and fiery energy of its participants. Steeped in history and rich cultural significance, the Yayoi Festival is a must-see event for anyone visiting Nikko in spring. It offers a rare opportunity to witness Japan’s traditional rituals, dynamic parades, and the deep community spirit that has kept this festival alive for over a millennium.