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Sacred SitesKanto / Tochigi

Mt. Nantai (Nikko Futarasan Jinja Oku-miya)

栃木県日光市中宮祠2484(二荒山神社中宮祠)View on map

Map

Mt. Nantai (2,486 m), the sacred body of Nikko Futarasan Jinja, has been venerated as a holy peak since ancient times. During the annual pilgrimage season from May to October, many worshippers make the ascent to pay their respects at the summit shrine.

Sacred Site Info

Type
神山・御神体山
Legend
日光二荒山神社の御神体山。標高2486mの山頂に奥宮がある。日光信仰の根本となった古来からの聖山
Element
山・火・雷

History & Origins

Records show that the mountain was first climbed in 782 CE by Shodo Shonin, the founding monk of Nikko. Ever since, it has been the central sacred mountain of Nikko faith, deeply revered by ascetic practitioners, warriors, and ordinary people alike.

Highlights

The Oku-miya (inner shrine) at the summit, panoramic views of Lake Chuzenji, the Kanto Plain, and the Nikko mountain range from the top, and the views of the Akanagi ridge encountered along the ascent are all memorable.

Visitor Guide

Entry is permitted only during the official pilgrimage season (May 5 – October 25) with a trail entry fee. Allow 6–8 hours for the round trip—this is a genuine mountain climb. The sunrise from the summit is spectacular.

Best Season

The pilgrimage season (May–October), with September–October especially beautiful for autumn foliage and mountain scenery.

Attributes

Five Elements
Deity / Principal Image
山の神
Spiritual
活性

Annual Events

  • 7月31日〜8月1日

    男体山登拝大祭

    登拝シーズンの中心となる大祭。深夜から一斉登拝が行われる