Mt. Nantai (Nikko Futarasan Jinja Oku-miya)
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
- Sacred mountain and mountain as object of worship
- Legend
- As the mountain that is the object of worship of Nikko Futarasan Jinja, it has long been regarded as a sacred mountain of mountain worship. Shodo Shonin is said to have reached its summit in the first year of the Enryaku era (782). It is revered as a sacred peak embodying the power of mountain, thunder and fire.
- Element
- Mountain, fire, thunder
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
Annual Events
- August
Nantaisan Tohai Kosha Taisai (Mt. Nantai Climbing Association Grand Festival)
A grand festival held August 1–7. During this period many ascetics climb from late at night, and devotional mountain climbing is flourishing.
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