Sanctuary Futarasan Shrine Photo: The Sanctuary Of Futarasan Shrine

A Shinto Shrine futarasan Shrine is a temple complex, known as the Nishi-Fiji – "two shrines and one Buddhist temple, a UNESCO world heritage site, which is located in Nikko National Park. Also, the complex includes the temple Rinnoji and sanctuary Tosya-GU. Sanctuary futarasan Shrine is located between Tosya-GU and the mausoleum of the ruler Tokugawa Iemitsu Tayyibe.

The founder Rinnoji and futarasan Shrine in the eighth century became a Buddhist monk, a preacher of Gray-Senin once made the ascent to the sacred peak of the extinct volcano Nantaise, the second one is futarasan Shrine. The sanctuary was built in 767 year on top of a volcano and was dedicated to the three kami of Shinto deities Tarot sacred mountains, Nantai and Necho, their names – Okuninushi, Tahoraiti and Azacitidine. It is the oldest of the three shrines called futarasan Shrine in Nikko, another one is located next to lake Chuzenji and the third – near Tosya-GU, built in 1617. It is recognized as one of the most ancient buildings in Nikko.

One of the attractions of the sanctuary – the bridge on the river Daya, is covered with red lacquer and recognized as one of the most beautiful bridges in Japan. Its length is 28 meters, width about 7, 5 meters, height – more than 10, 5 meters. According to legend, a monk Gray-Senin together with followers could not get across the river, and in answer to his prayer came Jinja Shrine deity Daiyu. It released the snakes of red and blue, which was coiled and formed a bridge, curved like a rainbow. In the middle ages by a bridge could be messengers of the Imperial court, for the public, it was opened only in 1973.

Long times, the Church belonged to the sect Shugendo, the monks of which were in the mountains living a nomadic existence.

In mid-April in the sanctuary celebrate Yayoi-Matsuri, during which perform the ritual Kagura dances.

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