Nikko Futarasan Shrine
Sacred Tree of Matchmaking
The sacred tree near the great tori (gate) is a peculiar tree that is a little different from ordinary trees, as it is formed by two different species that of cedar and oak, making up a single tree. It has, therefore, become famous as a sacred tree for matchmaking. Try offering a prayer, if you wish to bring in some luck for your relationships.
Meoto (Husband and Wife) Cedar and Oyako (Parent and Child) Cedar
When you head from the gate towards the hall, you will see two great cedar trees standing close to each other and these are called Meoto Sugi (husband and wife cedar). These two trees grow from one single root and as they appear to be affectionately standing side by side, it is said the trees give blessings for a good marriage. Nearby the Meoto Sugi, there are three great cedars next to each other that are called Oyako Sugi (parent child cedar) and believed to give blessings for a good family relationship.
Three Waters that Possess Mysterious Powers
Going further into the premises, there is a spot with a sacred spring that is believed to improve your luck if you touch or drink its water. The sacred spring consists of three kinds of streams, each of which possess mysterious powers; the "water of wisdom" provides wisdom, the "sake spring" improves eye health and the "youth water" renews one's youth.
Shinkyo, the Symbol of Nikkosan
Shinkyo (god bridge) at the entrance of Nikkosan, where Nikko Futarasan is located, is said to have been placed by god when the shrine was founded in Nikko, and is registered as part of a World Heritage Site for its beauty. Shinkyo, with its vivid red that blends into the beautiful nature of Nikkosan, has become a symbol of Nikko's tourism for its sublime appearance.
Sacred Tree of Matchmaking
The sacred tree near the great tori (gate) is a peculiar tree that is a little different from ordinary trees, as it is formed by two different species that of cedar and oak, making up a single tree. It has, therefore, become famous as a sacred tree for matchmaking. Try offering a prayer, if you wish to bring in some luck for your relationships.
Meoto (Husband and Wife) Cedar and Oyako (Parent and Child) Cedar
When you head from the gate towards the hall, you will see two great cedar trees standing close to each other and these are called Meoto Sugi (husband and wife cedar). These two trees grow from one single root and as they appear to be affectionately standing side by side, it is said the trees give blessings for a good marriage. Nearby the Meoto Sugi, there are three great cedars next to each other that are called Oyako Sugi (parent child cedar) and believed to give blessings for a good family relationship.
Three Waters that Possess Mysterious Powers
Going further into the premises, there is a spot with a sacred spring that is believed to improve your luck if you touch or drink its water. The sacred spring consists of three kinds of streams, each of which possess mysterious powers; the "water of wisdom" provides wisdom, the "sake spring" improves eye health and the "youth water" renews one's youth.
Shinkyo, the Symbol of Nikkosan
Shinkyo (god bridge) at the entrance of Nikkosan, where Nikko Futarasan is located, is said to have been placed by god when the shrine was founded in Nikko, and is registered as part of a World Heritage Site for its beauty. Shinkyo, with its vivid red that blends into the beautiful nature of Nikkosan, has become a symbol of Nikko's tourism for its sublime appearance.
