6 Must-Visit Places in Tochigi

Tochigi is home to various recommended spots brimming with unique powers. These include Futarasan Shrine, where the Tengu deity protects against misfortune and brings good luck; Washi-no-Miya Shrine, known for its sacred owl symbolizing happiness; Nasu Onsen Shrine, offering blessings for traffic safety and safe childbirth; Sano Yakuyoke Daishi, renowned for warding off evil; Utsunomiya Futarayama Shrine, where visitors draw energy from its natural spring water; and Chuzenji Temple, known for fulfilling wishes of love and good relationships.
You can choose a spot based on the wish you want to fulfill or combine a tour of power spots with sightseeing for an enriching experience. Visiting these power spots might just bring positive energy into your life, helping you face each day with optimism and vitality.

1. Furumine Shrine

The first popular power spot in Tochigi is Furumine Shrine (Furumine Jinja). This historic shrine enshrines the deity Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, with Tengu (spiritual beings) serving as messengers of the deity. These Tengu are believed to protect visitors by warding off misfortunes, earning the shrine the nickname "Shrine of Tengu."
Furumine Shrine is recommended for those seeking blessings for good fortune, protection from fire, traffic safety, and maritime safety. The main shrine features wooden statues of Great Tengu and Crow Tengu, while its corridors display numerous Tengu masks offered by worshippers. The shrine’s unique goshuin (seal stamps) even feature Tengu illustrations. Why not visit Furumine Shrine to receive its spiritual energy and collect a special goshuin?

2. Chuzenji Temple: Praying for Love and Good Relationships

For those wishing to find love or foster good relationships, Chuzenji Temple is a notable destination. Located as a sub-temple of the World Heritage Site Nikko Rinnoji, Chuzenji features a small Aizen-do Hall in front of the main building. Inside the hall, a statue of Aizen Myo-o and red flags are enshrined, and praying here is believed to bring blessings for good relationships.
Nearby, Lake Chuzenji is also considered a spiritually powerful spot. While praying for good relationships at Chuzenji Temple, be sure to visit the lake as well. Opportunities for good relationships may not come often, so take the time to pray earnestly for blessings.

3. Washinoyama Shrine: Also Known as the "Owl Shrine"

Washinoyama Shrine (Torinoko Sanjo Jinja) enshrines the bird deity, Amenohiwashi no Mikoto. Since ancient times, owls have been worshipped as divine messengers, giving the shrine its nickname, "Owl Shrine," or "Torinoko-san." Owls are considered sacred birds of happiness, symbolized by kanji such as “不苦労” (no hardship), “福来郎” (fortune-bringing owl), and “福老” (long-lived fortune). The numerous owl statues on the grounds make this a popular power spot for attracting good fortune and financial blessings. The adorable owl-themed goshuin book is another highlight.
Situated at the summit of Washinoyama, a sacred mountain, the shrine allows visitors to feel the mountain’s spiritual energy. If you're planning a trip to Tochigi, consider stopping by Washinoyama Shrine. Though located on the border of Tochigi and Ibaraki Prefectures, the Ibaraki side offers more accessible routes.

4. Sano Yakuyoke Daishi: Protection Against Misfortune, Safety, and Wish Fulfillment

The Soujuji Temple (Sano Yakuyoke Daishi), affiliated with the Tendai sect, is one of the Three Great Yakuyoke Daishi Temples of Kanto. It enshrines Ganzan Jiei Daishi, the principal deity known for warding off misfortune. This temple is a recommended power spot in Tochigi for blessings of protection, personal safety, and fulfilling heartfelt wishes.
Spiritual and physical well-being are interconnected, and stress from personal or familial illness can be overwhelming. Here, visitors can offer prayers for recovery and reflect on maintaining their own health. If things haven't been going smoothly lately, consider visiting Sano Yakuyoke Daishi for a blessing.

5. Nasu Onsen Shrine: A Power Spot for Traffic Safety and Safe Childbirth

Nasu Onsen Shrine dates back to the reign of Emperor Jomei, when a hunter named Karin Saburo Yukihiro discovered a healing hot spring while chasing an injured white deer. The shrine is now a well-known power spot for blessings related to traffic safety and safe childbirth.
The sacred tree known as “Ikiru” is an 800-year-old Mizunara oak tree, while the Sazare-ishi (pebble stones) are believed to imbue visitors with spiritual energy upon touch. A legend states that the shrine was visited by Nasu no Yoichi, a famous archer from "The Tale of the Heike," to pray for victory. This is where he pledged allegiance to Yoshitsune of the Genji clan.

6. Utsunomiya Futarayama Shrine: Known for the Sacred Water “Myojin no I”

The final power spot in Tochigi is Utsunomiya Futarayama Shrine, also known as "Utsunomiya Daimyojin" or "Futara-san." Its main deity is Toyokiirihiko no Mikoto, and the shrine is considered a spiritual gateway that channels northern energy towards Tokyo, making it a popular spot for success-related prayers.
The sacred spring “Myojin no I”, one of Utsunomiya’s famous "Seven Waters," is said to grant men a nurturing spirit and women beauty and kindness. Be sure to have a taste. The shrine dates back to Emperor Nintoku's 41st year of reign, when Toyokiirihiko no Mikoto was enshrined as the local guardian deity, making it a place of rich historical significance and growing spiritual appeal.

Conclusion

Tochigi is home to numerous power spots, making it a perfect destination for a power spot pilgrimage. These locations are especially popular among those praying for good relationships, but they’re also great for a refreshing change of scenery. A visit to these shrines and temples could bring positive energy and improve your mindset.
Everyone has worries and desires, and during such times, a visit to a shrine or temple might provide solace and strength. Borrowing the energy of these spiritual places can help bring peace to your heart and open the door to new discoveries.
This guide introduced some of the most recommended power spots in Tochigi. We hope it serves as a useful reference for your next power spot tour in Tochigi Prefecture.

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