Utsunomiya Futarasan Jinja

Utsunomiya Futarasan Jinja is an ancient shrine with over 1,600 years of history, reigning as the tutelary shrine of Utsunomiya. According to tradition, it was founded during the reign of the 10th Emperor Sujin, and enshrines Toyoki Irihiko no Mikoto as its principal deity. In the Heian period, it held the prestigious rank of First Shrine of Shimotsuke Province. It received devout reverence from Minamoto Yoritomo, the Ashikaga clan, and the Tokugawa house, and was also renowned as a guardian deity of the warrior class. Today, it continues to welcome many pilgrims during New Year's visits, watching over the development of the city famous for Utsunomiya gyoza. It continues to be beloved by the people for its wide-ranging benefits such as household safety and business prosperity.