Futaarayama Shrine, once known as Utsunomiya Daimyojin, is rich in history. It is believed that this shrine was built around 1,600 years ago and has been revered by locals ever since. It is considered the top shrine in Shimotsuke Province (modern-day Tochigi Prefecture), and Utsunomiya has prospered under its protection for generations.

Utsunomiya was once ruled by Lord Utsunomiya during the Middle Ages. Based in Utsunomiya Castle, Lord Utsunomiya also served as the chief priest at Futaarayama Shrine, performing rituals while governing the area.

In the old days, famous warlords such as Fujiwara Hidesato, Minamoto no Yorie, and Minamoto no Yoritomo visited Futaarayama Shrine to pray for victory in battle. It is also said that during the Sengoku Period, Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was on his way to defeat Uesugi and learned that Ishida Mitsunari was about to raise an army, also paid a visit to the shrine to pray for victory in battle.

■5:00 p.m. - Prayer to ward off evil by a Shinto priest in the worship hall at dusk.

The worship hall looks up to the main shrine, the sanctuary of Futaarayama Shrine.

The main shrine is home to the ancestral god, Soujigami, who brings good luck and endless blessings and benefits to life, and whose presence creates a solemn atmosphere surrounding the area.

In this tour, you can experience prayer to ward off evil by a priest in such a majestic sanctuary. The prayer, which is usually held during the day, will be offered specially at dusk.

Despite being in the center of bustling Utsunomiya, the voice of the Shinto prayer echoing over the quiet grounds will deliver your prayers to heaven.

■Option 2: Travel Back in Time Dressed as a Samurai

Utsunomiya has been a castle city since the Middle Ages, and the history of Utsunomiya has been passed down to the present day by the citizens of Utsunomiya. The Jidai Gyoretsu (Procession of the Ages), which references the entry into the castle by the lord of Utsunomiya Castle, is one of the best ways to travel back in time to the Edo period. In this optional program, experience more deeply the history of Utsunomiya by wearing the samurai costume worn in the Jidai Gyoretsu and visit the ruins of Utsunomiya Castle and nearby cultural assets before, during, and after the tour at Futaarayama Shrine.

*Only men's costumes are available (women can also wear them). Specialized staff will assist you in dressing.

This is an article introducing travel products of Xperisus Inc.
Please refer to the Xperisus Inc. website for the detailed terms and conditions of this tour/travel product.