Onsen Jinja (Hot Spring Shrine)

The torii gates and lion-dog statues were relatively new. The stone lanterns date to Bunka 11 (1814), the year of the Dog, and An'ei 5 (1775), the year of the Monkey. The stairs aren't particularly long, but they were so steep my knees were hurting. The goshuin (temple seal) was available at the office of Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi. The goshuin (temple seal) at Onsen Shrine is stamped and not handwritten. Several hotels on both sides of the road leading to the shrine had gone out of business, and the hotel I'd set up on my car navigation system to head to the shrine was no longer open as soon as I saw its entrance. It felt deserted compared to when I visited a few years ago.

The enshrined deity is Oonamuchi-no-Mikoto. When it comes to hot spring shrines, the enshrined deity is usually Oonamuchi-no-Mikoto. Sometimes there are other deities enshrined. Within the precincts are Oyamazumi Shrine and Inari Shrine. There is a small shrine office, but it was empty even on Sunday. It seems that you can get goshuin stamps and amulets at Futarasan Shrine Chugushi. Be careful as the steps to the shrine are high and narrow. It's not that high, but the view is quite impressive. If the mountains were covered in snow, it would be a picturesque sight.

I paid a visit to the shrine when I stopped by Yumoto. It is enshrined on a hill above the inn district, and you can get a goshuin (temple seal) at Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi. The high stairs are steep, about a 30-meter climb, so it's not too difficult, but it's best to be careful not to slip when descending. It's small, but the air felt cooler when I passed through the torii gate. I believe it's a god protecting the hot spring town from its perch.

September 8, 2025 The founding date of Nikko Onsen Shrine is unknown, but it is said that people have prayed for the flow of hot springs and the health of the people here since ancient times. Located near the source of Nikko Yumoto Onsen, it's a great place to stop by on your stroll through the hot spring town. The grounds are small, but the pure air makes for a peaceful place to worship. I even encountered a deer 🦌. ⚠️The stone steps are steep.⚠️

Although it is a hot spring shrine, it is not a large shrine like the ones in Nasu, but rather a local village shrine. It is located on a hill, so the view is great on clear days. You can see remnants of the ancient syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism.