Musha Festival

An old-fashioned traditional event that has continued since the Muromachi period (1333-1588).

On January 4 each year, the Musha Festival, an annual Shinto ritual in which arrows are shot toward Mount Akagi, is held at Futarasan Shrine’s Chugu Shrine on the shore of Lake Chuzenji. It is based on a legend of Gods warfare, and is a tradition that has continued since the Muromachi period.

In the legend of the Gods battle, the deity of Mount Nantai in Nikko changed himself into a “giant snake,” and the deity of Mount Akagi in Gunma changed into a “giant centipede” and fought over at Senjogahara. It is said that the deity of Mount Nantai won the warfare.

In accordance with the legend, the Guji (head of priests) stands on the Kamishimbashi and releases the first arrow, with a shout of “Ya” as a cold wind blows, followed by the priests and archers dressed in kariginu, who shoot arrows one after another in the direction of Mount Akagi in this heroic ritual.

Location Map

Basic Information

Address	2484 Chugushi, Nikko City, Tochigi
Telephone Number	0288-55-0017
Date	January 4 every year
Time	10:00〜
Venue	Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi's Kamishimbashi
DIRECTIONS	Take the bus from JR Nikko or Tobu Nikko Station bound for "Yumoto Onsen", and get off at "Futarasan Jinja Chugushi" stop.
Map Code	947 268 564*60

Nikko Area

The Nikko area, in the northwestern part of the prefecture, is particularly mountainous. In the midst of the rich nature, including the 2,486-meter-high volcano Mt. Nantai, Lake Chuzenji, and Kegon Falls, there are numerous shrines and temples that are registered as UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites. From Kinugawa Onsen to Kawaji Onsen, hot springs can also be found throughout the area. There are a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy as well, such as stand-up paddleboarding in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter.