Futara Reisen, Futara Sacred Spring
This spring draws water from two different sacred sources at Nikko Futarasan Shrine. The first, called “Yakushi no reisui,” or healing sacred water, wells up from the mountain behind the main hall. This water is believed to improve eye conditions. The second source originates alongside Takinoo Shrine, approximately 1 km west. Known as “Sake no izumi,” sake produced using this water is particularly delicious. Every spring and autumn, sake brewers come from across Japan to take back some of the water to use in their sake making. The barrels of sake near the entrance of the main shrine are donated by these brewers.
The Futara Sacred Spring is a Fountain of Youth, and visitors come here to drink its waters in the hope of good health and rejuvenation.