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  • See & Do
  • Nasu Area

Nasu Yuzen Shrine

  • History
  • Culture

A shrine created as a thanksgiving for the discovery of the hot springs.

History of Nasu Yuzen Shrine

It is said that a hunter named Kano found onsen here when he was trying to hunt a white deer. He built this shrine for thanksgiving. According to an article written in Nara period (A.D 710~794), we can confirm that the shrine already existed during that time.

 

During the Genpei War in 12th century, an archer called Nasu Yoichi came here to pray for victory over Taira family’s army. He shot down a fan by one arrow that enemy put on the front of their boat when he stood on the ground. It made him became legend and the shrine became very famous for blessing Yoichi. Yoichi donated his bow and arrow to the shrine, which became shrine’s tressure later.

 

Shrine’s famous festival

The most important event of the shrine is the “Dai Festival”, which is held on October 8 and 9 every year. They dedicate onsen to the God, and perform a traditional dance called “Urayasu Dance”.

 

Then on October 9, people perform another traditional dance called “Ozawa’s Lion Dance,” which is designated as the “Intangible Cultural Property of Nasu Machi” to pray for prosperity.

 

There is also a famous festival be held on the last weekend of May, the “Nasu Seshosseki Gojinka Festival”. The highlight of the festival is a parade from Yuzen Shrine to Sesshoseki by participants attired in white clothing with torches.

Location Map

Basic Information

Address 182 Yumoto, Nasu Machi, Tochigi
Telephone Number 0287-76-2306
Website http://nasu-yuzen.jp/
Map Code 203 330 548*34

Nasu Area

The Nasu area, in the northeastern part of the prefecture, is famous for the imperial villa located there, and is one of Japan’s premier resort areas with its expansive highlands. The climate has allowed the development of a thriving dairy industry, and while there, you can visit a dairy farm that is open to tourists and offers delicious sweets made from milk, such as soft-serve ice cream and cheesecake. There are also many family-friendly facilities like Safari Park, amusement parks, and hot spring facilities like Shiobara Onsen.

Seasons in Tochigi