After visiting Utsunomiya Castle Park, I went to Futaarayama Shrine. As with all shrines it seems, there were many many steps!
Halfway up the steps, to the right and the left is another/different shrine called Sugahara Shrine.
At the top of the steps, is the gate to Utsunomiya Futaarayama Shrine, which was founded about 1600 years ago. The city of Utsunomiya grew up around it. Over the years, many fires destroyed different parts of the shrine. The main building burned during the Boshin War (1868-1869). The current main building was reconstructed in 1877.
To the left of the main shrine buildings is yet a third shrine, Hatsutasu Inari Shrine.
And back down again.
I enjoyed my quick visit to Utsunomiya. After the shrines, I headed back to the train station to go home. It was a good weekend trip!
I got off the train in Utsunomiya and walked to Castle Park from the train station. I couldn't pass up seeing a Japanese castle, or in this case reconstructed turrets and a museum on the grounds of where the castle used to be. It was a pleasant walk from the station to the park.
I never expect English signage, but I'm always happy to find it.
You can come in and look around, but take your shoes off first.
This one is just like the other one.
This sign isn't in English, but I still understand.
There is a large elevator and a concrete tunnel between the turrets, with a museum.
I'm happy I was able to see another castle park. (If you are interested in Japanese Castles, check out my Castle Page to see the castles I've visited.)
