Nikko Travel: Rinnoji Temple

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Rinnoji Temple

of 13 most visited
sights in Nikko

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Sanbutsudo before the renovation works

Rinnoji is Nikko's most important temple. It was founded by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko in the 8th century.

The temple's main building, the Sanbutsudo, houses large, gold lacquered, wooden statues of Amida, Senju-Kannon ("Kannon with a thousand arms") and Bato-Kannon ("Kannon with a horse head"). The three deities are regarded as Buddhist manifestations of Nikko's three mountain kami ("Shinto gods") enshrined at Futarasan Shrine.

Sanbutsudo being renovated (April 17, 2011)

Construction Notice: The Sanbutsudo Hall is currently undergoing major renovation works, which are scheduled to last until March 2021. During this period, the temple hall is covered by a huge scaffolding structure, but it remains open to tourists.

Opposite Sanbutsudo stands the temple's treasure house with Buddhist and Tokugawa related exhibits. Shoyoen, a small Japanese style garden, is located next to the treasure house.

Shoyoen Garden

Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

How to get there

Rinnoji stands just a few steps east of Toshogu, a 30-40 minute walk or 10 minute bus ride (300 yen one way, 500 yen day pass, covered by the free passes) from Tobu and JR Nikko Stations.

How to get to and around Nikko

Google Map

Hours and Fees

Hours:	8:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from November through March) Admission closes 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed:	No closing days
Admission:	400 yen (Sanbutsudo only) 300 yen (Treasure House and Shoyoen Garden) 1000 yen (combination ticket that also covers Toshogu, Taiyuinbyo and Futarasan Shrine, but does not include admission to Rinnoji's treasure house and garden.)

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Tours and Packages

Nikko Tours
Various tours and travel packages for Nikko and surroundings.

User Ratings

Ratings for Rinnoji Temple:

japan-guide.com Rating:		outstanding
User Rating (by 423 users):	85/100	recommended

Best rated sights nationwide (out of 728):

160. Gion (Kyoto) 85/100

161. Eastern Coast (Shiretoko) 85/100

162. Mount Mitake (Tokyo) 85/100

163. Railway Museum (Saitama) 85/100

164. Ninjadera (Kanazawa) 85/100

165. Rinnoji Temple (Nikko) 85/100

166. Sanuki Udon (Takamatsu) 85/100

167. Mount Shosha (Himeji) 85/100

168. Futarasan Shrine (Nikko) 85/100

169. Universal Studios (Osaka) 85/100

Most visited sights nationwide (out of 847):

77. Toji Temple (Kyoto) 866

78. Kasuga Taisha (Nara) 832

79. Clock Tower (Sapporo) 816

80. JR Central Towers (Nagoya) 806

81. Daisho-in Temple (Miyajima) 783

82. Rinnoji Temple (Nikko) 770

83. Ryogoku (Tokyo) 770

84. Bay Area (Osaka) 765

85. Nagasaki Peace Park (Nagasaki) 763

86. Zojoji Temple (Tokyo) 761

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Japanese Links

Rinnoji Temple
Official website.

Related Pages

Travel
Sightseeing
Kanto Region
Nikko

Sights under construction

Temples
Buddhism

Toshogu Shrine
Taiyuinbyo
Rinnoji Temple
Futarasan Shrine
Shinkyo Bridge
Tamozawa Imperial Villa
Botanical Garden
Kanmangafuchi Abyss

Lake Chuzenji
Kegon Waterfall
Ryuzu Waterfall
Senjogahara Marshland
Yumoto Onsen

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