Rinnoji (Ö€, Rinnōji) 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 deities which are enshrined at Futarasan Shrine. A decade-long renovation of the Sanbutsudo was completed in spring 2019.
Opposite Sanbutsudo stands the temple's treasure house with Buddhist and Tokugawa related exhibits. Shoyoen, a small Japanese style garden, is located behind the treasure house. The garden is a popular autumn leaf spot with its many maple trees standing photogenically around its central pond. Autumn colors peak here typically around the first half of November.
Getting there and around
Rinnoji stands just a few steps east of Toshogu, a 30-40 minute walk or 10 minute bus ride (320 yen one way, 500 yen day pass, covered by the Nikko Passes) from Tobu and JR Nikko Stations.
How to get to and around Nikko
Hours and Fees
Hours
Admission closes 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed
Admission
900 yen (Sanbutsudo and Taiyuin)
300 yen (Treasure House and Shoyoen Garden)
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Nikko
