Rinnoji Temple
Rinnoji (։, 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.
Opposite Sanbutsudo stands the temple's treasure house with Buddhist and Tokugawa related exhibits. Shoyoen, a small Japanese style garden, is located next 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.
Access
Rinnoji stands just a few steps east of Toshogu, a 30-40 minute walk or 10 minute bus ride (310 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 & Fees
Hours
Admission closes 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed
Admission
300 yen (Treasure House and Shoyoen Garden)
The sale of the convenient 1000 yen combination ticket has been suspended indefinitely due to a lack of consensus between the participating shrines and temples.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Nikko
Tours and travel services
