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Nikkosan Rinno-ji (日光山輪王寺), also known as Rinno-ji Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It was founded in 766 by the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin, who was also the founder of Nikko’s mountain worship. Rinno-ji is one of the shrines and temples of Nikko designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Rinno-ji is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, housing several buildings and structures, some of which are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
One of the main attractions of Rinno-ji is the Sanbutsudo (三仏堂), or Three Buddha Hall. The statues enshrined within the hall are Thousand-Armed Kannon (Senju Kannon) in the center, Amida Nyorai on the right, and Bato Kannon on the left. All three statues are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The hall itself was originally built in 1617 but was destroyed by fire several times over the centuries. The current structure dates back to 1904.
While often considered a part of Rinno-ji, Taiyuin Mausoleum (大猷院) is actually the final resting place of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The mausoleum, known for its elaborate decorations and architecture, including gold leaf and intricate wood carvings, is also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other notable structures within the Rinno-ji complex include the main hall (Kannon-do), Jogyo-do hall, Hokke-do hall, and the Sutra Repository, all designated as Important Cultural Properties.
Getting there
By Bus
From JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station:
- Take the World Heritage Tour bus
- Get off at Shodoshoninzo-mae bus stop
- Journey time: 12 minutes
By Foot
- 30-35 minute walk from the station area
Details
| Hours | April to October / 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM November to March / 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Reception closes 30 minutes before closing time. The Jyogyodo Hall opens at 9:00 AM. |
| Admission | Adults: 400 yen Elementary school and junior high school students: 200 yen |
| Phone | +81 288-54-0531 |
| Address | 2300 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1494 |
| Official Website | https://www.rinnoji.or.jp/en/ |
