What to know
Chuzenji Temple (中禅寺, Chūzenji) sits on the eastern shore of Lake Chuzenjiko, which takes its name from the temple. The temple's main object of veneration is a six-meter-tall statue of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. This statue is unique because it was carved from a tree that remains rooted in the ground.
The second floor of the temple complex houses a rare collection of all five Buddhist Deva Kings (Myo-o). The hall's ceiling features a large painting of a white dragon by the same artist who created the "Crying Dragon" at Toshogu Shrine. The inner chamber has a coffered ceiling decorated with paintings of over a hundred flower varieties found in the Nikko area. From the veranda, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of Lake Chuzenjiko.
Chuzenji Temple is a 20-minute walk from the Chuzenji Onsen bus terminal.
Only during October and early November, a bus runs between Chuzenji Onsen and Hangetsuyama (半月山), stopping at the Tachikikannon-Yuransenhachakujo bus stop (立木観音・遊覧船発着所, 5 minutes, 200 yen one way, every 2 hours). Chuzenji Temple is just a few steps from that bus stop.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 8:00 to 17:00 (April to October)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 500 yen (~$3.2)
- English name
- Original name
- Chuzenji Temple
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.