What to know
Rinnoji (輪王寺, 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 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.
Rinnoji stands just a few steps east of Toshogu, a 30-40 minute walk or 10 minute bus ride (350 yen one way, 600 yen day pass, covered by the Nikko Passes) from Tobu and JR Nikko stations.
900 yen (Sanbutsudo Hall and Taiyuin) 300 yen (Treasure House and Shoyoen Garden) Questions? Ask in our forum.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 8:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from November through March)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 400 yen (~$2.56) (Sanbutsudo Hall only)
- English name
- Original name
- Rinnoji Temple
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.