Rinnoji Temple in Nikko

Rinnoji Temple used to be Holy Land of mountain worship together with Nikko Futaarasan Shrine from the Nara Age (710 - 794) . After Nikko Toshogu Shrine was built in the Edo Age (1603 - 1868) , these shrines and the temple became the subjects of faith.

From the Shinkyo Bridge, you will approach to Rinnoji Temple through stone steps. At the entrance of the stone steps along the main street, you will find the stone monument of the world heritage of "Shines and Temples of Nikko".

Along the approach to Rinnoji Temple, stone walls continue. These stone walls look like stone walls protecting baileys of a castle.

In front of Rinnoji Temple, the statue of Saint Shodo (735 - 817) is located. It is said that Saint Shodo opened Rinnoji in 766.

In 848, the High Priest, Ennin, visited Rinnoji Temple and built the "Sanbutsudo" Hall and other buildings.

Behind the statue of Saint Shodo, you will see "Sanbutsudo" Hall on the stone steps. To the left of stone steps, the "Kuromon" Gate is located. "Kuromon" Gate was built in 1645 and is designated as an important property of Japan.

"Kuromon" Gate

"Sanbutsudo" Hall on the stone steps

Rinnoji Temple worships three Nikko Mountains. These are Mt. Nantai, Mt. Nyoho and Mt. Taro. In the "Sanbutsudo" Hall, three Buddha statues related to these three mountains are enshrined.

After going up the stone steps, you will be overwhelmed by the huge "Sanbutsudo" Hall. The width of the hall is 34 meters long. But, it is said that the hall was much bigger during the middle age. The current "Sanbutsudo" Hall was rebuilt in 1645 and is designated as an important property of Japan.

You will look down on the "Kuromon" Gate from the "Sanbutsudo" Hall. This view was very impressive.

Behind the "Sanbutsudo" Hall, the "Ogomado" and the "Gohotaido" Halls are located. The "Ogomado" Hall was newly built in 1988.

"Ogomado" Hall

"Gohotaido" Hall

The "Gohotaido" Hall is an old building from the Edo Age (1603 - 1868) and is designated as an important property of Japan.

The above picture shows the view of the "Sanbutsudo" Hall from the "Ogomado" Hall. The pencil shape tower between the halls is the "Sorinto" pagoda. It was built in 1643.

How to get there
To go to Nikko, you will take a Limited Express "Kegon" on Tobu Line from Asakusa Station. "Kegons" run at once or twice a hour. Or Take a Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya and change to the JR Nikko Line to JR Nikko Station.
Both from JR Nikko and Tobu Nikko Station, take a bus to "Shinkyo". Then, walk to Rinnoji Temple. It takes approximately 10 minutes from the Shinkyo Bus stop to Rinnoji Temple.

Other Historical Sites near by:
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Nikko Futaarasan Shrine
Taiyuin Temple in Nikko
Ruins of Ashio Copper Mine