Nikko Rinnoji Temple: Discover Tochigi’s Sacred Forests and the Tayuin Mausoleum on Your Nikko Trip
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Add Nikko Rinnoji Temple to your Tochigi trip to discover more of Japan's towering Buddhas, glittering mausoleums, and centuries-old forests.
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Nikko Rinnoji Temple
Surrounded by the towering trees of Tochigi’s cedar forests, Nikko’s beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site attracts visitors from around the world with unmatched architecture and artisan expertise. It’s a beautiful destination for travelers seeking quiet autumn colors, a peek at Japan’s spiritual history, or even a place to collect goshuin seals! But many visitors miss out on some of Nikko’s most spectacular views, not knowing where to look.
While many tourists focus on the famous Nikko Toshogu Shrine when visiting the area, the sprawling religious complex is actually a mish-mash of two shrines, one temple, and miscellaneous historical treasures, often referred to all together as “Nikko-San.” At the heart of Nikko’s Buddhist traditions is Rinnoji Temple and its main “Sanbutsudo” Hall (三仏堂), a grand structure built back in the Heian period (794-1185), when it was deemed the largest wooden building in Japan. After being rebuilt by 1645 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the Sanbutsudo Hall has been carefully maintained over the centuries. The name “Sanbutsudo” actually comes directly from the three Buddhas enshrined within, Amida, Senju Kannon, and Bato Kannon, each of which is an impressive 7.5 m (~25′) tall.
Taiyuin
Further up the hill, Taiyuin Temple (大猷院) acts as a mausoleum dedicated to Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun. This part of Rinnoji Temple tends to be a little less crowded, and with tall trees towering overhead, it feels like a peaceful oasis compared to buzz at Nikko Toshogu next door (where Iemitsu’s grandfather Tokugawa Ieyasu is memorialized). There are 315 stone lanterns scattered around the mossy grounds, and while the green of spring and summer can give Taiyuin a secluded, mysterious air, fall weather really brings out the beauty with a riot of colorful leaves falling from the surrounding trees.
The architectural design of Taiyuin is actually a classic Shinto shrine shape referred to as “gongen-zukuri” (権現造り), just like the neighboring Toshogu. Historically, the temple and the shrine were once closely connected, but when the Japanese government decided to forcefully separate the traditions of Buddhist and Shinto worship in the 19th century, Taiyuin ended up under the purview of Rinnoji Temple.
The buildings of both Taiyuin and Toshogu feature ornate carvings and plenty of glittering gold leaf, but Taiyuin is very intentionally painted with the more modest undertone of black, so Tokugawa Iemitsu would not outshine his grandfather after death.
Collecting Goshuin Seals at Nikko’s Temples and Shrines
For travelers who collect goshuin (御朱印, temple and shrine seals), the shrines and temples of Nikko are an ideal place to bring your “goshuincho” notebook. There are well over a dozen different goshuin seals available between the various shrine and temple buildings, leaving any collector spoiled for choice. Pick out your favorites to commemorate the trip! You can also pick up some particularly lovely goshuincho at Nikko-San, making it a great place to start collecting! One particularly popular notebook choice features Rinnoji Temple’s Sanbutsudo Hall and a tree full of pink cherry blossoms out front, which is said to be 500 years old.
Nikko Rinnoji Temple (日光輪王寺)
2300 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi
Phone: +81-288-54-0531
Hours:
April ~ October: 8:00 – 17:00
November ~ March: 8:00 – 16:00
Access: From JR Nikko Station, take the World Heritage Sightseeing Bus to Shodoshoninzomae to see Sabutsudo, or Futarasanjinjamae Taiyuin to see Taiyuin.
Admission:
Sanbutsudo: Adults 400 yen / Children 200 yen
Taiyuin: Adults 550 yen / Children 250 yen
Set Ticket (Rinnoji Temple Ticket): Adults 900 yen / Children 400 yen
*Other discount combination tickets available, please check the official website for details.
Official Website (jp)
See More Than You Expected on Your Trip to Nikko
From the golden glow of Taiyuin to the calm reverence of the Sanbutsudo’s three Buddhas, this corner of Tochigi offers beautiful views to those who know where to look for them. Take your time exploring the temple grounds to make the most of your travel time in Nikko!
For more info and updates from Japan, check Japankuru for new articles, and don’t forget to follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook!
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SHIKOKU
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On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).
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KAGAWA
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Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.
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KYUSHU
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Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!
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FUKUOKA
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Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
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KAGOSHIMA
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Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
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OKINAWA
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The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.
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