Rinno-ji
Cost
Attractions > Other Cities and Areas > Shrines Temples > Nikko
About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Hours & Fees
Nikko Rinnoji Temple by Fg2 (CC0 1.0)
About
Note: The Sanbutsudo Temple (the main temple at the Rinnoji Complex) is under renovation until 2021 and has a massive building covering the entire thing (See image to right). Some parts (on and off) are still open to tourists. There are many other buildings and objects within the complex that are well worth viewing.
Established in 766, the Rinnoji Temple complex (in Japanese; Rin No Ji 輪王寺) is Nikko's most important temple as it was founded by the Shodo Shonin, a Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko. The temple became popular with monks at the time because of its geographic isolation, far from civilization and deep in the mountains of Japan at that time (now of course, you can get there in two hours on the train from Tokyo). The complex has about fifteen buildings, the most famous being the Sanbutsudo (三仏堂) which means "Three Buddha Hall". Inside the Sanbutsudo are many famous statues such as Amida (a celestial buddha described in the scriptures of the Mahāyāna Buddhism), Senju Kannon (Thousand Arms Kannon) and Bato Kannon (Horse Head Kannon). Another interesting statue to view is Amida riding a large crane which is near the mausoleum.
Rinnoji Temple is in the Nikko Area of Japan. See our Nikko Area page for a complete guide.
Access
Closest Train Station: Nikko
Nikko, Tochigi 321-1431 Japan
Tel: 288-54-0531
From Tobu Station and JR Nikko Station, the Rinnoji Temple complex is about a 30 min. walk or a 10 min. bus ride (from outside the station).
Hotels & Lodging
Recommended
View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Rinno-ji.
Hours & Fees
Hours: The grounds of Shrines and Temples are generally open 27/7, 365 days a year but, many set their own hours. If hours are set, they are generally open from 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. in the morning and close around 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. in the evening.
Cost: 400 yen
Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by visiting the Official Website before visiting.
Resources
Website: Rinno-ji Homepage
