Rinno

Rinno-ji is an impressive Tendai Buddhist temple. Established in 766 in the mountains of Nikko, it attracted many monks wanting solitude for prayer. At its height, there were over 500 buildings in the complex, but today that number has been reduced to 15. Set in the lush forest, they are now are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Nikko site.

日光山輪王寺 大猷院

The main hall is an impressive structure covered in red laquer, gold leaf, and elaborate carvings. It houses three famous statues: Amida Buddha, the 1,000-armed Kannon called Senju Kannon, and Bato Kannon, which has a horse head.

The hall is currently under renovation until March of 2021, and the exterior is covered in scaffolding, but visitors are welcome to enter and see the beautiful interior. Entrance to the main hall is 400 yen for adults or 200 yen for elementary and junior high students. There is also a combination pass that includes Taiyuin and Toshigu Shrines.

Sanbutsu-doh hall, Rinno-ji temple

There is also a lovely garden, Shoyoen (逍遥園), and treasure hall (宝物殿) containing many important pieces from the Tokugawa clan. There is a separate entrance fee of 300 yen for adults or 100 yen for elementary and junior high students which permits access to both.

The Hondo (Sambutsudo) [ 三仏堂 / 日光山輪王寺 ]

 The Rinno-ji complex is open from 8 am to 5 pm, or 4 pm from November to March. It is located next to the Toshogu Shrine, either a 30-40 minute walk or 10 minute bus ride from both the JR and Tobu Nikko Stations.

 

Sanbutso-do

The official website is only in Japanese: http://rinnoji.or.jp/  For information in English, a good website is: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3803.html

Nikko Rinno-Ji Temple

photos by: Kentaro Ohno & Andrea Schaffer, d'n'c, robertpaulyoung, mykaul