Introduction to the templeHondoThe magnificent main building of Rinnoji Temple is also known as the Hall of Three Buddhas. The three Buddhas are Amida Nyorai, Senju Kannon, and Bato Kannon.Treasure HouseThe Treasure House is the repository for approximately 30,000 artifacts dating back 1,250 years, including one National Treasure (a group of 59 handscrolls), 51 Important Cultural Properties, and seven Important Art Objects.Shoyoen GardenThis garden dates to the mid-seventeenth century and was the private garden of the imperial prince Shucho (1634–1680) when he was the highest-ranking monk and head of Rinnoji Temple.DaigomadoThis hall was built for the performance of the Goma fire ritual. In this esoteric Buddhist rite, prayers written on paper or small tablets of wood are transmitted to the Buddhist deities by being burnt in a sacred fire.Taiyuin MausoleumThe Taiyuin is the final resting place of Iemitsu (1604–1651), the third Tokugawa shogun. Iemitsu became shogun in 1623, although his father, the second shogun Hidetada, continued to rule as the retired shogun until his death in 1632.JogyodoA hall for the practice of walking meditation has existed here since 848 CE, when the original hall was built by the monk Ennin (ca. 794–864). The Jogyo Zanmai, from which the hall derives its name, was practiced here.kaisandoThis hall enshrines Shodo Shonin, an ascetic Buddhist monk, who founded the Nikko-zan (present day Rinnoji Temple). After being initiated in Nara Buddhism, Shodo Shonin traveled to Nikko together with ten disciples to establish a temple. After founding Nikko-zan, Shodo passed away at the venerable age of 83 and was cremated and originally buried in the upper reaches of this valley.shihonryujiThe Shihonryuji Temple comprises the Kannondo hall and the three-story pagoda. The temple is one of the oldest sacred sites in Nikko. According to legend, Shodo Shonin (735–817), the founder of Rinnoji Temple, was praying near here when he saw a great purple cloud rising over Mt. Nantai. TkanmanThis scenic gorge starts from the Kegon Falls high in the mountains above. It was formed by a lava flow from Mt. Nantai long ago. Many people visiting this spot have reported having dreams of the deity Fudo Myoo, the greatest of the five wisdom kings of Buddhism.Chuzenji TempleThis temple is one of the oldest in Nikko and was first constructed in 784 CE by the holy ascetic Shodo (735–817). Originally a place for ascetic practice, this affiliate temple of Rinnoji Temple is best known today for the Tachiki Kannon, a six-meter tall wooden statue of Senju Kannon, the thousand-handed bodhisattva of mercy, which is enshrined here.Nikkozan Yumoto Onsenji TempleThis branch temple of Rinnoji is located at the source of the hot springs of Yumoto Onsen. The temple operates a bath with water from the hot springs that is open to the public by reservation.
