What other travelers are saying about Chuzen-ji Temple
Beautiful and grand temple of Nikko. Located on the mountain, you need to climb some steps up. But the scenery is totally worth it. Some parts of the temple requires ticket purchase, but I am sure it will be a good exposure
Visited 23 October 2025: So peaceful and quiet! Lovely temple, but be prepared for quite a few stairs to get to the top. Worth it for the views of the lake though.
Most beautiful temple with amazing vibrant autumn colours all around draped in fog and the lake Chuzenji around paying homage to Kanon - The Goddess of Mercy.
This temple is just amazing. Not easy to access, so there’s almost no one around. Surrounded by mountains with a lake in front, the landscape is breathtaking. Walking here was so peaceful and meditative. One of the best places I’ve been to in all of Japan!
It’s quite high in altitude up here in Nikko, so make sure to bring a sweater. it can get chilly, even outside of winter
Chūzen-ji Temple, founded around 784 by the monk Shōdō, is a serene and spiritually historic spot nestled on the shores of Lake Chuzenji. It beautifully combines Tendai Buddhist reverence with mountain worship traditions, deeply rooted in the natural landscape of Nikko.
When I visited, I bought amulets personalized with my name monks pray with these for a designated period and crystal beads that are ritually “charged” for you. There’s also a spiritual tradition here linked to Shugendō, which merges Buddhism, mountain worship, and esoteric practices , though Chūzen-ji remains primarily a Buddhist temple rather than a Shugendō site. It felt deeply moving and authentic.
By Bus: Take the Tobu bus bound for Yumoto Onsen from either JR or Tobu Nikko Station and get off at "Chuzenji Onsen." From there, it's a 15-minute walk to the temple.
By Car: Free parking is available near the temple.
Annual events, such as the Spring Festival in April and the Autumn Festival in October, feature traditional rituals and performances.
While photography inside the temple hall is not allowed, feel free to capture the stunning gardens and surrounding landscape.
Several restaurants and cafes within walking distance from the temple offer traditional Japanese cuisine.
Unfortunately, accommodations are unavailable at the temple, but nearby hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) offer a peaceful stay with stunning views of Lake Chuzenji.
