HomeItinerariesToursBlogDay GuidesLocations
Cart
Trip To Japan
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

About Trip To Japan

Company

  • About Us
  • Careers
    New!
  • Blog
  • Travel Guide
  • All tours
  • All itineraries
  • Groups

Partners

  • Tour operator signup
  • Hotel signup
  • Creator signup
    New!

Contact us

+81 03-4578-2152

info@triptojapan.com

Address

Takanawa Travel K.K.,
Kitashinagawa 5-11-1
Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan

Best Locations To Visit

FukuokaHakoneHiroshimaHokkaidoKawasakiKobeKyotoMiyajimaMt. FujiNaganoNagoyaNaoshimaNaraNaritaNikkoOkinawaOsakaTakayamaTokyoTsumagoSee All Locations
Ribbon illustration

License

Certified Travel License
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office: No.3-8367
Japan Travel
QualityTermsPrivacyCommerce Disclosure
© Takanawa Travel

  1. Home
  2. Places
  3. Nikko
  4. Rinno-ji Temple
A large traditional Japanese temple with bright red wooden beams, gold accents, and ornate architectural details, surrounded by greenery. People walk up the steps toward the entrance under a sunny sky.
A large traditional Japanese temple with bright red wooden beams, gold accents, and ornate architectural details, surrounded by greenery. People walk up the steps toward the entrance under a sunny sky.
A richly decorated Japanese temple with ornate gold details, colorful carvings, and a traditional tiled roof, surrounded by lush green trees. A red offertory box stands in front of the entrance.
A grand, ornate Japanese temple gate with vibrant red, gold, and green details sits atop stone steps, surrounded by lush green trees in the background.
Cherry blossoms hang over a stone path leading to a traditional Japanese gate, with trees and greenery surrounding the scene under a bright blue sky.
A traditional Japanese pagoda with intricate wooden carvings and gold accents stands among tall trees, surrounded by stone lanterns and moss-covered stonework in a forest setting.
Nikko

Rinno-ji Temple

4.5 (20)Buddhist TemplePlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Rinno-ji Temple, an ancient Buddhist sanctuary in Nikko, Japan, is a testament to spiritual devotion and historical significance. Established in 766 by the revered monk Shodo Shonin, Rinno-ji is a central part of Nikko's UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing visitors to its serene surroundings and profound cultural heritage.

The temple complex, most famous for its Sanbutsudo Hall, houses awe-inspiring golden statues of Buddhist deities representing the three sacred mountains of Nikko. These towering figures, combined with the temple's tranquil Shoyoen garden and the Taiyuin Mausoleum of the Tokugawa shogunate, offer a glimpse into Japan's deep religious roots and architectural grandeur.

Rinno-ji is more than just a place of worship; it is a journey into Japan's past, where the echoes of history and spirituality converge. Whether you are a history enthusiast or seeking a peaceful retreat, Rinno-ji Temple promises an unforgettable experience.

Visit this iconic temple and immerse yourself in the rich traditions and serene beauty that have captivated visitors for centuries​.

Hours

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (April to October)

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (November to March)

Closed

No closing days

Available

All year

Minimum Age

All ages are welcome.

Admission Fee

400 yen (Sanbutsudo Hall only)

900 yen (Sanbutsudo Hall and Taiyuin)

300 yen (Treasure House and Shoyoen Garden)

Hours
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone
+81 288-54-0531
Website
rinnoji.or.jp

The area

Address
2300 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1494, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Phone

+81 288-54-0531

Website

rinnoji.or.jp

Top ways to experience Rinno-ji Temple

Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
10 hours
Exploring Nikko's Natural Splendors: A Private Full-Day Tour with English-Speaking Guide
Tamozawa Imperial Villa
8 hours
Private Nikko Day Tour with Local Guide & Private Vehicle
Kegon Falls
1 day
Exclusive Full-Day Nikko Private Tour with English-Speaking Driver

What other travelers are saying about Rinno-ji Temple

Beautiful temple with a giant sakura tree in front of the main hall. While visiting its ground was free, tickets were needed to entet the main hall, the garden and the treasure house.
Profile
Lê Quang Kiệt
Dec 5, 2024
Is not too far of Toshogu Temple, is a really nice place to visit, in the main hall there are some really huge and amazing statues, the art and details on it is beautiful, you can also get zodiac amulet there and the gardens are amazing, at the time I wnet there the Sakuras were blooming, no photos are allowed in main hall
Profile
A “Hanako” G G
Jun 18, 2025
Stunning!
Profile
Steven Santos
Nov 13, 2025
The main temple of Rinnoji Temple was established in 1893 as the Nikko Yamauchi Imperial Villa, and during the war, Prince Hitachi Masahito (then Prince Yoshinomiya) was evacuated there. After the war, the building was abandoned and became the Nikko Palace Hotel, then the Nikko Museum, and now the main temple of Rinnoji Temple.
Profile
山崎利勝
Oct 26, 2025
During Setsubun, you can purchase lucky beans (fukumasu) at the head temple office. 👹 One sho (1.8L) is 2,000 yen (limited to 130), a 5 gomasu (50L) is 1,500 yen (limited to 50), and a bag of lucky beans only is 500 yen (300 kg). They come with a small magic mallet and a talisman to hang at the entrance for the beginning of spring and Setsubun. *Prices and quantities are current for 2022, so please check back for future updates. ☎️
Profile
M T
Jan 29, 2022

Nearby attractions to see

Visitors walk through a traditional Japanese wooden gate surrounded by tall trees, entering a temple complex. A large stone monument with inscriptions stands to the right of the path.

Futarasan Shrine

Close-up of hands carving a design into a wooden block with a chisel, with wood shavings scattered around.

Nikko-bori Wood Carving Experience

Three people in traditional Japanese attire are on stage. The center person wears an elaborate green and gold kimono and headpiece, flanked by two others in red robes, kneeling before a painted gold folding screen.

Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura

A lush green mountain rises behind traditional Japanese buildings and shops, with low clouds and mist partially covering the peak. People and a white van are visible on the street in the foreground.

Mount Nantai

Nearby attractions to see

Visitors walk through a traditional Japanese wooden gate surrounded by tall trees, entering a temple complex. A large stone monument with inscriptions stands to the right of the path.

Futarasan Shrine

Close-up of hands carving a design into a wooden block with a chisel, with wood shavings scattered around.

Nikko-bori Wood Carving Experience

Three people in traditional Japanese attire are on stage. The center person wears an elaborate green and gold kimono and headpiece, flanked by two others in red robes, kneeling before a painted gold folding screen.

Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura

A lush green mountain rises behind traditional Japanese buildings and shops, with low clouds and mist partially covering the peak. People and a white van are visible on the street in the foreground.

Mount Nantai

More about Rinno-ji Temple from our blog

Best Day Trips in Japan

Top 10 Best Day Trips in Japan You Can't Miss

March 11, 2026
A bustling crowd walking towards Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura, Japan. The main torii gate and pavilion of the shrine are visible amidst lush greenery. Colorful banners and signs flank both sides of the pathway, under a clear sky.

Escape Tokyo: Day Trips and Excursions to Explore Japan's Beauty

March 10, 2026
Mount Fuji

Beautiful Nature Spots in Japan: A Guide to Must-See Destinations

March 10, 2026
Read blog

Day guides that include Rinno-ji Temple

Nikko National Park
How to Spend a Day on a Day Trip to Nikko from Tokyo
Nikko is a beautiful mountain town in Japan, known for its UNESCO World Heritage shrines, waterfalls, and nature. It’s perfect for a day trip from Tokyo if you want to see traditional Japan, beautiful forests, and peaceful temples. Here’s a full-day …

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the temple is open every day of the year.

From April to October, the temple welcomes visitors between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. From November to March, visiting hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

No, people of all ages are welcome to visit the temple.

The admission fees vary depending on which areas of the temple you wish to visit. The Sanbutsudo Hall only costs 400 yen, while the Sanbutsudo Hall and Taiyuin can be visited for 900 yen. The Treasure House and Shoyoen Garden have a separate admission fee of 300 yen.

Rinno-ji Temple is famous for its Sanbutsudo Hall, which houses three golden statues of Buddhist deities representing Nikko's sacred mountains. You can also explore the peaceful Shoyoen garden and visit the impressive Taiyuin Mausoleum of the Tokugawa shogunate.