Located within the World Heritage area of Nikko, Rinnoji Temple and Shoyoen Gardens are one of the top attractions to visit during a trip to Nikko. Rinnoji is a Buddhist temple founded over 1,200 years ago in the 8th Century by the first Head Priest in Nikko. The temple’s complex is made up of the Sanbutsudo (the main worship hall), the Treasure House and Shoyoen Garden.

Visitors can reach Rinnoji Temple complex by taking the Nikko sightseeing bus from Tobu Nikko station to Shinkyo Bridge. The bus ride will take approximately 5 minutes. From Shinkyo Bridge, you will enter the start of the Nikko Heritage Area and Rinnoji Temple will take approximately 10 minutes to reach.

The Sanbutsudo main hall is relatively simple from the outside, with the exterior being more modest in comparison to nearby Nikko Toshogu shrine. However once you step inside, you will be greeted by a beautiful interior full of gold, stunning decor, statues and relics. The hall houses three large wooden and gold Buddhas which are said to represent the Mountain gods of Nikko. Alongside these are various relics and statues to enshrine the founder of Rinnoji. Visitors are not allowed to take photos inside the hall.

As well as the main hall, Rinnoji also has a Treasure House museum. If the beauty of Sanbutsudo wasn’t enough, the treasure house is also filled with amazing relics, Buddhist treasures and artefacts for visitors to marvel at. The Treasure House also has paintings of all the Tokugawa Shogunate hanging in the entrance. Next to the Treasure House is Rinnoji’s own temple garden, Shoyoen. The garden is a slice of paradise and very peaceful, despite it being in the popular Heritage Area. You can enjoy a walk around the garden, admiring the nature and trees after visiting the Treasure House.

Rinnoji offers a variety of tickets. For those just wanting to visit the Sanbutsudo, you can buy a single ticket for 400 yen. If you want to also visit the Treasure House and Garden, you can buy a single ticket for 300 yen. You are also able to buy a single ticket for entry for all 3 attractions at the same time. As Rinnoji is located within the World Heritage area, we recommend also visiting nearby Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Toshogu Museum, and Taiyuin Temple. Kanmangafuchi Abyss is actually under the ownership of Rinnoji Temple, so if you would like to learn more about Rinnoji’s wider history we recommend heading there.

Want to experience Nikko for yourself?

Why not join our ’1 Day Tour : Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park’ tour . Available throughout the year, this is the perfect tour to venture out of Tokyo. The tour does not include Rinnoji Temple, but during free time you may wish to explore it. All tours are led by locally-based guides and will take you around the must-see sights in the region, as well as some lesser known gems. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner.

1 Day Tour

1 Day Tour : Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park
Period	April – October
Time	08:40 – 19:15
Meeting Place	Outside Asakusa Ekimise Department Store
Adult Rate	¥24,900
Child Rate	¥18,900