A sub-temple of the nearby Rinnoji Temple, Taiyuin Temple is the temple of the third Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Iemitsu who lived from 1604 to 1651. Iemitsu was the grandchild of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogunate of the Tokugawa clan. You will find Tokugawa Ieyasu’s shrine complex just a 5 minute walk away from Taiyuin. It is highly recommend you visit both on your trip to Nikko, especially if you’re interested in Samurai and Shogunate history in Japan.

Visitors can reach Taiyuin Temple 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 Taiyuin Temple will take approximately 15 minutes to reach. You can also get off at the Nishisando bus stop, and from there Taiyuin Temple is a 5 minute walk.

Taiyuin was constructed in 1653, just two years after Tokugawa Iemitsu’s death. Taiyuin is actually the Buddhist name granted to Iemitsu after his passing. At the temple complex, visitors are able to visit the worship hall where Iemitsu is enshrined, as well as his Mausoleum and resting place. You can’t go into the Mausoleum, but you are able to stand outside of the entrance gate. Taiyuin Temple has a total of 22 listed national treasures on its complex, and like its counterpart Nikko Toshogu Shrine, is an impressive and stunning sight.

Taiyuin Temple has three gates that lead up to the main worship hall, all of which are elaborate and beautifully decorated. Each gate contains important statues depicting Buddhist guardians and heavenly Kings to protect and watch over the temple complex. Visitors can marvel at their bright colours and the amazing craftsmanship of them.

Visitors will notice two large towers within the complex. These are the belfry and drum towers of the temple. They are both designated as important cultural properties. As you enter the main temple, you will see the entrance is decorated in gold leaf, cranes and a striking white dragon. The photo above shows the impressive entrance you are able to walk through. The worship hall is open for you to visit where you can pay your respects and see the Samurai armour that once belonged to Tokugawa Iemitsu. Nobody apart from temple priests can access the main hall section which is connected to the worship hall by a passageway. However, visitors are able to enjoy the main hall exterior instead which you can walk around to enjoy the architecture and ornate decor.

Want to experience the treasures of Taiyuin Temple 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. 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