Nikko · Shinkyo Bridge and the shrines and temples

Rinnoji Temple (Sanbutsudo Hall)

How to get there and what to see · facts checked 2026-10-24

The main temple of the Nikko mountain complex. Its hall, Sanbutsudo, is the largest wooden building in eastern Japan and holds three huge seated Buddhas about 7.5 m tall.

Nearest station: About 9 minutes by World Heritage bus from the stations
Hours: Apr–Oct 8:00–17:00; Nov–Mar 8:00–16:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: Rinnoji ticket (Sanbutsudo + Taiyuin): adults ¥900, children ¥400. A Sanbutsudo-only ticket is also sold

What to see

Sanbutsudo: the largest wooden building at Nikko, enshrining three great Buddhas (Senju Kannon, Amida Nyorai and Batto Kannon).
Kongo cherry: a natural monument tree in front of the hall, thought to be about 500 years old.
Treasure hall and Shoyoen garden: a museum of Nikko's history next to an Edo-period pond garden.
Daigomado: a hall built in 1998 for goma, a prayer ritual with a sacred fire.

Seasons

Shoyoen garden has rhododendrons and azaleas in spring and autumn leaves in fall.
A normally hidden statue of Bishamonten is on special display until 31 March 2027 (the official page does not say where).
The treasure hall holds an exhibition on the monk Tenkai from 1 Oct to 24 Nov 2026.

History

It began over 1,200 years ago, when the monk Shodo Shonin founded Shihonryuji temple. Sanbutsudo dates from the Heian period, and the present building was rebuilt in 1645 by the shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu.

Getting there

About 9 minutes from JR Nikko or Tobu-Nikko Station on the "Sekai Isan Meguri" (World Heritage) bus. The "Shodo Shonin-zo Mae" stop is right outside; from the "Shinkyo" stop it is about a 10-minute walk.

Address：2300 Yamanouchi, Nikko, Tochigi

Directions in Google Maps →Official website →

Before you go

Closed to visitors: Feb 3 (all day), Apr 1 (from 11 a.m.), Apr 2 (all day) and Dec 14 (morning). The treasure hall and garden close on 25 Nov 2026, 27 Jan and 25 Mar 2027 among other dates. The shrine-and-temple combined ticket is currently not on sale. Taiyuin is covered as its own sight.

Station and shrine area

Tap a red pin to open that sight's page.

Nearby sights

← Nikko guide: trains from Tokyo

Sources

Hours, prices and history come from the official websites and public tourism pages listed here. They can change, so check the official site before you go.