Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples
Nikko’s spiritual landscape is defined by the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This collection features the opulent Tōshō-gū, the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, alongside the ancient Rinnō-ji Temple and Futarasan-jinja. These sites showcase the intricate wood carvings and gold leaf of Edo-period architecture, set against a backdrop of ancient cedar forests. The list includes major pilgrimage destinations and secluded mountain shrines that have served as centers of Shinto and Buddhist worship for over 1,200 years.
A Tōshō-gū shrine
Nikkō Tōshō-gū is a Tōshō-gū Shinto shrine located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
B Rinnō-ji Temple Complex
Rinnō-ji is a Tendai Buddhist temple in the city of Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
C Futarasan-jinja shrine
Futarasan jinja is a Shinto shrine in the city of Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
D Taiyuinbyo Iemitsu Taiyuin Temple
The mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu. Its design uses black lacquer and gold leaf to create a more subdued atmosphere than the nearby Toshogu shrine.
Sambutsudo (Hall of Three Buddhas)
The main hall of Rinno-ji Temple, housing three large gold-lacquered wooden statues representing the manifestations of Nikko’s three mountain deities.
Futarasan Honden
The inner sanctuary of Futarasan-jinja, built in 1619. It is one of the oldest structures in the shrine complex.
Futarasan Haiden
The hall of worship for Futarasan-jinja, where visitors participate in Shinto rituals and offer prayers to the deities of Nikko's mountains.
Hokkedo Hall
A Buddhist hall within the Rinno-ji complex used for Tendai sect rituals and meditation.
Shin-yosha shrine
A storehouse within the Toshogu complex that houses three portable shrines (mikoshi) used during the Spring and Autumn Grand Festivals.
Taiyū-in Mausoleum
The final resting place of Tokugawa Iemitsu, featuring intricate carvings and a blend of Shinto and Buddhist architectural styles.
Mitomo Shrine
A small shrine within the Nikko complex dedicated to the deities of marriage and friendship.
Daikoku-den shrine
A shrine dedicated to Daikokuten, the deity of fortune and wealth, located within the Futarasan-jinja grounds.
Jogyodo Hall
A hall at Rinno-ji Temple dedicated to the practice of walking meditation and chanting to the Amida Buddha.
Chuzenji Temple
A temple on the shores of Lake Chuzenji featuring a six-meter-tall statue of Kannon carved directly into a living katsura tree.
O Onsen-ji Temple
A branch of Rinno-ji Temple in the Yumoto Onsen area, featuring a small hot spring bath inside the temple grounds.
Futarasan-jinja Shrine Chugu
The middle shrine of the Futarasan-jinja complex, situated on the northern bank of Lake Chuzenji at the trailhead for Mount Nantai.
Futarasan Shrine Treasure House
A museum displaying a collection of swords, armor, and ritual objects designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Futarasanjinja Sizumiya
A remote Shinto shrine located on the hiking path up Mount Nantai, serving as a site for mountain asceticism.
清瀧神社
A local Shinto shrine located in the Kiyotaki district of Nikko.
本山鉱山神社
A shrine established for the miners of the Ashio Copper Mine, dedicated to industrial safety.
松尾神社
A Shinto shrine dedicated to Matsuo-no-kami, the deity of sake brewing and agriculture.
高龗神社
A shrine dedicated to the water deity Takaokami-no-kami, traditionally worshipped for rain and water control.
滝尾神社
An ancient shrine located in the forest behind the main complex, famous for its sacred cedar trees and stone fertility rituals.
黒川神社
A local community Shinto shrine in Nikko.
呑龍寺
A Buddhist temple located in the Ashio area of Nikko.
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