Shrines and temples in Nikko

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.

Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples — Map

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Tōshō-gū shrine

Nikkō Tōshō-gū is a Tōshō-gū Shinto shrine located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Joao Figueira / CC-BY-SA

B

Rinnō-ji Temple Complex

Rinnō-ji is a Tendai Buddhist temple in the city of Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Futarasan-jinja shrine

Futarasan jinja is a Shinto shrine in the city of Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Kamila Nitta / CC-BY-SA

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.

E

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.

F

Futarasan Honden

The inner sanctuary of Futarasan-jinja, built in 1619. It is one of the oldest structures in the shrine complex.

G

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.

H

Hokkedo Hall

A Buddhist hall within the Rinno-ji complex used for Tendai sect rituals and meditation.

I

Shin-yosha shrine

A storehouse within the Toshogu complex that houses three portable shrines (mikoshi) used during the Spring and Autumn Grand Festivals.

J

Taiyū-in Mausoleum

The final resting place of Tokugawa Iemitsu, featuring intricate carvings and a blend of Shinto and Buddhist architectural styles.

K

Mitomo Shrine

A small shrine within the Nikko complex dedicated to the deities of marriage and friendship.

L

Daikoku-den shrine

A shrine dedicated to Daikokuten, the deity of fortune and wealth, located within the Futarasan-jinja grounds.

M

Jogyodo Hall

A hall at Rinno-ji Temple dedicated to the practice of walking meditation and chanting to the Amida Buddha.

N

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.

Koichi Sato / CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

P

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.

Q

Futarasan Shrine Treasure House

A museum displaying a collection of swords, armor, and ritual objects designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

R

Futarasanjinja Sizumiya

A remote Shinto shrine located on the hiking path up Mount Nantai, serving as a site for mountain asceticism.

S

清瀧神社

A local Shinto shrine located in the Kiyotaki district of Nikko.

T

本山鉱山神社

A shrine established for the miners of the Ashio Copper Mine, dedicated to industrial safety.

U

松尾神社

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Matsuo-no-kami, the deity of sake brewing and agriculture.

V

高龗神社

A shrine dedicated to the water deity Takaokami-no-kami, traditionally worshipped for rain and water control.

W

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.

X

黒川神社

A local community Shinto shrine in Nikko.

Y

呑龍寺

A Buddhist temple located in the Ashio area of Nikko.

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