Rinnoji Temple (Shinto)

Rinnoji is Nikko's most important temple. It was founded by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko in the 8th century.

The temple's main building, the Sanbutsudo, houses large, gold lacquered, wooden statues of Amida, Senju-Kannon ("Kannon with a thousand arms") and Bato-Kannon ("Kannon with a horse head"). The three deities are regarded as Buddhist manifestations of Nikko's three mountain kami ("Shinto gods") enshrined at Futarasan Shrine.

Photo 37, 1987

Rinnoji Temple

Smoke purifying device

Photo 36, 1987

Rinnoji Temple

Photo 21, 1987

Rinnoji Temple

Photo 23, 1987

Rinnoji Temple

Altar

Photo 38, 1987

Rinnoji Temple

Bell temple outside Rinnoji

Photo 39, 1987