A Sacred World Heritage Sanctuary Where Prayer and Nature Meet

Our journey begins beneath the towering cedar trees of Suginamiki Park in Nikko. Created to preserve this culturally important cedar-lined avenue, the park serves as both a sanctuary for the trees and a gateway to the region’s rich history. Within its grounds, visitors can discover a traditional water wheel once used to produce cedar incense, along with nostalgic old Japanese houses that evoke the gentle rhythms of rural life.

Planted roughly 400 years ago, the Nikko Cedar Avenue has earned global recognition as the longest tree-lined boulevard in the world, officially certified by Guinness World Records. Designated as both a Special Historic Site and a Special Natural Monument of Japan, the avenue stretches an extraordinary 35 kilometers, offering a breathtaking landscape that shifts subtly with the seasons.

As you follow this stately corridor of ancient cedars, the path naturally guides you toward the heart of Nikko City—where the journey continues to the revered Shrines and Temples of Nikko, celebrated collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and treasured for their profound spiritual and cultural significance.

Rinnō-ji Temple, founded over 1,200 years ago, stands as one of the most historically significant Tendai Buddhist temples in Japan and forms a core part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko.” The temple has long been a center of spiritual practice in the Nikko mountains, guiding pilgrims and visitors for centuries.

At its heart lies the majestic Sanbutsudō, the largest wooden structure in all of Nikko. Inside this grand hall are three awe-inspiring gold-hued Buddhist statues—each nearly eight meters tall—radiating a powerful presence that fills the space with serenity and reverence. Together, they embody the deep cultural heritage and enduring spiritual legacy that make Rinnō-ji a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring Nikko.

Within the expansive grounds of Rinnō-ji Temple lies Taiyūin Temple, the richly decorated mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa family. Built in accordance with Iemitsu’s wishes to honor his grandfather Tokugawa Ieyasu—founder of the shogunate—Taiyūin is a masterpiece of Edo-period craftsmanship. Its intricate carvings, vibrant lacquerwork, and harmonious architectural layout reflect both the solemn dignity of a shogun’s resting place and the artistic brilliance of the era. A stroll through its serene pathways offers a quiet yet powerful glimpse into the legacy of one of Japan’s most influential historical figures.

Shōyōen Garden, a beautifully designed stroll-style Japanese garden, offers a moment of tranquility within the historic precincts of Rinnō-ji. Featuring seasonal flowers, sculpted pines, reflective ponds, and gracefully arranged stones, the garden invites visitors to wander at a gentle pace and appreciate the harmony between nature and traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Together with the surrounding temple grounds—rich with centuries of history, Buddhist artistry, and architectural elegance—Shōyōen provides a serene, immersive experience that captures the very essence of Nikko’s cultural heritage.

At Rinnō-ji Temple in Nikko, visitors can take part in shakyō, the traditional practice of sutra copying. This centuries-old Buddhist discipline involves carefully tracing or writing the characters of sacred texts, one stroke at a time. Originally performed as an offering to the Buddha and as a means of deepening one’s faith, shakyō is still valued today for its ability to quiet the mind, strengthen focus, and cultivate inner clarity.

I had the chance to experience shakyō firsthand, and found that the rhythmic, deliberate motion of copying each kanji helped settle both my thoughts and my spirit. Even beginners can enjoy the practice, and there’s no need to rush—you’re welcome to take breaks along the way.

For anyone visiting Rinnō-ji, I highly recommend trying this meditative, culturally rich experience. It offers a rare opportunity to slow down, connect with Japan’s spiritual heritage, and carry home a personal work imbued with calm and intention.

Nikko Suginamiki Koen Park Basic Information

Name:

Nikko Suginamiki Koen Park

Address:

383-1 Segawa, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1263

Business Hours:

Open 24 hours

Closed:

Open all year

Access:

2-minute walk from Kami-Imaichi station.

Official Website:

https://www.visitnikko.jp/en/spots/suginamiki-koen-park/

Rinnō-ji Temple Basic Information

Name:

Rinnō-ji Temple (Includes Taiyūin Temple and Shōyōen Garden)

Address:

2300 Sannai, Nikko City, Tochigi

Business Hours:

・8:00 AM-5:00 PM (April - October)
・8:00 AM-4:00 PM (November - March)
*Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time throughout the year.

Closed:

Open all year

Price:

・Rinnō-ji Temple Sanbutsudo Hall - Adult ¥400, Child ¥200
・Taiyūin Temple - Adult ¥550 Child ¥250
・Combined ticket for Sanbutsudo Hall and Taiyūin Temple - Adult ¥900, Child ¥400
・Shōyōen Garden ticket - ¥300

Access:

30-40 minute walk or 10 minute bus ride (¥350 one way, ¥600 day pass, covered by the Nikko Passes) from Tobu and JR Nikko Stations

Official Website:

https://www.rinnoji.or.jp/en/

Sutra Copying Experience Basic Information

Name:

Sutra Copying Experience at Rinnō-ji Temple

Contact:

TOBU Nikko Station Tourist Center +81-288-54-0864

Official Website:

https://www.visitnikko.jp/en/spots/shakyo-calligraphy/