Chūzen-ji Temple
4.2
(2.5k)Chūzen-ji Temple is a serene Buddhist temple on the shores of Lake Chuzenji, founded in 784 by the monk Shōdō. It blends Tendai Buddhist traditions with mountain worship, deeply connected to Nikko's natural landscape. The temple houses a large statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.
Address
2578 Chūgūshi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1661, Japan
Opening Hours
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Sun)
Phone
+81 288-55-0013
Worth it?
Worth it for the tranquil atmosphere and stunning lake views; be prepared for stairs to reach the top.
Location
2578 Chūgūshi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1661, Japan
Nearby places
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Highlights
The temple features an impressive 4.8-meter tall statue of Senjū Kannon Bosatsu, commonly known as "Tachiki Kannon," carved from a single piece of Katsura wood.
From the temple, you can get stunning views of Lake Chuzenji and Mount Nantai.
Who it's for
This spot is for anyone seeking a peaceful, spiritual experience with beautiful natural scenery, especially those interested in Buddhist history and mountain worship.
Explore more near Chūzen-ji Temple
Know before you go
The temple is approximately 18 kilometers by car from Tobu Nikko Station.
Reviews
4.2
Very good
5 ReviewsReviewers love the beautiful views of Lake Chuzenji and the impressive Tachi-ki Kannon statue. They appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the informative staff, with some enjoying activities like making prayer beads.
Fun facts
The temple's main hall was washed away into Lake Chuzenji during a typhoon in 1902, but the honzon statue was later found floating relatively intact.
The temple's legend states that its founder, Shōdō, carved the honzon statue from a katsura tree after seeing an apparition of Kannon Bosatsu.
