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Church & Religious Site

Chuzen-ji Temple (Tachiki Kannon)

📍 2578 Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1661, Japan
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★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Japan, Nikko-shi
Category
Church & Religious Site
Duration
30-60 min
Address
2578 Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1661, Japan
Coordinates
36.7315, 139.4920

Introduction

Known as Tachiki Kannon, Chuzen-ji was founded in 784 by the mountain ascetic Shodo Shonin and serves as a branch of the World Heritage Rinnai-ji temple complex and No.18 of the Bando 33 Kannon pilgrimage. Shodo is said to have carved a thousand-armed Kannon directly into a standing tree by the lake, the image still rooted in the earth — hence 'standing-tree Kannon'. The hall also enshrines Namikiri Daikokuten and Aizen Myoo. The Godaido hall is the classic Okunikko viewpoint, framing Lake Chuzenji and 2,486-metre Mt Nantai, at its best in the mid-October to early-November maple season. Behind the hall, a quiet path past thirty-three Kannon stone figures makes a contemplative add-on.

✨ Highlights

1
Founded 784
By Shodo Shonin, a Rinnai-ji branch.
2
Standing-tree Kannon
Carved into a living trunk, still rooted.
3
Godaido view
Lake Chuzenji and Mt Nantai together.
4
Bando No.18
A stop on the 33 Kannon pilgrimage.
5
Okunikko maples
Peak mid-Oct to early Nov.
6
Stone Kannon walk
Thirty-three figures behind the hall.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location:2578 Chugushi, on Lake Chuzenji.
→Closed:Open daily (severe weather may close).
→Note:Goshuin JPY 300; sutra/drawing experiences JPY 1000 each.

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Monday08:00-17:00
Tuesday08:00-17:00
Wednesday08:00-17:00
Thursday08:00-17:00
Friday08:00-17:00
Saturday08:00-17:00
Sunday08:00-17:00

Apr-Oct 8:00-17:00; Nov-Mar 8:00-16:00 (Dec-Feb 8:30-15:30); open daily except severe weather; last entry 30 min before closing

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultJPY 500 adults
ChildJPY 200 elementary

Goshuin JPY 300; sutra copying and drawing the Kannon JPY 1000 each, no booking; No.18 of the Bando 33 Kannon pilgrimage

Transportation

Bus

Tobu bus 45-50 min from Nikko Stn to Chuzenji Onsen, 5 min walk

Driving/Parking

30 min from Kiyotaki IC via Irohazaka

Note

On Lake Chuzenji, near Kegon Falls

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Chuzen-ji Temple (Tachiki Kannon)?

Monday: 08:00-17:00; Tuesday: 08:00-17:00; Wednesday: 08:00-17:00; Thursday: 08:00-17:00; Friday: 08:00-17:00; Saturday: 08:00-17:00; Sunday: 08:00-17:00; Apr-Oct 8:00-17:00; Nov-Mar 8:00-16:00 (Dec-Feb 8:30-15:30); open daily except severe weather; last entry 30 min before closing

How much is the admission for Chuzen-ji Temple (Tachiki Kannon)?

Adult: JPY 500 adults; Child: JPY 200 elementary; Goshuin JPY 300; sutra copying and drawing the Kannon JPY 1000 each, no booking; No.18 of the Bando 33 Kannon pilgrimage

How long should I spend at Chuzen-ji Temple (Tachiki Kannon)?

A typical visit takes 30-60 min.

How do I get to Chuzen-ji Temple (Tachiki Kannon)?

Bus: Tobu bus 45-50 min from Nikko Stn to Chuzenji Onsen, 5 min walk; Driving/Parking: 30 min from Kiyotaki IC via Irohazaka