May 17, 2013 - 1 min read

A Tour of Nikko's Chuzen-ji Temple

One of Japan's most picturesque temples, inside and out

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

A temple monk, looking out to the lake

It's great to be amongst the the trees and fresh air of Nikkko

The temple bell and Mt. Nantai

Reflection of one of the temple buildings

Nestled into the mountain forest

A small statue on the temple grounds

The temple's cleansing pool

The temple in early May

The temple looks different, depending on where you view it from

One of the most picturesque temples in Japan

Built by Shodo (勝道上人) in 784, the venerable Chuzen-ji Temple in Nikko, besides being known for the Tachi-ki-kannon, a huge, gorgeous, 48-arm wooden Buddhist statue carved into a living tree, is also worth visiting for its beauty. It is quite picturesque, nestled into a mountain forest, just in front of Chuzen-ji Lake. The temple looks beautiful and tranquil, and the view of the surrounding scenery from high above the town on the temple's upper floors and outside corridor is breathtaking. Just a ten-minute walk from the Chuzen-ji bus terminal near Kegon-no-taki Falls.

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Larry Knipfing

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

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