A Tour of Nikko's Chuzen-ji Temple

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

Larry Knipfing May 17, 2013 - 1 min read

<p>A temple monk, looking out to the lake</p>

<p>It's great to be amongst the the trees and fresh air of Nikkko</p>

<p>Reflection of one of the temple buildings</p>

<p>A small statue on the temple grounds</p>

<p>The temple looks different, depending on where you view it from</p>

<p>One of the most picturesque temples in Japan</p>

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.

Larry Knipfing @larry.knipfing

Born on Long Island, New York in 1958, I have spent the last 30 years of my life living in Japan, and enjoying every minute of it! I especially love photography, and Japan is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world to photograph! My other love is fiction writing and I have pub...