Nikko-zan Chuzen-ji Temple [Tochigi]

【Overview of Nikko-zan Chuzen-ji】

Nikko-zan Chuzen-ji Temple was established in 784 (Enryaku 3) during the Nara period by Shodo Shonin, the legendary Buddhist monk who originally opened up the sacred mountains of Nikko. According to tradition, after Shodo Shonin successfully completed the arduous first ascent of Mount Nantai, he was praying by the shores of Chuzenji Lake when a vision of Senju Kannon (the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva) miraculously manifested upon the water. To preserve this divine image, he hand-carved a statue directly into a living katsura tree that was still rooted in the earth, marking the origin of the primary deity, Tachiki Kannon.

At the time of its founding, the temple sat at the formal trailhead for ascending Mount Nantai (near present-day Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi). However, after being struck by a devastating tsunami in 1902 (Meiji 35) caused by a massive landslide on Mount Nantai, the complex was relocated to its current site here at Utagahama. Nikko-zan Chuzen-ji operates as a branch temple of the world-renowned World Heritage site, Nikko-zan Rinno-ji.

Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple and Taiyuin [Tochigi]

【The Niomon Gate】

Standing proudly at the entrance to the temple precincts is the brilliantly lacquered vermilion Niomon gate. Enshrined on the left and right of the facade are a pair of muscular, heavily sculpted Nio Guardian Statues (Kongorikishi) designed to permanently repel evil forces.

If you walk around to the backside of the gate (facing the inner precinct), you will discover statues of Fujin (the Wind God) and Raijin (the Thunder God) crafted during the Edo period. This unique layout allows visitors to appreciate completely different guardian deities on the front and back of a single structure.

【The Temizuya (Water Purification Pavilion)】

Located immediately past the Niomon gate. The water here—likely sourced from a natural mountain spring—was remarkably clear and beautiful.

【The Migawari no Kobu (The Substitute Tree Burl)】

This special tree burl is tied to a profound healing faith. It is believed that if you first touch a part of your own body where you feel pain or illness, and then touch this natural wooden burl (Kobu) while offering a prayer, the burl will act as your substitute and absorb the ailment for you. (For example: If you suffer from bad knees, you would touch your own knee before gently placing your hand on the tree burl).

【The Hashiri Daikokuten-do Hall】

The Hashiri Daikokuten-do is a quiet hall nestled gracefully to the right side of the Main Hall (Tachiki Kannon-do). It enshrines a unique deity named Hashiri Daikokuten, who according to legend, supported and protected Shodo Shonin during his reclamation of Nikko. The sacred statue of Hashiri Daikokuten is preserved under such strict and rigorous secrecy as a Hibutsu (Hidden Buddha) that even the head priest of the temple has never looked upon it.

【The Hondo / Main Hall (Tachiki Kannon-do)】

While photography is strictly prohibited inside the hall, it houses the ultimate core deity of the temple: the Juichimen Senju Kanzeon Bosatsu (The Eleven-Headed and Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva), affectionately known as Tachiki Kannon. When Shodo Shonin witnessed the glowing vision of Kannon hovering over Chuzenji Lake, he wanted to capture that exact spiritual awe without disrupting nature. He chose a living katsura tree growing right on the lakeshore and carved the grand Buddhist figure while its roots remained firmly attached to the ground. Because of this extraordinary, organic creation method, the statue became widely loved by its endearing moniker Tachiki Kannon (The Standing Tree Kannon) rather than its long formal title. Today, it is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

【The Godai-do Hall】

Climbing the stone steps past the Main Hall brings you to the highest vantage point within the temple precincts, where the Godai-do prayer hall sits. It enshrines the Godai Myoo (Five Great Wisdom Kings), centered around Fudo Myoo, and serves as the sacred space for sutra copying (Shakyo) and powerful O-goma fire rituals. The hall features a magnificent, sprawling “Daiunryu” (Grand Cloud Dragon) ceiling painting, as well as an open-air observation wooden stage.

【The View from the Godai-do Hall】

The open wooden balcony (stage) of the Godai-do, which is built directly into the steep mountain slope, serves as an absolute premium observation deck. Spreading out right before your eyes is a breathtaking, unobstructed panoramic vista encompassing the entirety of Chuzenji Lake and the majestic peak of Mount Nantai.

【The Aizen-do Hall】

The Aizen-do hall enshrines Aizen Myoo (Ragaraja), a deity characterized by a striking, solid-red body and a fierce, wrathful countenance (Funnu). Despite his intimidating appearance, he is a deeply compassionate deity who specializes in transforming human Aiyoku (carnal desire and worldly passion for love) directly into pure spiritual devotion and positive, righteous energy toward Buddhism.

【Nikko-zan Chuzen-ji Temple Goshuin】

500 yen (Cash only)

【Nikko-zan Chuzen-ji Temple Nearby Tourist Spots】

Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi, Kegon Falls, Nikko Futarasan Shrine (Main Shrine), Shinkyo Bridge, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Rinno-ji Temple, Taiyuin Mausoleum, Takinoo Shrine, Kanmangafuchi Abyss / Jiun-ji Temple

Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi [Tochigi]

Kegon Falls and Kegon Shrine [Tochigi]

Nikko Futarasan jinja Shrine [Tochigi]

Shinkyo Bridge [Tochigi]

Nikko Toshogu Shrine [Tochigi]

Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple and Taiyuin [Tochigi]

Takino’o Shrine [Tochigi]

Jiunji Temple, Kanman Gorge [Tochigi]

【Nikko-zan Chuzen-ji Temple Access】

Admin’s Impressions

In stark contrast to the nearby bustling commercial zones lined with souvenir shops, I absolutely loved the rustic, unpretentious, and pure atmosphere preserved here. Because the crowds are sparse and thin, I was able to take my time and slowly appreciate each feature individually—from the historic halls and the crystal-clear water of the Temizuya to the fascinating Migawari no Kobu tree burl. The profound serenity surrounding the Hashiri Daikokuten-do and the sweeping, completely unhindered views of Chuzenji Lake from the top of the Godai-do felt like an incredible luxury that you can only truly savor when a place is quiet and uncrowded.

Scale

 (3.5)

Accessibility

 (0.5)

History / Origins

 (4.5)

Nature / Scenery

 (4)

Quietness

 (4)

Goshuin Variety

 (2)

Address of Nikko-zan Chuzen-ji Temple

2578 Chugushi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture 321-1661

*Free parking available on-site.

Bus (Public Transit): From JR Nikko Station, take the Tobu Bus bound for “Chuzenji Onsen” (approx. 47 minutes). At the Chuzenji Onsen terminal, transfer to the bus bound for “Tachiki Kannon-mae” and ride for about 5 minutes.

Nikko-zan Chuzen-ji Temple Description Page

参考

中禅寺(立木観音) | 日光山 輪王寺 オフィシャルサイト

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple and Taiyuin [Tochigi] Shinkyo Bridge [Tochigi] Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi [Tochigi] Jiunji Temple, Kanman Gorge [Tochigi]