Rinnoji Temple
Among Nikko’s many world-renowned temples, stands the vibrantly colored Rinnoji (輪王寺), which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Shodo Shonin, a Buddhist monk credited for introducing Buddhism to Nikko, founded the temple in the eight century. Lush forests and the mountainous landscapes of Mount Nantai, Nyoho, and Taro surround the collection of buildings, creating an atmosphere of sacred solitude. Many notable Buddhist figures were drawn to the temple’s pious isolation, including Kukai, the founder of the Shingon School of Buddhism, and Enjin, a priest of the Tendai School of Buddhism.