Rinnoji Temple (Nikko's great Buddhist temple)

Rinnoji is the centre of Tendai-school Buddhism in Nikko and the oldest part of the monumental complex: it was founded in 766 by the monk Shodo Shonin, who reached Nikko by crossing the Daiya river on the backs of two sacred serpents and built the first hermitage on the summit of Mount Nantai. The main hall, the Sanbutsudo, houses three gilded wooden statues nearly 7 metres tall: Amida Nyorai (Buddha of Infinite Light), Senju-Kannon (the thousand-armed goddess of mercy) and Bato-Kannon (protector of animals). The three are the Buddhist counterparts of the three Shinto deities of the neighbouring Futarasan shrine, reflecting the religious syncretism that defined Nikko for centuries. The Shoyo-en garden, an Edo-period stroll garden around a pond, is especially beautiful in autumn with the momiji. Entry to the Sanbutsudo and garden costs 400 ¥, a five-minute walk from the Toshogu entrance.