Rinnoji Shoyoen Garden
日光山輪王寺 逍遥園
A strolling garden adjacent to Rinnoji Temple's treasure hall, attributed to the tea master and garden designer Kobori Enshu. Visitors can enjoy a Japanese garden centered on a pond, featuring seasonal flowers and foliage as they walk its paths.
A garden attributed to Kobori Enshu
Shoyoen is a strolling-style Japanese garden said to have been laid out based on a design by the early-Edo-period tea master and garden designer Kobori Enshu. Centered on a pond, the garden's paths wind past stone lanterns and stepping stones, allowing visitors to appreciate a different view with every step.
A garden beside the treasure hall
The garden is located adjacent to Rinnoji Temple's treasure hall, which displays valuable treasures related to the Nikko shrines and temples, making it convenient to visit both together. In contrast to the grandeur of Toshogu Shrine, the garden offers a quiet, refined space to relax.
Seasonal beauty of flowers and foliage
The garden is planted with a variety of seasonal flowers and trees, including cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn, offering a different expression with each visit throughout the year. It's a spot appreciated by those who enjoy Japanese garden design.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Cherry blossoms and other spring flowers add color to the garden.
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
The lush greenery of the pond and trees creates a cool, refreshing atmosphere.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The garden's autumn leaves are beautiful, reflected on the pond's surface.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
A quiet, snow-covered garden landscape can be enjoyed.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 20-30 minutes
- Crowd levels
- Relatively quiet compared to Toshogu Shrine
- Best time to visit
- Efficient to visit together with the Sanbutsudo hall and treasure hall
| Address | 2300 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi |
|---|---|
| Hours | April-October 8:00-17:00, November-March 8:00-16:00 |
| Admission | Adults ¥300 (combination ticket with treasure hall also available) |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 20 min walk from Tobu-Nikko Station (Or about 7 minutes by Tobu Bus bound for "Chuzenji Onsen," get off at "Shoyoen-mae," then a 1-minute walk)