Rinno-ji+Temple

Rinno-ji is a complex of 15 Buddhist temple buildings in Nikko. In 766, the Buddhist monk Shodo established the site. The temples are deep in the mountains of Japan, almost isolated from the rest of the country. Buddhist monks soon came in search of solitude and peace. Sanbutsado is one of the most famous buildings, translated as Three Buddha Hall. It features gold leafed statues of Amida, Kannon with 1,000 arms, and Kannon with a horse's head. The Shoyo-en Garden is next to this temple. Another building, near the mausoleum, houses an unusual statue of Amida riding a large crane, which is a symbol rarely found in Japan.