Nikkozan Yumoto Onsenji Temple “16-Character SHAKYO or SHABUTSU (Copying Buddha’s picture) Experience”

A temple where you can enjoy a day trip hot spring, a rare find in Japan.

“Nikkozan Yumoto Onsenji Temple” is a branch temple of the world heritage site “Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple”. Its history dates back to 788 when Shodo Shonin, the founder of mountain worship in Nikko, discovered a hot spring and enshrined Yakushirurikou-nyorai (the Buddha of healing) to alleviate suffering.

Since the Meiji era, it has been known as a hot spring resort for common people seeking recovery and longevity.

While traditional sutra copying or Buddha tracing involves transcribing the entire sutra or drawing the entire image, Onsenji Temple offers original templates designed to be completed in approximately 15-20 minutes. For the Onsenji 16-character sutra copying, you will trace a section of the Yakushi Sutra written in light ink using a brush pen. For Buddhist image copying, you will trace the outline of a Buddha drawn in light ink using a brush pen.

Both practices allow individuals to connect with the Buddha, receiving their blessings and promoting mental and physical relaxation. The time spent engaging in sutra copying and Buddha tracing, fostering a deeper connection with the Buddha and oneself, is truly invaluable.

As a token of your experience, participants who complete sutra copying or Buddha tracing and offer their work will receive a special temple stamp.

Note: Brush pens are available for rental.

【About the Hot Spring】

Color of the hot spring water: Milky white

Note: The source water is colorless, it turns milky white due to oxidation. * Be cautious as the colorless spring water is very hot.

Quality of spring water: Sulfate and hydrogen carbonate hot spring.

Therapeutic effects: Cuts, cold extremities, fatigue recovery, and more.

Caution: Shampoo and body soap are not provided. Please bring your own if necessary.

Onsenji Temple (Exterior)

Onsenji Temple (Main hall of worship)

Onsenji Temple (Hotspring)

Onsenji Temple (16-Character SHAKYO)

Onsenji Temple (Special red ink stamp included : SHABUTSU)

Onsenji Temple (Special red ink stamp included : 16-Character SHAKYO)

Onsenji Temple (Exterior : Autumn)

Location Map

Basic Information

Address	2559 Yumoto, Nikko-city, Tochigi, Japan
Telephone Number	81-288-54-0531
Website	https://www.rinnoji.or.jp/en/spot/09.html
Business Hours	8:00 ～ 17:00 (Registration closes at 16:30)
Days Closed for Business	Late November - Late April *Changed according to local snowfall conditions
Price	【Admission fee】 Free 【SHAKYO or SHABUTSU experience fee】 1,000 yen（Special red ink stamp included）【Bathing fee】 Adults : 500 yen, Children (4 years old to elementary school students) : 300 yen ※Prices as of August 2024.
DIRECTIONS	・From JR or Tobu Nikko Station, take a bus (bound for Yumoto Onsen) for 80 minutes, get off at “Yumoto Onsen” and walk 3 minutes. ・50 minutes from JR or Tobu Nikko Station by car.
Map Code	735 201 575*16

Nikko Area

The Nikko area, in the northwestern part of the prefecture, is particularly mountainous. In the midst of the rich nature, including the 2,486-meter-high volcano Mt. Nantai, Lake Chuzenji, and Kegon Falls, there are numerous shrines and temples that are registered as UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites. From Kinugawa Onsen to Kawaji Onsen, hot springs can also be found throughout the area. There are a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy as well, such as stand-up paddleboarding in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter.