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Jokoji Temple

Highlight • Religious Site

Jokoji Temple

Recommended by 3 hikers

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    Best Hikes to Jokoji Temple

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    1. Shinkyo Bridge – Toshogu Shrine Entrance loop from 東武日光

    12.1km

    03:21

    210m

    210m

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Intermediate

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Intermediate

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Intermediate

    Tips

    October 18, 2024

    Jokoji Temple, located just a few minutes' walk from the Tamozawa Imperial Villa, has a rich history as the family temple of Nikko. It originated from two significant sites: Wojoin, which was situated at the Buddhist Rock and served as the Kogakuin (family temple) of Nikko’s sacred mountain, and Jokubo, established in En'o 2 (1240) by the head priest of Komyo-in, who later became the predecessor of Rinno-ji. The two temples merged in Kan’ei 17 (1640), relocating to their current site and adopting the name Jokoji.

    Following several periods of growth and decline, the temple was revitalized in the middle of the Edo period by Chijun (who passed away in Horeki 8), and it continues to serve as the family temple of Nishimachi to this day.

    The temple grounds contain many tombstones of officials from the Nikko Magistrate as well as from the shrine families and musicians.

    Among the temple’s treasures are the true writings of Kobo Daishi Kukai, including the plaque for Myokakumon, a stone monument dating from Kagan 2 (1304), and a bronze bell inscribed with the name of Ashikaga Naritomo, which is the oldest bell in Nikko.

    Additionally, the Higitokuzon Jizo, found within the temple grounds, is the oldest Jizo in the Nikko area. Its inscription indicates that it dates back to the Sengoku to Momoyama period, and it is revered as “Sugigasa Higitokuzon,” attracting many worshippers. A monthly festival is held on the first day of each month, with a larger celebration taking place on April 1st each year.

    Despite being located in the city center of Nikko, the temple grounds are well-maintained, lush with greenery, and filled with clean, refreshing air.

    (tendai-tochigi.com/temples/106/)

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      Elevation 630 m

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      Wednesday 5 November

      9°C

      3°C

      17 %

      If you start your activity now...

      Max wind speed: 2.0 km/h

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