History
History of Onsenji
History and Origins of Nikkozan Onsenji Temple
Origins of the Temple's Founding
Nikkozan Onsenji Temple is a branch temple of the World Heritage site Nikkozan Rinno-ji, founded in 788 by the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin. Shodo Shonin, the revered founder of sacred Mount Nikko, discovered a hot spring welling up at this site and enshrined Yakushi Rurikou Nyorai here — marking the origin of Onsenji Temple.
The principal image is Yakushi Rurikou Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha), long revered for blessings of health and longevity. During the Edo period the temple flourished under the direct oversight of the Rinno-ji Miya, and after being rebuilt at its current site in 1973, it has continued to be cherished by many worshippers.
Timeline
- 1
Enryaku 7 (788 CE)
Founded by Priest Shodo
Priest Shodo, who opened Mt. Nikko, discovered hot spring water rising from this ground. He enshrined Yakushi Nyorai here, founding Onsenji.
- 2
Heian to Kamakura Periods
Flourished as a Tendai Sacred Site
Developed as a base for Tendai mountain ascetic practice, drawing many monks and pilgrims.
- 3
Edo Period
Became a Directly Administered Temple of Rinnoji
Protected and maintained as a temple directly administered by the Rinnoji-no-miya princely abbot. Worship flourished alongside pilgrimages to Nikko Toshogu.
- 4
September, Showa 41 (1966)
Landslide from a Typhoon
A typhoon caused a landslide that completely destroyed the Main Hall. Remarkably, the statue of Yakushi Nyorai was found unharmed atop a fallen boulder, astonishing those who witnessed it.
- 5
Showa 48 (1973)
Rebuilt at the Current Site as Onsenji
Rebuilt at its present location (2559 Yumoto, Nikko) as Onsenji, continuing today as a branch temple of the World Heritage site Nikkozan Rinnoji.
- 6
April, Reiwa 8 (2026)
Opening of "Yakushi-no-Yu"
Sulfur–calcium–sodium–sulfate–bicarbonate spring water (71.4°C), drawn directly from the source, was opened to visitors.
About the Principal Image
Yakushi Rurikou Nyorai, also known as the "King of Medicine Buddha," is venerated as a Buddha who heals all manner of illness and suffering. Tradition holds that during typhoon damage in 1966, though the Yakushi Hall itself was completely destroyed, the statue of the Buddha remained enshrined unharmed atop a large boulder — a story that speaks to its especially profound spiritual power.
Onsenji as a Sacred Site
As a branch temple of Nikkozan Rinno-ji, Onsenji sits within the World Heritage area of the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko." Surrounded by the three World Heritage sites of Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinno-ji, the grounds quietly welcome worshippers amid the beauty of the changing seasons.