The temple was originally founded in 784 by Shodo Shonin.
The central Kannon statue remains attached to its original root system at the base, hence the name 'Tachiki' (standing tree).
The temple was relocated to its current site in 1902 after a massive mudslide destroyed the original location.
The interior of the Kannon statue is said to contain the original wood carved by Shodo Shonin.
The temple grounds contain a small bell tower that offers views across the lake toward the Nikko mountain range.
The site is part of the Nikko National Park area.
Chūzen-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist site situated on the shores of Lake Chūzenji in Nikko. It belongs to the Rinno-ji Temple complex and is famous for its 6-meter-tall wooden statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon. The statue is said to have been carved by the monk Shodo Shonin from a living katsura tree. Visitors can climb to the temple's second floor for panoramic views over Lake Chūzenji and the surrounding mountains. The main hall houses a ceiling painting of a cloud dragon, completed in 2003 by artist Senbei Kayama. The temple marks the starting point of the pilgrimage route up Mount Nantai. It is officially known as Tachiki-kannon-ji, referring to the 'standing-tree' Kannon. The grounds contain a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The second-floor balcony of the main hall provides the best framed view of Lake Chūzenji.
Bring a pair of socks, as you will be required to remove your footwear before entering the temple halls.
Combine your visit with a walk along the lakeshore path for changing seasonal foliage views.
Allow time to visit the small garden area on the temple grounds for a quiet perspective of the lake.
Trying to see the temple during heavy winter snowfall when some access paths may be difficult to navigate.
Open daily; check for temporary closures during severe winter weather conditions.
Remove shoes before entering halls; keep voices low; do not photograph the interior of the main hall if posted signage prohibits it.
