9
Ninna-ji Temple
Ninna-ji Temple was founded in 888 and is a Buddhist temple in northeast Kyoto that is closely associated with the imperial family of Japan.
It is the main temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. There are many Omuro School temples throughout Japan and many priests from these temples come to Ninna-ji to attend Buddhist services and to study and train in the main temple of their sect.
Ninna-ji Temple is known not only for the building itself, but also for its prime location as a viewpoint for the late cherry blossom. He also has a beautiful Japanese garden from which you can see the famous five-story pagoda.
Behind Ninna-ji Temple is the Omuro Pilgrimage, a shorter version of the Shikoku pilgrimage. This route can be covered in about two hours on foot, but is believed to have the same meaning as the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Overview
Address
33 Omuroouchi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8092 (Map) (Directions)Hours
9:00 - 16:30 Closed nowOpening Hours
Monday
9:00 - 16:30
Tuesday
9:00 - 16:30
Wednesday
9:00 - 16:30
Thursday
9:00 - 16:30
Friday
9:00 - 16:30
Saturday
9:00 - 16:30
Sunday
9:00 - 16:30
Holidays
9:00 - 16:30
Price
¥500
Website
Highlights
Omuro Cherry Blossom
The Omuro variety of cherry blossom trees are loved for their uniquely short stature as well as their late-blooming nature. The Omuro trees only grow up to a height of around 2-3 metres tall, resulting in some people calling them “dwarf cherry trees”. Alas, their short stature only adds to their charm — as many flock to Ninna-ji to savor the last views of the sakura for the year.
Goten
The Goten building used to serve as a place of residence for the head priest. It was designed to resemble an imperial palace, accented by beautifully-painted sliding doors and the surrounding pond and traditional garden. From the Goten’s garden, you can take in the picturesque view of the five-storied pagoda set amongst lush foliage and the crystal clear pond.
General Amenities
- Free guides/pamphlets
- Information Counter
What's unique
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Access
5-minute walk from Omuro Ninnaji Station (Keifuku Kitano Line) 30-minute bus ride from Kyoto Station (JR bus)
Related Articles
3 articles
9
Culture
Kyoto Ninna-ji Temple, Omuro Palace
Tomoko KamishimaNinna-ji Temple, established in 888, is a balanced blend of aristocratic elegance and Buddhism simplicity. Its zig-zagging wooden..
8
Ninna-ji's Ancient Beauty
Andre MoreiraBecause Kyoto is not only about Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera, Ninna-ji Temple stands with all its might as one of Kyoto's ..
Reviews
Help rate this location
Your experience helps others planning their trip
Ninna-ji Temple
Near Ninna-ji Temple
Accommodation
Ryokan Yamazaki
A hidden gem, Ryokan Yamazaki is worth the 30 minute bus ride from central Kyoto. Tranquil surroundings, hearty food and family..
Accommodation
Tokyu Harvest Kyoto Takagamine
Tokyu Harvest Club Kyoto Takagamine & Viala is a gorgeous hotel inside the historical Shozan Resort Kyoto.
Accommodation
Urban Hotel Premium Kyoto Nijo
Close to Nijo Castle in Japan's most historic city, this stylish, modern hotel is comfortable, well located and supremely affordable...
Food
Aburi-mochi at Ichiwa & Kazariya
Ichiwa is an thousand year old store with longstanding connections with Yasurai Matsuri festival at Imamiya Shrine selling aburi-mochi,..
9
Food
Sarasa Nishijin
An 80-year-old bathhouse is transformed into a cafe, whilst retaining its features reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki's Academy Award..
7
Cafe
Sagano-yu, Arashiyama, Kyoto
Sagano-yu is an unusual cafe in the popular Arashiyama area in Kyoto. Formerly a public sento, or bathhouse, the whole building..
Culture
Ryoan-ji Temple
Ryoanji Temple is home to Japan’s most famous Zen stone garden and one of Kyoto’s most iconic scenes. Believed to be built back in the Muromachi period..
Culture
Keishunin Temple
Keishunin (桂春院) is one of the sub-temples of Myoshin-ji containing gardens and a teahouse.
Culture
Taizoin Temple
Taizō-in is the oldest sub-temple of the Myōshin-ji Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple, situated in the northwest of Kyoto, Japan. It was founded by Zen pri..