Ninnaji (�m�a��) is one of the many great temples in Kyoto which are listed as World Heritage Sites. It is the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect of Buddhism and was founded in 888 by the reigning emperor. Over many centuries, a member of the Imperial Family used to serve as Ninnaji's head priest, and the temple was also known as Omuro Imperial Palace.

Due to the many wars and fires that ravaged Kyoto throughout its history, none of the buildings from the temple's foundation in the 9th century still survive. The oldest buildings date back to the beginning of the Edo Period in the early 1600s, including the main hall (Kondo), the Kannon Hall, the Niomon front gate, the Chumon inner gate and the five storied pagoda.

The highlight of a visit to Ninnaji is the Goten, the former residence of the head priest in the southwestern corner of the temple complex. Built in the style of an imperial palace, the graceful buildings are connected with each other by covered corridors, feature elegantly painted sliding doors (fusuma) and are surrounded by beautiful rock and pond gardens.

Ninnaji is also famous for a grove of locally cultivated, late blooming cherry trees called Omuro Cherries. Because the trees are late blooming, Ninnaji is a good place to visit towards the end of Kyoto's cherry blossom season, which is usually around mid April.

Central Kyoto
Eastern Kyoto
Western Kyoto
Southern Kyoto

Northern Kyoto
Kinkakuji Temple
Ryoanji Temple
Ninnaji Temple
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Daitokuji Temple
Kamo Shrines
Shugakuin Villa
Hieizan
Ohara
Sanzenin Temple
Kurama
Kibune
Takao

Temples
Buddhism
Gardens
UNESCO World Heritage

Cherry Blossoms
Kyoto Hanami Spots