Ninnaji Temple
Ninnaji Temple 仁和寺
Overview
Ninnaji Temple is the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. It was founded in 888 C.E. after having been used as the summer retreat for the Imperial family for many decades.
The one part of the temple designated a UNESCO world heritage site is the former residence of the head priest, which is in the southwestern corner of the temple complex. This section alone has an entrance fee.
This area was built in the manner of an imperial palace. Its buildings are connected by covered corridors and have several painted sliding doors (fusuma). It is well worth the fee.
In 1467, Ninnaji was destroyed by fire and fighting during the Onin War. It was rebuilt some 150 year later. The temple has long enjoyed closed relations with the imperial family, and the rebuilding took place as Gosho, the Imperial Palace, was also being rebuilt.
Most of the buildings still on the grounds of the temple were built from the 17th century. Most prominent among them is a five-story pagoda.
The entrance to Ninnaji is quite dramatic with its massive sanmon gate.
Late spring is a good time to visit as the temple has a large grove of Omuro zakura (cherry) trees.
Relevant Routes
Ninnaji Temple is on the Kinkakuji Temple to Myoshinji Temple Route.
Address
33 Ouchi, Omuro, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto Tel: 075-461-1155
Hours
9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from December to February)
Map
Ninnaji Temple Map
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