Ninnaji Temple is located in northwestern Kyoto near Ryoanji Temple and the world-famous Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). With deep ties to the imperial family, Ninnaji Temple is the head temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism and offers beautiful and unique views every season of the year.
About Ninnaji Temple
The head temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism, Ninnaji Temple was founded in 888 and has a deep history of training and housing priests on its grounds.
Ninnaji Temple is also classified as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds many national treasures and Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
In the garden, you can enjoy beautiful scenery which includes views of the five-storied pagoda that Ninnaji Temple is famous for. Behind the temple is the Omuro Pilgrimage hiking course. Don’t worry though, the route is relatively short and can be completed in about 2 hours.
Four-Leaf Clovers
Fans of the manga Boku no Hatsukoi wo Kimi ni Sasagu, or “I Give My First Love to You” in English, will definitely recognize Ninnaji Temple, as it makes several appearances throughout the story.
At Ninnaji Temple, you can purchase a four-leaf clover charm that comes in two varieties: one for luck with romantic endeavors and one for happiness. They are believed to contain real four-leaf clovers, so you are sure to have a piece of luck with you at all times!
History
Founded early in the Heian period, construction began under the order of Emperor Koko, but it was not until 888 that the temple was completed under Emperor Uda, who named it Ninna.
When the Emperor retired, he became the first Monzeki (Buddhist priest of imperial lineage) of Ninnaji Temple and since that point until the Edo period, all the head priests of the temple were from the imperial family.
In 1467, Ninnaji Temple was destroyed during the Onin War that devastated much of Kyoto. In 1634, more than a hundred years later, the temple was revived and reconstructed thanks to the funding of the shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu.
Today, many of the buildings have survived since the 17th century, and Ninnaji was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
The Changing Seasons at Ninnaji Temple
Cherry Blossoms
Visiting Ninnaji Temple during the spring is great if you want to experience the stunning views of the cherry blossoms. Although there are many Yoshino cherry trees, as well as weeping cherry trees, Ninnaji Temple is famous for its own variety of cherry tree!
These trees are known as the Omuro Sakura and are late-blooming. So, if you visit the Kyoto area around mid to late-April, there is still a chance for you to see the cherry blossoms at Ninnaji Temple!
Autumn Views
Autumn is one of the best times of the year to visit Ninnaji Temple. There are many varieties of trees on the grounds that have leaves that turn beautiful colors of bright red, yellow, and orange. The trees coupled with the pagoda in the background makes a perfect shot for pro and amateur photographers alike!
Winter Views
Visiting the Ninnaji Temple during winter is a unique and breathtaking experience. When Kyoto gets a good amount of snowfall, the grounds of Ninnaji Temple turn into a winter wonderland and offer an unforgettable sight.
Overnight Stay Experience
Believe it or not, there are actually rooms at Ninnaji Temple where you can stay overnight! This unique experience is open to everyone; however, reservations are required ahead of time through their website.
They have a total of 12 Japanese-style rooms available that vary in capacity. It is usually best to come in a group, as there is only one single room.
Prices are at 11,000 yen for an overnight stay with 2 meals, 7,200 yen for an overnight stay with 1 meal, and 6,200 yen for a basic overnight stay for adults, which includes junior high school students and older.
For elementary school children, prices are 8,900 yen for an overnight stay with 2 meals, 6,600 yen for an overnight stay with 1 meal, and 5,600 yen for a basic overnight stay.
Check in is from 4:00 pm with a curfew at 11:00 pm and the check-out time is 9:00 am. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm and breakfast at 7:30 am. Note that the toilets and bath are shared, and only cash is accepted.
Information
- Name: Ninnaji Temple
- Street address: 33 Omuroouchi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 616-8092
- Access: A 5-minute walk from Omuro-Ninnaji Station on the Keifuku Dentetsu-Kitano Line
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