Ninna-ji Temple, established in 888, is the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect of Buddhism.
This historic temple is also known as Omuro Gosho (Imperial Palace at Omuro) because Emperor Uda retired here and built a residence within the temple grounds.
Famous for its cherry blossoms, Ninna-ji attracts many visitors each spring who come to enjoy the beautiful blooms.
The temple grounds feature impressive structures from the Edo period, such as the Five-story Pagoda and the Nio-mon Gate, offering a sense of history and tradition.
In 1994, Ninna-ji was registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”
In this article, we’ll introduce the best spots to explore at Ninna-ji and recommend nearby attractions to visit during your trip.
What is Ninna-ji Temple?
Ninna-ji Temple was built in 886 during the early Heian Period by order of Emperor Koko. The temple was later completed by his successor, Emperor Uda, who named it “Ninna-ji” after the era name “Ninna.”
After becoming a monk, Emperor Uda built a residence called Omuro on the temple grounds and lived there, giving Ninna-ji its nickname, Omuro Gosho (Imperial Palace at Omuro).
Until the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, Ninna-ji served as a temple primarily for members of the imperial family, earning it the title Kyu Omuro Gosho (Former Imperial Palace at Omuro).
Ninna-ji is also famous for its cherry blossoms, attracting numerous visitors every spring.
The temple is home to historical structures such as the Nio-mon Gate and the Five-story Pagoda, which add to its timeless beauty. In 1994, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”
For centuries, Ninna-ji was one of the highest-ranking monzeki temples (temples led by imperial family members). During the Heian and Kamakura periods, it was a place of great prestige. However, it began to decline in the Muromachi Period, and much of the temple was destroyed during the Onin War in 1467.
Fortunately, the temple’s principal image, the Amida Triad, and sacred texts were saved. It wasn’t until the Edo Period, over 150 years later, that Ninna-ji was restored. Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun, oversaw the reconstruction, and by 1646, the temple was rebuilt to resemble its original appearance.
In 1867, when the temple’s last imperial abbot, Imperial Prince Junin, returned to secular life, the tradition of imperial family members serving as abbots came to an end.
In the Showa Era, Ninna-ji became the head temple of the Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism.
Today, Ninna-ji is a popular destination, housing many Important Cultural Properties and continuing to welcome visitors from around the world as a treasured UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to Get to Ninna-ji Temple
Ninna-ji Temple is located in the Rakusai area of Kyoto, home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji.
From Kyoto Station, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to reach Ninna-ji by train or bus. As a popular cherry blossom spot, the temple can get crowded in spring, so using public transportation is highly recommended, both during peak seasons and for regular visits.
Both trains and buses stop close to Ninna-ji, making either option convenient.
When I visited Ninna-ji, I took a bus to get there, as buses run more frequently. On the way back, I opted for the train since buses heading to Kyoto Station were less frequent.
By Train
- From JR Kyoto Station, take the Sagano Line to Hanazono Station, then walk 15 minutes.
- From JR Kyoto Station, take the Sanin Main Line to Uzumasa Station, transfer to the Randen Tram at Satsueijo-mae Station, and get off at Omuro-Ninna-ji Station (2-minute walk).
By Bus
- Take the JR Bus Takao/Keihoku Line and get off at Omuro-Ninna-ji (short walk).
- From JR Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus Route 26 and get off at Omuro-Ninna-ji (short walk).
- From Keihan Sanjo Station, take Kyoto City Bus Routes 10 or 59 and get off at Omuro-Ninna-ji (short walk).
- From Hankyu Omiya Station or Saiin Station, take Kyoto City Bus Route 26 and get off at Omuro-Ninna-ji (short walk).
Getting to Kyoto Station from Major Cities
- Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport): About 55 minutes by airport limousine bus.
- Kansai International Airport: About 75 minutes by JR Haruka Express.
- JR Osaka Station: About 29 minutes by JR Special Rapid Service.
- JR Nara Station: About 47 minutes by Miyakoji Rapid Service.
- JR Sannomiya Station (Kobe): About 51 minutes by JR Limited Express.
- JR Wakayama Station: About 92 minutes by JR Super Kuroshio Limited Express.
- JR Tokyo Station: About 2 hours and 30 minutes by Shinkansen.
Ninna-ji Visitor Information
- Address: 33 Omuro Ouchi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
- Map: Google Maps
- Phone: 075-461-1155
- Closed: Open year-round
- Hours:
- March to November: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- December to February: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Admission Fee:
- Omuro Gosho: Adults ¥500, High School Students ¥500, Junior High & Elementary Students ¥300
- Special Exhibits (Reihokan Museum): Additional fee during limited-time displays.
- Official Website: Ninna-ji Official Website
Ninna-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers free entry to most areas except for specific facilities like Omuro Gosho and the Reihokan Museum, which require an admission fee.
When I visited, the recently renovated Kannon-do Hall was open to the public for a limited time for free.
The temple grounds are vast, taking over 30 minutes to walk around. If you plan to explore all the highlights, wearing comfortable walking shoes is highly recommended.
Highlights of Ninna-ji Temple
Ninna-ji Temple is a vast site with many attractions. To help you explore it efficiently, here are some must-see spots, including hidden gems like the Kyodo Hall and Mizukake Fudo.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ninna-ji offers a unique blend of stunning architecture and beautiful scenery. Make the most of your visit by taking your time to enjoy these highlights.
1. Main Attraction: Ninna-ji Goten (Palace)
The Ninna-ji Goten is the main attraction of the temple. This area features two beautiful gardens, the South Garden and the North Garden, as well as traditional buildings like the Shoin (Study Hall) and the Shinden (Main Hall).
To visit the Goten, purchase your ticket at the reception near the entrance. You’ll need to remove your shoes at the entrance, and on rainy days, you can leave your umbrella there for a hands-free experience.
As you walk through the corridor from the entrance, you’ll arrive at the White Shoin (Study Hall), located on the west side of the South Garden.
The fusuma (sliding door) paintings in the Shoin were created by Haruho Fukunaga, an artist renowned for his expertise in various art forms. Surrounded by these elegant paintings, the tatami room exudes a tranquil and refined atmosphere.
Next to the White Shoin is the South Garden, the first garden you’ll see in the Goten. Located south of the Shinden, the garden gets its name from its position.
The South Garden features iconic plantings, such as cherry blossoms on the right and tachibana (a type of citrus tree) on the left. In front of them, you’ll notice white sand raked into gentle wave patterns.
The simple yet sophisticated design of the garden, complemented by the pine and cedar trees, creates a serene atmosphere that can be enjoyed year-round.
Located behind the Shinden, the North Garden offers a different perspective, centering around a pond in the traditional Chisen-style (pond garden). From here, you can enjoy views of other temple landmarks, such as the Five-story Pagoda and the Hito-tei Pavilion.
While the exact date of the garden’s creation is unclear, records show that it was renovated by renowned landscape artists like Doi Kaku in 1690 and Ogawa Jihei VII during the Meiji and Taisho eras. Its timeless beauty remains intact today.
The Shinden is the central building of the Goten, used for ceremonies and rituals. The current structure was built in 1914.
Inside, the Shinden is divided into three rooms, each adorned with fusuma paintings featuring seasonal flowers, peonies, and geese.
To the west of the Shinden is the Black Shoin, which was originally part of an estate in Kyoto’s Hanazono area. It was relocated and renovated to become part of Ninna-ji.
The rooms in the Black Shoin are decorated with fusuma paintings by Domoto Insho, a celebrated Kyoto-born artist. Each of the six rooms is named after the artwork displayed within it.
Northeast of the North Garden, nestled among the trees, is the Reimeiden Hall. It houses a statue of Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha), the principal deity of Kita-in, one of Ninna-ji’s sub-temples.
The surrounding scenery is especially stunning in spring, with blooming flowers, and in autumn, when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red. Don’t miss this peaceful and scenic spot.
Experience History with Spring Cherry Blossoms and Iconic Architecture: Kannon-do Hall, Five-story Pagoda, and Omuro-zakura
The Five-story Pagoda at Ninna-ji was built in 1644 with a donation from Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa family. This magnificent structure is a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Known as the “Tower of Omuro,” it has been a beloved landmark for centuries, overlooking the Omuro area. Its design is similar to the famous pagoda at Toji Temple in Kyoto, with tiers that maintain a balanced width from top to bottom.
While the interior is not usually open to the public, it houses statues of Dainichi Nyorai, Amida Nyorai, and other revered Buddhist figures. The walls and pillars inside are adorned with intricate patterns of chrysanthemums and images of Buddhist sages.
Take a closer look at the roof, and you’ll notice small demon-like creatures supporting the four corners. These are yaksha, guardian spirits believed to ward off evil from all directions.
Located near the center of the temple grounds, the Kannon-do Hall is a traditional East Asian-style structure with a hip-and-gable roof covered in tiles.
Though usually closed to the public, the hall was open for a special exhibition in 2019 to celebrate its renovation. Photography inside is prohibited, but visitors are encouraged to explore it again if future openings are announced.
The current Kannon-do Hall, like the Five-story Pagoda, dates back to the Edo period. Inside, it enshrines sacred figures such as Senju Kannon (Thousand-armed Kannon) and Fudo Myo-o. It is also an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Greeting visitors at the entrance to Ninna-ji is the imposing Nio-mon Gate, a double-layered structure in the traditional wagyo (Japanese style) architecture. Standing at an impressive 18.7 meters tall, this gate welcomes all with its grandeur.
As of June 2019, the gate was undergoing restoration work. Even when photographed from the rear, its majestic presence and historical significance as the temple’s main entrance were evident.
Unlike the grand Zen-style gates of temples like Nanzen-ji or Chion-in, Nio-mon retains the refined elegance of the Heian-period tradition, making it a unique feature of Ninna-ji.
Hidden Gems in the Grounds: National Treasure Kondo Hall and the Unique Mizukake Fudo
The Kondo Hall is located at the center of the temple grounds, directly facing the main entrance.
This hall enshrines the Amida Triad, the principal deities of Ninna-ji, and has been designated a National Treasure for its cultural significance. Originally a Shishinden (Imperial Throne Hall) used during the coming-of-age ceremonies of emperors, the Kondo is the oldest surviving example of this style of palace architecture.
Quietly standing near the Five-story Pagoda, the Kusho Myojin Shrine is dedicated to the protection of Ninna-ji.
The shrine consists of three main buildings—the central, left, and right halls—housing nine deities, including the Hachiman Trinity. Though the current structures date back to the early 17th century, records show that the shrine has existed on the temple grounds since 1212.
In the northeast corner of the grounds, beyond the Kusho Myojin Shrine, lies a hidden spot often missed by visitors.
This modest hall, built in the early Edo period, features a traditional hogyo-zukuri (pyramidal roof) with tile roofing and houses statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and Manjushri Bodhisattva. Designated an Important Cultural Property, it’s a serene place worth discovering.
Next to the Kondo Hall, the bright red Bell Tower immediately draws the attention of visitors.
The two-story structure features a unique design with a skirt-like wooden covering on the lower half, known as hakama-koshi, and a vivid red upper section. Unlike many bell towers where the bell is visible, Ninna-ji’s bell is hidden behind wooden panels, adding an element of mystery.
During spring, the surrounding cherry blossoms bloom in full glory, creating a stunning contrast between the pink flowers and the bright red tower—a sight you won’t want to miss.
Tucked away in the northwest corner of the temple grounds, the Mizukake Fudo is an underrated yet spiritually significant spot.
This stone statue of Fudo Myo-o, the 14th stop in the Kinki 36 Fudo Pilgrimage, gets its name from the tradition of pouring water over it while making prayers.
Be sure to visit the nearby Mikaido Hall, another Important Cultural Property, to complete your spiritual journey. Both spots are perfect for a quiet moment of reflection away from the crowds.
Recommended Tourist Spots Around Ninna-ji
The area around Ninna-ji Temple is lined with a charming path known as Kinukake-no-Michi, which connects several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the famous Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji Temple.
1. Kinkaku-ji: A Symbol of the Glorious Kitayama Culture
Just a 30-minute bus ride from JR Kyoto Station and a short walk from the Kinkaku-ji-mae bus stop, you’ll find the stunning Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known by its official name, Rokuon-ji.
This iconic golden pavilion is a masterpiece of the Muromachi period, representing the opulent Kitayama culture. The pavilion you see today was rebuilt in 1955 after the original structure was destroyed in a fire in 1950.
In 1994, Kinkaku-ji was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” alongside other treasures like Ninna-ji.
The temple’s golden Shariden (reliquary hall) reflects Buddhist ideals, depicting the Pure Land Paradise through its design and surroundings. On clear days, you can enjoy the stunning sight of the pavilion mirrored in the Kyoko-chi Pond, creating the famous “upside-down Kinkaku-ji.”
Kinkaku-ji (Rokuon-ji)
- Address: 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Map: Google Maps
- Access:
- Take a Kyoto City Bus from JR Kyoto Station (routes 12 or 59) and get off at Kinkaku-ji-mae.
- Alternatively, take an express bus (routes 101, 102, 204, or 205) and get off at Kinkaku-ji-michi, a short walk from the temple.
- Phone: +81 75-461-0013
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (times may vary for special events)
- Admission Fee: Adults: ¥400, Children (elementary and middle school): ¥300
- Official Website: Kinkaku-ji Official Website
- Closed: Open year-round
2. Ryoan-ji Temple: A Zen Temple with a Famous Rock Garden
Ryoan-ji Temple, a Zen temple established in 1450, was founded by Katsumoto Hosokawa, a prominent figure of the Muromachi Shogunate, with the help of Zen monk Giten Gensho.
The temple’s iconic rock garden, created around the same time as the Hojo (Abbot’s Quarters) in 1499, has become a symbol of Zen aesthetics. This dry landscape garden (karesansui) is renowned worldwide.
Ryoan-ji gained international recognition when Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1975 and praised the rock garden. In 1994, the temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” alongside nearby Ninna-ji and Kinkaku-ji Temples.
Known officially as the Hojo Garden, the rock garden is a National Special Scenic Spot. Measuring 25 meters wide and 10 meters deep, the garden is a sea of raked white gravel, accented by 15 stones arranged in groups of 5, 2, 3, 2, and 3.
This minimalist design embodies the beauty of Zen, inviting visitors to reflect and find peace in its simplicity.
The journey to the rock garden is equally enchanting. Visitors walk along a path surrounded by lush greenery and pass the tranquil Kyoyo-chi Pond, which is flanked by trees and seasonal flowers. Strolling around the pond creates a sense of calm before reaching the temple’s main attraction.
Ryoan-ji Temple
- Address: 13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Map: Google Maps
- Phone: +81 75-463-2216
- Opening Hours:
- March–November: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
- December–February: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Admission Fees:
- Adults (high school and above): ¥500
- Children (elementary and middle school): ¥300
- Free for preschool children
- Closed: Open year-round
- Official Website: Ryoan-ji Official Website
3. Myoshin-ji Temple: Explore One of Japan’s Largest Zen Temples
Located just a 5-minute walk from JR Sagano Line’s Hanazono Station or the city bus stop Myoshin-ji-mae, Myoshin-ji is one of the largest Zen temples in Japan.
Myoshin-ji is a key temple of the Rinzai School of Zen, known for its strict training practices, similar to Kyoto’s Daitoku-ji Temple. Visitors can experience the essence of Zen through zazen (seated meditation) or shakyo (sutra copying), which help cultivate a calm and focused mind, embodying Zen principles.
The temple grounds are open 24 hours, allowing visitors to freely explore the tranquil atmosphere at any time. However, if you want to join activities like zazen or shakyo, it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance.
At the heart of the temple complex stands the Butsuden (Buddha Hall), a National Important Cultural Property built in the Edo period. Inside, you can see the temple’s main object of worship, a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Myoshin-ji Temple
- Address: 1 Hanazono Myoshinji-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Map: Google Maps
- Access:
- 5-minute walk from JR Sagano Line’s Hanazono Station
- From Hankyu’s Saiin Station, take bus No. 91 to Myoshin-ji-mae, then walk 5 minutes
- Phone: +81 75-466-5381
- Opening Hours:
- Temple Grounds: Open 24 hours
- Hatto (Dharma Hall): 9:00 AM – 4:40 PM (last tours at 4:00 PM from March to October)
- Admission Fees:
- Hatto: Adults ¥700, Children ¥400
- Closed: Open year-round
- Official Website: Myoshin-ji Official Website
Ninna-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination filled with historic treasures, including Important Cultural Properties and National Treasures.
It’s also conveniently located near other UNESCO-listed sites like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji, making it an ideal stop for those planning a temple-hopping journey.
Explore the Kondo (Main Hall), a National Treasure that preserves the elegance of traditional palace architecture, and admire the Five-story Pagoda, built during the Edo period. Don’t miss the beautiful gardens, which perfectly showcase the serenity and history of this remarkable site.
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