Ninna-ji Temple

Five-Storied Pagoda and Cherry Blossoms in a Superb Performance

The origin of the temple is Nishiyama Gogan-ji Temple, which was built in 886 (Ninna 2) by the order of Emperor Koko. Emperor Uda, the son of Emperor Koko, completed the temple in 888 (Ninna 4), inheriting the will of Emperor Koko, who passed away without fulfilling his will. It is said that the temple was named Ninna-ji Temple after the era name 'Ninna.
After abdicating in 897, Emperor Uda entered into priesthood and became the Cloistered Emperor Uda, the first head priest of Ninna-ji Temple. He was called 'Omuro Gosho' (Omuro Palace) because he built a priest's lodge called 'Omuro' and moved to the temple. Thereafter, members of the Imperial family served as chief priests for generations and maintained the highest status as Monzeki Temple, but most of the temple was destroyed by fire during the Onin War. It was 160 years after the third shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, Iemitsu, approved the proposal for the temple's restoration, and Shishinden (main hall for state ceremonies) (the present Kon-do Hall) and Seiryoden (the present Miei-do Hall) were bestowed from the Imperial Palace. In Keio 3 (1867), the history of former members of the Imperial family becoming chief priests ended, and in the Showa period, the temple became the grand head temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon sect. In 1994, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Passing through Nio-mon Gate, one of the three great gates of Kyoto, you can find elegant buildings such as Kondo, a National Treasure, and Miei-do, an Important Cultural Property. In the north and south of the Shinden, which is connected to the Shishoin and Kuroshoin by the Goten corridor, there are two gardens with different styles, and together with the Shinden, you can feel the atmosphere of the past. The view of the north garden, which borrows the five-storied pagoda, is very elegant.

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  It is a corridor connecting Shiroshoin, Shinden, Kuroshoin and Reimeiden. The key-shaped corridor is one of the places where you can feel the atmosphere of the Imperial Palace.

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  The south garden of Karesansui (dry landscape garden) on the south side of the Shinden (Emperor's residence) is characterized by the beauty of the samon. Sakon no Sakura and Ukon no Tachibana are planted.

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  In 1937, the painter Seihan FUKUNAGA painted "Matsu zu" (Pine Trees) on the sliding doors of the Shiro-shoin.

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  The outside is in the Shinden-zukuri style, and the inside is in the Shoin-zukuri style. The elegant design is impressive.

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  Cherry Blossoms　Omamori 700yen

  Omurozakura is a cherry blossom that colors Ninna-ji Temple in spring. Omurozakura, which is shorter in stature, blooms later than ordinary cherry trees and can be viewed until about mid-April every year.
  An amulet in the shape of Omurozakura, which is said to be the latest bloom in Kyoto. Just looking at it in bright colors will cheer you up. You can also get Omurozakura Suzumori (700 yen), which is modeled after Omurozakura, and Goshuincho (1,680 yen), which is embroidered with Omurozakura.

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  Sea of clouds illumination

  The Sea of Clouds illumination is held in early summer and autumn, in conjunction with the blue maples and autumn foliage. The first time in early summer when blue maples can be enjoyed will be in 2024.
  
  ＜Early Summer / Blue Maples＞ Illumination Schedule
  Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and national holidays from May 24 (Fri.) to July 15 (Mon.), 2024
  7pm-9pm (registration starts at 6.30pm / closes at 8.30pm)
  Admission 2,800 yen (Free for high school students and younger)

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  The Kondo Hall, a national treasure, and other buildings are lit up along with an artificially created sea of clouds. This was first held in the fall of 2023.
  
  ＜Autumn / Autumn Foliage > Illumination Schedule
  Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and holidays from mid-October to early December 2024
  7pm-9pm (registration starts at 6.30pm / closes at 8.30pm)
  Admission 2,800 yen (Free for high school students and younger)

• Official website