basic information

Ninnaji is one of Kyoto's most interesting temples, featuring a large variety of different buildings and gardens on its spacious grounds. It belongs to Kyoto's UNESCO world heritage sites.

Ninnaji was founded in the year 888 as an imperial residence, but, like most historic buildings in Japan, suffered repeated destruction in wars and fires over the centuries. Today, Ninnaji is the headquarters of the Omuro school of the Buddhist Shingon sect.

Among the numerous buildings on the temple grounds, are elegant palace style buildings surrounded by beautiful Japanese gardens, a five storied pagoda, various temple halls, a massive entrance gate, bell tower and tea houses.

Ninnaji is also famous for a rare, locally cultivated type of cherry tree, named Omuro Cherry. Many Omuro cherry trees, whose blossoms open relatively late during the hanami season, stand on the temple grounds and attract many spectators.

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how to get there

Ninnaji is a 5-10 minute walk west of Ryoanji and just a few steps from Omuro Station on the Keifuku Kitano Line, a small, tram like train, which connects Arashiyama with the Kitano district.

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27th of 41 most visited sights in Kyoto.
109th of 422 most visited sights nationwide.

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hotels & ryokan

Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto Voted No.1 hostel in Asia by Hostelworld customers. 9 mins walk from JR Kyoto station Bed from 2,500 yen. Ryokan Kinoe A comfort ryokan in Gion District. Quality services. 5 min to Gion Corner, Yasaka Jinja. Ponto-cho, Kiyomizu-dera nearby. Hotel Sugicho A ryokan in the center of Kyoto town. From 4000yen. 4 train stations are within walking distance. Try the Kyoto Kaiseki. Kyoto White Hotel From 4,150 yen per night. 3 minutes from JR Kyoto station. Tomiya Ryokan A traditional Japanese inn located 2 min walk from Kyoto Station. Close to bus terminal for all the attractions. Guest Inn Chita A small traditional inn run by a very kind staff. From 3500yen per guest. 10 min from Kyoto Station. Renewed in 2006.

tours and packages

Atlas Japan Tour Customized tours emphasizing cultural experiences and communication to find real Japan. Education and exchange program available. Kyoto Tours Various English tours of Kyoto and surroundings.

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