Ninna-ji

Ninna-ji was founded in 888 by Emperor Uda, who abdicated the throne and became the temple's first head priest, establishing a tradition of imperial abbots that continued for over 800 years. As a former imperial residence, the Goten palace buildings feature exquisite fusuma sliding door paintings, a serene Shinden-style garden, and corridors with sweeping views of the grounds. The temple is especially beloved for its grove of Omuro cherry trees, a unique variety of low-growing, late-blooming sakura designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty. These cherries typically bloom about two weeks after those at other Kyoto temples, signaling the end of the city's cherry blossom season. The five-story pagoda, standing 36 meters tall, was built in 1637 and is an Important Cultural Property. Ninna-ji was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.