Ninna-ji

Temple

Prefecture

Kyoto

Type

Temple

N/A

1 review

¥800

Entry Fee

Train Access

About This Destination

A World Heritage Site and former imperial palace temple, famed for its late-blooming Omuro cherry blossoms that mark the end of Kyoto's sakura season.

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.

Location

Prefecture: Kyoto

Address: Kyoto, Japan

Nearest Station: Omuro-Ninnaji Station (Keifuku Kitano Line)

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: No dining facilities within the temple. A few small restaurants and cafes are found along Kinugasa-dori street near the temple entrance.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Ninna-ji?

From central Kyoto, take the Keifuku Kitano Line tram to Omuro-Ninnaji Station — the temple is right across the street. From Kyoto Station, city bus #26 reaches 'Omuro Ninnaji' stop in about 50 minutes (230 yen). Most visitors combine Ninna-ji with Ryoan-ji (15 minutes' walk east) and Kinkaku-ji (additional 20 minutes' walk) along the scenic Kinukake-no-michi path.

What's the entry fee structure?

The temple grounds, the iconic Niomon gate, and the Kondo main hall (National Treasure) are free to walk through. The Goten Imperial Palace garden is 800 yen for adults (free for younger than junior-high). The Reihokan treasure house is open only spring/autumn (special exhibitions, around 500 yen extra). During cherry blossom season, the Omuro Sakura Garden charges 500 yen entry. Combined tickets can save money during peak seasons.

When are the famous Omuro cherry blossoms?

Mid- to late April, typically around April 10–20 — about 1–2 weeks later than other Kyoto cherry blossoms, marking the end of the city's sakura season. The Omuro Sakura are a unique low-growing variety (about 2–3 m tall) that bloom at eye level, creating a 'cherry blossom tunnel' effect. The grove of about 200 trees is a designated Place of Scenic Beauty. Mornings before 10 AM are quietest. Avoid weekends if possible — this is one of Kyoto's most popular spring photo spots.

What other Kyoto temples can I combine with Ninna-ji?

The classic 'three-temple walk' along Kinukake-no-michi connects Ninna-ji → Ryoan-ji → Kinkaku-ji on a 2-km path through quiet residential streets (about 1.5 hours including all visits). Add Toji-in (small zen garden) or Daitoku-ji's sub-temples in north Kyoto. The Keifuku Kitano Line tram from Omuro-Ninnaji also runs east to Kitano Tenmangu, the famous plum-blossom shrine. A full half-day or day trip to northwestern Kyoto.