⛩️ Ninna-ji Temple

Ninna-ji is the head temple of the Shingon sect's Omuro branch and is recognized as a part of the "Cultural Heritage of Ancient Kyoto," listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the early Heian period, in the second year of the Ninna era (886), it was constructed under the orders of Emperor Uda, following the wishes of the 58th Emperor Kōkō, and was named Ninna-ji after the era's name. After abdicating in the 9th year of Kanpyō (897), Emperor Uda resided in the temple as the first head priest, known as the Omuro (Kanpyō) Emperor. Since the temple had a residence called the Omuro (御座所), it is also referred to as the Omuro Gozan. From then on, members of the imperial family have served as the head priests, making it a prestigious temple known as a monzeki (a specific temple headed by members of the imperial family). Located at the back of the temple grounds is the "Golden Hall," which was originally the Shishinden of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, built during the Momoyama period and relocated here in the early Edo period during the Kan'ei era (1624–1645). The Golden Hall is the only national treasure of Ninna-ji and is a precious remnant of palace architecture from that time. Inside, it houses statues of the principal deity Amitābha Buddha, the Four Heavenly Kings, and Brahmā, among others, with colorful Pure Land paintings adorning the walls. The palace consists of several buildings, including the Shinden, the White Study Hall, and the Reimeiden, along with the North Garden, South Garden, and a tea room. Initially, it served as the residence of Emperor Uda. The current palace was reconstructed during the Meiji to Taisho periods and has been designated as a nationally registered tangible cultural property. Another notable feature within the expansive grounds is the five-story pagoda, standing approximately 36 meters tall. The Ninna-ji five-story pagoda was built in the 21st year of Kan'ei (1644) and is widely recognized as one of the representative towers of the Edo period, alongside the five-story pagoda of Tō-ji, built around the same time. Its characteristic appearance, with minimal differences in the eaves and height of each level, allows one to deeply appreciate the architectural brilliance when standing directly beneath it. Together with the Omuro cherry blossoms, which bloom last in Kyoto, it symbolizes Ninna-ji.

The buildings of the Imperial Palace, which hold the status of a temple, are located nearby. The main hall is a national treasure that was relocated from the palace architecture. The five-story pagoda, a representative landmark of the early Edo period, is a notable feature of Ninna-ji Temple. The late-blooming, small-statured Omuro cherry blossoms are the most distinctive characteristic of Ninna-ji Temple as a cherry blossom viewing spot.