Ninna-ji Temple was founded in 888 by Emperor Uda. From that time onward, members of the imperial family who had entered the Buddhist priesthood served as its head priests. The temple was known as Omuro Gosho, meaning the residence of Omuro, reflecting its close ties to the Imperial Household.
As a prestigious temple traditionally headed by imperial princes, Ninna-ji has a distinguished history and is mentioned in classic Japanese literary works, including Tsurezuregusa (Essays in Idleness) and Hōjōki (An Account of My Hut).
Ninna-ji is a historic temple of exceptional cultural importance and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
After passing through the vermilion-painted Middle Gate, an Important Cultural Property, visitors can explore an impressive collection of historic buildings. Highlights include the Main Hall (Kondō), a National Treasure originally associated with the Shishinden Hall of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, as well as the five-story pagoda and Kannon Hall, both designated Important Cultural Properties.
One of Ninna-ji’s most celebrated attractions is its Omuro cherry blossom grove, a Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty containing approximately 500 cherry trees. These late-blooming blossoms are among the last to flower in Kyoto, making them a wonderful final stop for visitors enjoying the city’s spring cherry blossom season.
The Omuro cherry trees typically grow only about 2–3 meters tall. Their blossoms are known for their deep color, large size, and thick petals. They are also affectionately called Otafuku-zakura, or “good-fortune cherry blossoms.”
Beyond cherry blossom season, Ninna-ji offers lush greenery and beautiful autumn foliage. Its elegant North Garden, designed in the traditional pond garden style, provides a particularly graceful landscape in which historic architecture and natural scenery blend harmoniously.
With its imperial heritage, remarkable Buddhist architecture, peaceful gardens, and famous late-blooming cherry trees, Ninna-ji is an excellent destination for discovering Kyoto’s rich cultural history throughout the year.
March - November: 9:00 - 17:00, closing 30 minutes before closing
December - February: 9:00 - 16:30, closing 30 minutes before closing
Open all year round
Admission charged
By car
Approximately 40 minutes from Kyoto Minami Interchange on Meishin Expressway
Approximately 40 minutes from the Kyoto Higashi Interchange on the Meishin Expressway
By bus
From JR Kyoto Station
JR Bus: Takao/Kyohoku line, about 30 min. 230 yen
City Bus: No. 26, about 40 min.
From Sanjo Keihan Station
City Bus: No. 10, No. 59, about 40 min.
From Hankyu Omiya Station
City Bus: No. 26, about 30 min.
From Hankyu Saiin Station
City Bus: No. 26, approx. 25 min.
By train
By JR (Sagano Line)
Take Sagano Line (platform 31/32/33) from JR Kyoto Station.
→Get off at JR Enmachi Station and take city bus No.26.
→From JR Hanazono Station, walk about 15 minutes or take a cab for about 5 minutes.
By Randen (Keifuku Electric Railway)
Take the Kitano Line and get off at Omuro-Ninnaji Station. 2 minutes walk