Ninna-ji Temple
Ninna-ji Temple has it all - an exquisite five-storey pagoda, a massive main gate, delightful landscape gardens (with ponds, bridges, and old stones), raked gravel gardens, teahouses, and beautiful halls for prayer and residence. It is famous for its late-blooming cherry trees which draw hosts of admirers every year. It is a grand example of the natural harmony which marks so many Japanese Buddhist temples.
Originally a summer home for the Imperial Family, which sought to escape the summer heat of the centrally located palace, it was founded as a temple in 886 by the Emperor Uda, who became its first head priest. Afterwards, it became tradition for a member of the Imperial Family to act as head priest, a custom which lasted until 1869, when the Imperial household moved to Tokyo.
Ninna-ji Temple is a large complex, and one can happily spend several hours exploring the grounds and the priceless cultural artifacts in its treasure house.
* Address: 33 Omuro-Oouchi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
* Tel./Fax: 075-461-1155 / 075-464-4070
* Access: 20-minute walk from JR Hanazono Station on the JR Sagano Line
* Open all year
* Hours: 9:00-16:00 (Precincts 9:00-16:30)
* Entrance fee: Adults (500 yen)
