What other travelers are saying about Ninnaji Temple
World heritage site temple. Worth a visit. Not too many tourists. Half of the Japanese garden is currently a construction site. Still full price charged. The second 'exhibition' you can enter a temple, no pictures allowed, explains the brochure with pictures of what you see inside... Safe the money for that.
Absolutely worth the trip if you are in the area seeing Kinkaku-ji. Far less crowded, and many pagodas to visit. The combined special ticket for both areas is pretty pricy at ¥1300, and was to be honest not worth it. The special exhibition allows you access to a small temple, it’s beautiful but not large and the presentation is only in Japanese. You are better off getting the base ticket.
Beautiful world heritage site without many tourists. The garden was specially gorgeous and the atmosphere was peaceful and tranquil. Definitely one of the more underrated temples in Kyoto. The surrounding streets were nice to walk and catch a glimpse of old city Kyoto. There were some cafes to wind down after a long walk and the train station is worth checking out as it is old timey too.
Nin’na-ji Temple was founded in 888 as a retirement home for the emperor.
It is free to wander around the temple grounds and view the exteriors of the beautiful historic buildings.
Only the palace and gardens, which were relocated from the Imperial Palace, require an admission fee.
The interiors of other buildings are sometimes open to the public for limited periods.
Ninnaji (仁和寺) is one of Kyoto's great temples that are listed as World Heritage Sites. Ninnaji is also famous for a grove of locally cultivated, late blooming cherry trees called Omuro Cherries. Because the trees are late blooming, Ninnaji is a good place to visit towards the end of Kyoto's cherry blossom season, which is usually around mid April.
The Goten, the head priest's former residence designed in the style of an imperial palace, is a highlight, featuring elegant architecture and beautifully painted sliding doors. The temple is also celebrated for its exquisite five-story pagoda, the Kondo (Main Hall), the Kannon Hall, the Niomon gate, and the unique Omuro cherry trees that bloom in late spring.
Ninnaji is home to meticulously curated gardens, including a rock and pond surrounding the Goten. There's also the North Garden, designed in a pond-viewing style, featuring a large pond with a waterfall and beautifully arranged sand patterns. These gardens are a testament to the temple's dedication to natural beauty and serenity.
Yes, behind Ninnaji Temple on Mount Joju, there's an hour-long hiking trail called "88 Kasho," modeled after the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Shikoku. This trail offers a spiritual journey through small worship sites and stunning views of Kyoto.
Ninnaji is easily accessible from Omuro Ninnaji Station on the Keifuku Kitano Line, which is a short walk away. For those coming by bus, routes #10, #59, and #26 stop near the temple. A direct JR bus from Kyoto Station is also convenient for JR Rail Pass holders.
Photography is generally permitted in the outdoor areas of Ninnaji Temple, including its gardens and buildings' exteriors. However, photography inside certain buildings, especially the Goten (the head priest's former residence), might be restricted to preserve the tranquillity and integrity of these spaces. Always look for signs indicating photography restrictions or ask temple staff if unsure.
