Ninna-ji

Ninna-ji Temple, the headquarters of the Shingon sect Omuro school, was completed in 888 during the reign of Emperor Uda. Its founding was inspired by his father, Emperor Kōkō, and the temple's name is derived from the era name "Ninna." Emperor Uda entered the temple as a monk and established a residence (Omuro), leading to the temple also being called "Omuro Gosho."

Since its establishment, Ninna-ji has held a special status as a monzeki temple with members of the imperial family serving as abbots, maintaining its high prestige over the centuries. During the Onin War in the Muromachi period (1467-77), many of its buildings were burned, but reconstruction efforts in the early Edo period led to the establishment of the splendid structures that remain today.

The temple grounds feature historically significant buildings, including the main hall (National Treasure) which was relocated from the Shishinden of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, along with a five-story pagoda, Nio Gate, and the Hall of Stained Images. The five-story pagoda, standing at approximately 36 meters, is characterized by its elegant form with nearly uniform width across its tiers, and it has become a symbol of Ninna-ji alongside the late-blooming "Omuro cherry blossoms."

Additionally, the "Goten," rebuilt during the Meiji to Taisho eras, consists of the main hall and the white shoin, and together with the beautiful northern garden (a pond garden) and the southern garden of white sand, it represents the elegant atmosphere of the imperial palace. These gardens were designated as a national scenic spot in 2021.

The temple is rich in cultural properties, housing many precious artifacts, including the Amida Triad (National Treasure), a colored silk painting of the Peacock Deity, an intricate maki-e jewel box, and valuable texts and crafts such as the Ishinbon and the thirty-volume booklet. These treasures are opened to the public several times a year at the Reihokan (Treasure Hall).

In spring, approximately 200 "Omuro cherry trees" bloom magnificently near the main gate. These cherry trees are relatively short at about 3 meters, allowing visitors to enjoy the blossoms at eye level, making them beloved by many. In 1924, they were designated as a national scenic spot, and during their peak bloom in mid-April, the temple grounds are enveloped in a vibrant atmosphere.

Thus, Ninna-ji is widely recognized as a famous temple in Kyoto where architecture, culture, and nature harmoniously coexist, and in 1994, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Cultural Properties of Ancient Kyoto."