Ninnaji Temple in Kyoto: Highlights and Personal Photos with Insights into the Famous Late-Blooming Omuro Cherry Blossoms

2024-07-202024-09-16

Ninna-ji Temple, registered as a World Heritage Site, is one of Kyoto’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. Every spring, many cherry blossoms beautifully decorate the grounds.

Among them, the grove of cherry blossoms called “Omurozakura”, which are famous for their late blooming, is especially special, and has even been registered as a national scenic spot.

This article will share the highlights of Ninnaji Temple, along with some personal photographs.

Getting to Ninnaji Temple from Kyoto Station

The most convenient way to reach Ninnaji Temple from Kyoto Station is by bus, as there is no nearby train station. From the closest train station, it would take about 15 minute on foot. Buses take a little longer, but the nearest bus stop is right in front of Ninnaji Temple.

STEP

From the D3 bus stop at Kyoto Station’s bus terminal, take the city bus number 26.

The bus terminal is located right outside the central exit of Kyoto Station.

STEP

Disembark at Omuro Ninnaji bus stop.

It takes approximately 40 minutes to get here from Kyoto Station. Ninnaji Temple is right in front of the bus stop.

Highlights of Ninnaji Temple

“Niomon” is the main gate of Ninnaji Temple. It is one of the “Three Great Gates of Kyoto”, along with the Sanmon of Chion-in Temple and the Sanmon of Nanzenji Temple. This Japanese-style gate carries on the tradition of the Heian period (795-1185 AD) and is designated as an important cultural property.

Nio statues are enshrined on either side of the front. When you look at it up close, it looks magnificent and impressive.

“Goten” can be seen on the left after passing through the Niomon Gate.

Bright pink cherry blossoms were blooming near the entrance and it was beautiful.

The “Goten” has a beautiful garden, with a pond with a stone bridge in front, and a view of the “Five-storied Pagoda” across the pond.

You can admire the inside of the building, which is beautiful with patterns such as cherry blossoms drawn on it.

Many cherry blossoms decorate the grounds beautifully.

As you go deeper into the grounds, you will find the “Omurozakura” which is a popular symbol of Ninnaji Temple. There is an observation deck where you can admire about 200 beautiful cherry blossom trees with the five-story pagoda in the background.

The five-storied pagoda was built in 1644 and is a gigantic tower with a total height of 36.18m that has been certified as an important cultural property. Like the five-storied pagoda at Toji Temple, it is characterized by the fact that there is not much difference in the spacing between the layers. This is said to be a characteristic of the architecture of the Edo period (1603-1868 AD). Buddha and cherry blossom patterns are painted on the first pillars and walls.

The cherry blossoms planted here are short, about 3 meters tall, and are unique in that they bloom with branches extending from the base. Therefore, you can see it right in front of your eyes on your way to and from the observation deck.

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto is usually from the end of March to the beginning of April, but the cherry blossoms at Ninnaji Temple are famous for their late blooming, and their best time to see them is from early to mid-April. It is crowded during the cherry blossom seasons, so if you visit early in the morning or on weekdays, it will be relatively empty.

Information of Ninnaji Temple

Web Site	Official web site
Opening hours	Mar. – Nov. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Opening hours	Dec. – Feb. 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone number	+81-75-461-1155

Please check the official website for the latest information.

Nearby tourist spots include Ryoanji Temple and Kinkakuji Temple. If you’re interested, please check out the articles below.