Enjoy the National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties of Ninna-ji Temple
There are many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties inside Ninna-ji. The Golden Hall that retains the notable atmosphere of a palace has been recognized as a National Treasure for its Heian Era style as it served as a residence for the Heian nobility. The Goei-do Hall which was constructed in the Momoyama style is an Important Cultural Property as is the temple’s five-storied pagoda, which, unlike other similar pagodas whose roofs usually get smaller the higher the building rises, has roofs that remain the same size, a characteristic of the Edo Era. As well, 14 other buildings have been recognized as Important Cultural Properties, a full experience of highlights of historical buildings. Beautiful paintings of Mahamayuri, Prince Shotoku and other figures on the fusuma sliding doors are incredible. Moreover, at the Reihokan, statues of the Amida Triad and Mahamayuri, the Buddhist text of the Sanjutcho Sasshi and other exhibits have been preserved as National Treasures and temple treasures.
Ninna-ji, famous for its Omuro cherry blossoms
The 500 late-blooming Omuro cherry trees at Ninna-ji are famous, and at a short height of 2-3 meters, they bloom as if they were creeping along the ground. With their deep colors and plump petals, the heavy cherry blossoms have been called otafuku sakura (homely woman cherries). Since these are late-blooming cherries, the sakura season at Ninna-ji in Kyoto is seen as the farewell look for the cherries, and the area is flooded with tourists during o-hanami (flower viewing) season. Admission to Ninna-ji is free, but please note that during the cherry blossom-viewing period that admission will be charged.
The tourist-friendly Keifuku Arashiyama Railway
The nearest station to Ninna-ji Temple is Omuro-Ninna-ji Station on the Keifuku Arashiyama Railway. On the Keifuku train, you can start from the popular tourist site of Arashiyama and head for Kyoto sites such as Shijo-Omiya and Kita Hakubaicho which has good access to Kinkaku-ji Temple. It’s recommended for a temple tour including Ryuan-ji, Toji-in and Myoshin-ji Temples. Also going along Kinukake-no-Michi Road in front of Ninna-ji, you will be able to walk to Ryuan-ji and Kinkaku-ji.