Ninna-ji Temple is located near Ryoan-ji Temple. It has great premises. In the Heian Period, the 58th Emperor Koko ordered the construction of temples on the southern edge of Mt. Ouchiyama. However, the emperor passed away before seeing the completion of the temples. After that, the construction was finished at the time of Emperor Uda in 888, which was the fourth year of Ninna era. “Ninna-ji”, the current name of this temple was named after the calendar era of the completion year. After Emperor Uda abdicated, he became a head priest of Ninna-ji Temple, at the age of 31. Since then, the head priest of this temple had been served by members of Imperial Family over many centuries. Because of this, this temple had been known as Omuro Imperial Palace.
Unfortunately, however, during the Onin War in the fifteenth century, all structures of the temple were largely destroyed. During the Edo Period, a big restoration project was treated by the 21st head priest Prince Kakushin, supported by the Tokugawa Shogunate.
When you visit this temple, the first thing you will see is this great wooden deva gate, called Niomon. There are two magnificent scriptures on both sides of the gate.
After entering Niomon, turn left and go in Goden, a former residence of the head priest.
You can walk around the residence and enjoy the beautiful rock and pond gardens. Beside the residence, there are many other wonderful structures, such as Kannon Hall, Kondo (the main hall), and a five storied pagoda. Kondo was designated as a National Treasure, and Kannon Hall is one of Important Cultural Properties in Japan.
The five storied pagoda
Kondo (The Main Hall)
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