仁和寺 (Ninna-ji)
Ninna-ji Temple (仁和寺) is the head temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. It is one of the Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage sites. Instead of one major feature, it is notable for the scale of the grounds, with many areas to walk and beautiful buildings to see. There is a cherry grove which is spectacular in the springtime.The main temple was completed in 888 by the Emperor Uda, who later took on vows as a monk and became the abbot. Like most places in Kyoto, Ninna-ji was destroyed several times by fire, but has been rebuilt on the original model.
Ninna-ji, Kyoto. / 京都 仁和寺
Ninna-ji is not on most tours of Kyoto, so it is usually much less crowded than other temples. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm march through November, and 9 am to 4:30 pm December through February.
Yamakami Kumasan produced a beautiful video of Ninna-ji which gives a sense of the grand size and beauty of this temple.
The entrance fees are ¥500 for adults and high school students, and ¥300 for elementary and junior high students. There is a separate fee to enter the Reiho-kan hall. It is ¥500 for adluts, ¥300 for high school and junior high students, and free for children below junior high. The hall is only open at certain times of the year. Ninna-ji can be reached using Kyoto City Bus #10 or #26. Get off at Omuro Niwa-ji. For more information: http://www.ninnaji.or.jp/multilingual_info.html
Ninna-ji
It is possible to stay overnight in a guest hall at Ninna-ji and attend the morning service with the monks. There are 12 Japanese-style tatami rooms. Bathrooms and toilets are shared by guests, though divided by gender. Meals are available, mostly vegetarian in accordance with Buddhist traditions, though occasionally fish or meat may be served. Families are welcome, but please respect that this is a religious institution often visited by those wanting to pray or meditate. There may not be an English-speaking staff member during your visit. For more information about staying: http://ninnaji.wordpress.com/2011/05/21/staying-overnight-at-ninna-ji/
photos by:
Carles Tomás Martí &
hiroaki.hirano,
KimonBerlin
