Ninnaji Temple is the head temple of the Shingon Buddhist sect, as well as
a world cultural heritage.
The temple, built in the year 888, by Emperor Uda according to the wishes of his
late father Emperor Koko, has a long and distinguished history.
In the approximately one thousand years leading up to the Meiji Restoration (1868),
the resident priest of the temple has been either an emperor or a member of the
imperial family.
In the vast precincts, there are many structures that were moved here from the
imperial palace, and they bring a regal air to the surroundings.
The Kondo (Golden Hall) (a national treasure) will be opened to the public for
this special event. It was a ceremonial hall moved here from the palace that was
built in the Momoyama Period, and it is the oldest such ceremonial hall still
in existence, making it a precious example of that period’s palace architecture.
The stately interior includes lattice wall grilles, high ceilings, and colorful
Buddhist murals, and houses priceless artifacts as well. The Kyozo (sacred text
room) (important cultural asset), which is being opened to the public for the
first time with this Kyoto Winter Special, was rebuilt in 1641.
The interior, which is enlivened by the fresh greenery seen through the windows,
contains murals, and in its center can be found a large, revolving case containing　
precious and famous Buddhist scriptures.
SPECIAL OPENINGS
Ninna-ji Temple Kondo , Kyozo
The Kondo (Golden Hall) is a structure that was moved here from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where it had been used as the Ceremonial Hall, and is designated as a national treasure for its great value. It was built in the Momoyama Period (early 17th century).
The Kyozo is a room in which sacred Buddhist texts are stored, and is a designated important cultural asset. Its interior includes rotating container shaped into an octagonal pillar. To the container is attached numerous drawers, which contains Buddhist texts. The walls are adorned with beautiful pictures of various figures.
Address : 33, Omuro Ohuchi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, 616-8092
Access : Keifuku Rlwy: Omuroninnaji -walk 3 min; City Bus: Omuro-ninnaji -walk 1 min
Time of opening to the public : 10:00 - 16:00
Admission fees : 600 yen.
Period of opening to the public : January 10 - March 18, 2009.
*May be closed for Buddhist service without notice.
