(History of the temple)
In the Heian period (794 to 1191), the 58th emperor of Japan, Emperor Koukou, started to build a temple then known as Nishiyama-Goganji. In the year of 888, Emperor Utada, taking over the wishes of his predecessors, completed the construction of the temple, which is now called the Temple of Ninnaji. After he resigned from his position, he became a priest and resided in this temple and underwent training under the doctrine of "Shingon-Mikkyo" esoteric Buddhism. Afterwards, head priests of this temple had been the members of the Imperial Family and it had been popularly called the "Omuro-Gosho" Imperial Palace until the Meiji Restoration of 1868. Designated as the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994, it is the "Sohonzan" head temple of the "Omuro" faction of the "Shingonshu" sect of Buddhism.
(Highlights)
This temple consists of a total of 23 buildings and gardens amid the rich greenery arranged in perfect harmony in the spacious enclosure, with many of them designated as the Important Cultural Asset. There is the magnificent "Nio-mon" gate at the entrance to this temple, a splendid, tall, five-storied pagoda, beautiful landscaped gardens, large tatami-matted rooms with wall paintings, a Buddha image, and so on. All these beautiful structures make us sigh with amazement.
(How to enjoy)
Just walk in the temple precincts following the guidance of the leaflet. You can enjoy seeing the marvelous buildings and beautiful wall paintings inside "Hakushoin" and "Kokushoin" halls. You can relax sitting on the veranda of "Shinden" Great Hall, while looking at the garden consisting of white gravel and a pond. You can really feel the aura of a great temple constructed with the superb ancient technique.
(Others)
The entrance fee is 500 yen and the bus fare is 460 yen on both ways.
"Kannondo" Hall is now undergoing repairs which will take some three years to complete.
At your hotel
At your hotel
guide fee, hotel pick-up in Kyoto area
transportation fee (you and guide), lunch, dinner, entrance fee, hotel pick-up in areas beyond Kyoto area
I would like at least 7 days notice before a booking.
Smita S.
Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple
“highlights of Kyoto”
Hiro collected us for our hotel and together we had planned the sites we wanted to visit. Hiro was amazing and flexible. His English was very good. It was a lovely day. Due to the golden week there were many crowds. Hiro made a special effort and had brought props for us to dress up in for photo's. He showed us how to use the buses. We had a very nice day out and our 1st day in Kyoto was lovely.
Tatsuhiro N.
(49 reviews)Hi Smita-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I am really inspired and encouraged by it. I am now sure you enjoyed the tour of sacred "Koyasan", where, spirits of many noted personalities lie. Your party was really international, consisting of persons from various countries but connected by one common language of English. I wish you a good health and hope you will enjoy life more and more. See you again somewhere sometime in the future. Regards, Hiro
Lane S.
Premium tour of Kyoto (4): Fushimi-Inari-Taisha shrine, Tofukuji temple & Toji temple
“Beautiful Kyoto”
We had a wonderful day with Tatsuhiro-san. He helped us maneuver through the city via subway and bus, and showed us the sites at our pace. He even brought costumes for us to put on to take pictures at the Fushimi Inari Shrine which we will treasure!
Tatsuhiro N.
(49 reviews)Hi Lane-san, Thank you very much for your favorable review. I enjoyed your company in today`s tour. Above all, I am glad we were able to conclude the tour safely. And many thanks for treating me to the delicious lunch. I wish you all a good health and happy everyday life. Regards, Hiro
“Excellent and Energetic”
We went on a 3 day tour of Kyoto and Osaka with Hiro San. From the beginning he was very responsive, and during the tour extremely energetic, very knowledgeable and never ever looked at the time. We covered a lot with his guidance, and he ensured that we get vegetarian choices on each of the days. Samurai costumes and sword props, was real fun. Thank you Hiro San.
Tatsuhiro N.
(49 reviews)Hi Ravi-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I am much encouraged with it. Above all, I am happy you spent a meaningful time here in the "Kansai" area. And many thanks for treating me to the delicious Indian dishes each day. Wish you all a good health and a good luck. Regards, Hiro