Ninna-ji

Experience the historic Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto. Famous for its late-blooming Omuro sakura cherry trees and a five-story pagoda, Ninna-ji was founded in 888 AD. It is the main temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, and it houses countless national treasures and cultural artifacts. Appreciate the beauty of nature at Ninna-ji Temple throughout the year. Discover the striking beauty of the Omuro Pilgrimage course. This two-hour course is a shorter version of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the changing seasons.  In spring, witness the late-blooming cherry blossoms. Summertime sees many priests in the temple for Buddhist ceremonies. In the fall, the historic temple buildings are enveloped in vivid shades of red and yellow. And in winter, enjoy the serene Japanese garden after it has snowed.  You can even soak up the gorgeous snowy scenery of the Goten Palace. 

Explore the world of matcha and experience tea ceremony in a beautiful, 100 year old property surrounded by two traditional Japanese gardens. Located across the road from Ryoan-ji, our house has long been connected to this world famous zen temple, and our teahouse offers guest the utmost privacy, a moment of escape from the outside world. At the start of your session, your instructor will welcome you with a brief introduction to the history and culture surrounding tea in our sofa room overlooking the front garden. Here you'll enjoy seasonal sweets from one of Kyoto's most renowned confectioners. Next your host will move you to the tearoom itself where you'll watch an authentic tea ceremony with the main garden as backdrop. After being served tea you'll have the opportunity to make your own bowl of delicious matcha and will have plenty of time to ask questions and take photographs. During the tea ceremony we have chairs available for those who would prefer not to sit on the floor. Once a private property, providing tea ceremonies is a way to preserve this important house and give visitors a taste of authentic Kyoto. Located close to the Unesco World Heritage sites of Ryoan-ji, Ninna-ji and Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), we offer an accessible experience that offers an oasis of calm and complete privacy for guests. We look forward to welcoming you for a unique, personal and unforgettable experience.

Let's explore West side of Kyoto. There are lots to see and experience. Enjoy and find something good in the bamboo grove. Check one of the most famous zen temples of Kyoto; Tenryu-ji. On the main street of Arashiyama, there are lots of street food stops and maccha cafes. On the way to Kinkakuji-temple, there is a hidden temple called Rokuo-in where you will explore quiet beauty of Japan. Kinkaku-ji and Ryoanji will give you a new phase of Japanese zen. Ryoanji has such beautiful and serene rock garden where you will learn ancient Japanese architecture and Karesansui. Lunch excluded but there are places you can enjoy local food.

Ninna-ji, nestled in the heart of Kyoto, stands as a testament to Japan's cultural richness and spiritual heritage. This revered site is celebrated not only for its breathtaking pagoda and meticulously curated gardens but also for its profound historical significance. Each corner of Ninna-ji exudes tranquility, with traditional architecture harmonizing perfectly with the lush greenery that surrounds it. Visitors to Ninna-ji are treated to more than just a visual feast; they embark on a journey through time guided by friendly and knowledgeable experts. These guides are not just conveyors of facts but storytellers, weaving narratives that bring to life the temple's past and its architectural marvels. Every stone and every tree at Ninna-ji carries whispers of centuries-old traditions and cultural practices, inviting contemplation and admiration. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, Ninna-ji beckons travelers from around the globe to explore its serene grounds and immerse themselves in Japan's spiritual and artistic legacy. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of its pagoda, the meticulous design of its gardens, or the peaceful ambiance that pervades the temple, Ninna-ji promises an unforgettable experience that resonates long after your visit. It stands as a timeless reminder of Kyoto's cultural richness and the enduring allure of traditional Japanese architecture and spirituality.