The temple was founded by Emperor Uda in 888, and was later called Omuro Gosho, which means “Imperial Residence” in Japanese. The temple is a highly prestigious monzeki temple, and is mentioned in many classics such as “Tsurezuregusa” and “Hojoki”.
The temple is a prestigious World Heritage site. Passing through the vermilion-lacquered Naka-mon Gate (Important Cultural Property), visitors will see the Kondo (National Treasure), which was relocated from the Imperial Palace’s Shikinkinden Hall, the five-story pagoda (Important Cultural Property), and the Kannondo (Important Cultural Property).
The Omuro-zakura (cherry blossoms), about 500 of which are planted in the precincts of the temple (a historic site), are also famous. The late-blooming Omuro-zakura are the last of the cherry blossoms to be seen in Kyoto. The Omuro-zakura, also called “Otafuku-zakura,” are 2 to 3 meters tall and bloom with large, thick, darkly colored petals. In addition to the cherry blossoms, the lush greenery and autumn leaves are also magnificent. The pond-style north garden has an elegant appearance.
It is registered as a World Heritage Site as a “cultural asset of the ancient capital of Kyoto.
March - November: 9:00 - 17:00, closing 30 minutes before closing
December - February: 9:00 - 16:30, closing 30 minutes before closing
Open all year round
Admission charged
By car
Approximately 40 minutes from Kyoto Minami Interchange on Meishin Expressway
Approximately 40 minutes from the Kyoto Higashi Interchange on the Meishin Expressway
By bus
From JR Kyoto Station
JR Bus: Takao/Kyohoku line, about 30 min. 230 yen
City Bus: No. 26, about 40 min.
From Sanjo Keihan Station
City Bus: No. 10, No. 59, about 40 min.
From Hankyu Omiya Station
City Bus: No. 26, about 30 min.
From Hankyu Saiin Station
City Bus: No. 26, approx. 25 min.
By train
By JR (Sagano Line)
Take Sagano Line (platform 31/32/33) from JR Kyoto Station.
→Get off at JR Enmachi Station and take city bus No.26.
→From JR Hanazono Station, walk about 15 minutes or take a cab for about 5 minutes.
By Randen (Keifuku Electric Railway)
Take the Kitano Line and get off at Omuro-Ninnaji Station. 2 minutes walk