KyotoTravel

Leisurely stroll through the World Heritage temple grounds while gazing at the palace gardens and five-story pagoda

About this spot

Founded in 888, this is the head temple of the Omuro sect of Shingon Buddhism and a World Heritage site known as "Omuro Gosho" (the imperial residence) where members of the imperial family served as abbots. The palace (Goten) with its hall of state and study connected by covered corridors allows you to sit in the chambers and leisurely view the white sand south garden and the pond-spring north garden—a gentle viewing style that is considerate to grandparents fatigued from walking. The expansive grounds feature the sturdy Nio Gate and an imposing five-story pagoda built during the Edo period; simply strolling down the gravel path, you can feel the dignity of an imperial residence. In spring, the temple is renowned as a destination for the "Omuro cherry blossoms," a late-blooming variety with shorter stems, allowing flowers to be enjoyed at eye level—another delightful point for visiting three generations. As the fitting conclusion to the Kinugasa Trail after walking from Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji, this temple exudes an atmosphere of refined elegance.

Tips

From Arashiyama Electric Railway's Omuro Nin-na-ji Station, about 3 minutes on foot; City Bus "Omuro Nin-na-ji" stop is right nearby. Temple grounds exploration is free, but viewing the palace with gardens requires an admission fee. The palace interior features a corridor and chamber layout where you can rest while enjoying the garden view—perfect for visiting after a day of walking. It is convenient to have lunch at restaurants near the gate before taking a bus to Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine.