HeritagePhoto Wikimedia CommonsNinna-ji Temple
Kyoto Prefecture · Japan
Due to the many wars and fires that ravaged Kyoto throughout its history, none of the buildings from the temple's foundation in the 9th century still survive. The oldest buildings date back to the beginning of the Edo Period in the early 1600s, including the main hall (Kondo), the Kannon Hall, the Niomon front gate, the Chumon inner gate and the five storied pagoda.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Ninna-ji, one of Kyoto’s most historically significant and visually arresting temple complexes. As you stand before the massive Niomon Gate, you are entering a space that has been a World Heritage site since 1994, but…
Listen in the app2The Niomon Gate — Entrance to the Sacred
The Niomon Gate serves as more than just an entrance; it is a profound architectural statement of Ninna-ji's status. Standing over fourteen meters tall, this gate was rebuilt in the early Edo period, around 1641 to 1645, after…
Listen in the app3The Goten — The Imperial Palace Garden
Turning to your left shortly after entering the Niomon, you find the Goten, the palace complex. This area is the most vivid reminder of Ninna-ji’s history as an imperial residence. …
Listen in the app4The Omuro Cherry Orchard — A Sea of Sakura
Continuing deeper into the grounds, you encounter a vast area filled with low-slung, twisted trees. This is the famous Omuro Cherry Orchard. …
Listen in the app5The Five-Story Pagoda — An Anchor of Faith
Dominating the eastern side of the complex is the majestic Five-Story Pagoda. Built in 1644, this structure stands approximately 33 meters tall and is an Important Cultural Property. …
Listen in the app6The Kondo — The Golden Hall
At the northern end of the main axis stands the Kondo, or Golden Hall. This building is a National Treasure and holds a unique place in Japanese architectural history. …
Listen in the app7The Kannon-do Hall — Sanctuary of Compassion
To the west of the main path lies the Kannon-do Hall, a place of deep devotion. Recently restored, this hall is dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our journey through Ninna-ji and return toward the Niomon Gate, let us reflect on the layers of history we have uncovered. From its founding as a royal sanctuary for Emperor Uda to its survival through the fires of…
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What is Ninna-ji Temple?
Ninna-ji Temple is a place in Kyoto Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Kyoto Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 35.0290, 135.7132 |
| Last updated |
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