Muslim Friendly Japan
Ninnaji Temple

Ninnaji Temple

UNESCO World Heritage

仁和寺

Ninnaji is a Buddhist temple in north-west Kyoto, founded in 888 by Emperor Uda and closely linked to Japan's Imperial Family. Imperial princes served as its head priests, so it was called "Omuro Gosho". Pass the red Chumon gate to see the Kondo main hall, a National Treasure moved from the Imperial Palace, and the five-story pagoda. The temple is most famous for its low Omuro cherry trees, the latest-blooming in Kyoto. It is part of the World Heritage site.

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Visitor information

Opening hours

March–November 9:00–17:00; December–February 9:00–16:30. Ticket booths close 30 minutes before closing.

Admission

Entering the grounds is free outside the cherry blossom season. During cherry blossom season the fee is 800 yen for adults.

Goten (Palace & Gardens): 800 yen for adults. Reiho-kan Museum: 500 yen (open only April–May and October–November). High school students and younger enter free.

Getting there

From Kyoto Station, JR Bus (Takao Keihoku Line) takes about 30 minutes, or City Bus No. 26 about 40 minutes, to the Omuro Ninnaji stop.

By train: JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Hanazono Station, then a 15-minute walk (5 minutes by taxi). Keifuku Kitano Line Omuro Station is a 5-minute walk.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

  • People with a physical disability certificate enter free (only the certificate holder).
  • Spring is the busiest season. Please use public transport during cherry blossom season, and do not park on the streets around the temple.
  • During special viewing periods, only combination tickets are sold online; single tickets are sold at the temple.

Tips for Muslim visitors

  • Photography is fine for personal use, but taking photos inside the Reihokan treasure hall and inside the temple halls is not allowed.
  • If you bring your own packed meal, you can eat it in the open area opposite the Reihokan; alcohol may not be brought in, and all rubbish must be taken home.
  • Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
  • Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
  • Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
  • Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kyoto and the verified places to pray nearby.
  • Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.

Prayer times in Kyoto

Today (5 Nov 2026)

  1. Fajr04:45
  2. Sunrise06:21
  3. Dhuhr11:43
  4. Asr14:37
  5. Maghrib16:59
  6. Isha18:25

Times are calculated for central Kyoto. Times may differ elsewhere in Kyoto.

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Places to pray near Ninnaji Temple

All places to pray in Kyoto →

Halal food near Ninnaji Temple

We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:

Distances and walking times are estimates based on straight-line distance.

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Map

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Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Sources (Checked 5 Nov 2026): ninnaji.jp, pref.kyoto.jp