Ninna-ji, a sprawling temple complex in northwestern Kyoto a walkable distance from nearby Ry?an-ji and Kinkaku-ji, is the head temple of the Omuro school, part of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Founded in 888 and designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994, the temple grounds are home to a special breed of cherry blossoms called omuro sakura, fascinating architecture, beautiful gardens and an interesting hiking course. Because of its long history as a temple receiving imperial patronage, Ninna-ji possesses many National Treasures and several Important Cultural Properties, and in addition to more traditional Buddhist worship halls also has the Goten, constructed in a lavish residential style worthy of the name ?Omuro Imperial Palace? that shows how emperors of old would have lived.
...