The Million Yen Temple Experience: Kyoto’s Ninnaji

The Niōmon is an important cultural property. Soaring 18.7 meters high, it is the imposing entrance to Ninnaji.

The principal figure in the Kondō Hall is a statue of Amitabha (Amida). The Seiden and the Shishinden, structures designated national treasures, were moved to Ninnaji during the Kan’ei period (1624–44).

The Niōmon Gate has closed and all visitors have left. Guests can enjoy this spectacular sunset all to themselves.

A close-up view of the Kondō Hall, illuminated for the evening, is a special experience.

The omuro-zakura of Ninnaji bloom late, closing out the cherry blossom season. The temple’s five-story pagoda, an important cultural property, provides a picturesque backdrop.

In autumn, the fiery colors of maples add atmosphere to Ninnaji.

A figure of Amitabha (Amida), flanked by Avalokitesvara (Kannon) on the left and Mahasthamaprapta (Daiseishi Bosatsu) on the right, is the principal figure in the Kondō Hall.

The inside of the pagoda, normally closed to the public, can be viewed by the overnight guests. The central figure here is Vairocana (Dainichi Nyorai).

The Kannon Hall recently completed a six-year refurbishment. This is where the priests’ religious practice takes place, and the hall is normally not open to the public.

Guests take a private tour of the grounds, which at nighttime are suffused in a mysterious atmosphere.

Head priest Segawa Taishū addresses guests before dinner in the Shinden Hall.

Flower arrangements of the Omuro school of ikebana add a touch of color in the Shinden Hall, where guests can dine to the sounds of gagaku imperial court music and shakuhachi bamboo flute.

Hitōtei, near the pagoda, is the site for tea ceremonies and the morning meal.

Moon viewing to the sound of priests’ chanting is an unparalleled experience that can savored to the full in a temple setting.

The wall paintings in the Kannon Hall, dating from the seventeenth century, are open to the public during special viewings only.

The entrance to Shōrin’an.

The two-story structure sits in an atmospheric Japanese garden.

Guests sleep on futon in the rooms. Special attention has been lavished on the furniture, all of which is made in Japan.

The garden can also be viewed from the second floor.

The traditional Japanese bath makes abundant use of wood.

Temple treasures, including some objects associated with the imperial family, are displayed in a showcase.

The chrysanthemum crest, symbol of the imperial family, appears on the short curtain across the top of the Niōmon Gate. Access to the grounds is free, but there is a fee for viewing the Goten imperial residence and the Reihōkan Treasure Hall and for special viewings.

The South Garden of the Goten imperial residence and the Chokushimon Imperial Messenger Gate.

The grounds at Ninnaji, lit up at night.