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Temples & Shrines

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Ninna-ji was founded in 888 by Emperor Uda, It is one of the oldest temples in Kyoto, and is the headquarters for the Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism. The blossoms open relatively late during the season and are shorter than most cherry trees.

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"founded in 888 by Emperor Uda, who converted the grounds of their summer home into a temple. It is one of the oldest temples in Kyoto, and is the headquarters for the omuro school of Shingon Buddhism The retired Emperor lived his last thirty years as the temple's head priest. Since then, a precedece was established in which regning emperors woud send a son to a temple to take over as first abbot. Temples in turn benefitted from this imperial patronage. The original temple included more than 60 sub-temples but was largely destroyed, like most of Kyoto, in the 15th century Onin Wars. The most recent construction is in the Momoyama style of the 17th century, and includes a 5 storied pagoda, bell tower, tea houses, and a walled garden. One can enjoy a rare locally cultivated type of dwarf cherry tree, the Omuro cherry tree within the temple grounds. The blossoms open relative late during the season and are shorter than most cherry trees. Benches are set up under the low-hanging branches and crowds gather in late spring for a picnic or stroll "