Omuro Sakura cherry trees

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ninna-ji Temple is located in the Ukyo Ward of Kyoto City, and is the head temple of the Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism. The Temple is famous for its grove of Omuro-zakura cherry trees, which became popular from the Edo period onwards as the “ordinary person’s cherry tree,” and which has been extolled in Waka poems. The Omuro-zakura is the latest-flowering variety of cherry tree to be seen in Kyoto; the best time of year for viewing the Omuro-zakura cherry blossom is usually from early April through to mid-April. The trees are relatively small, making it possible to view the cherry blossom at eye level. The Yoshino cherry trees located in front of the Kondo (Main Hall) and the weeping cherry tree located in front of the Shoro bell tower also give a great deal of pleasure to visitors to the Temple. The Temple grounds are open for cherry blossom viewing from 8:00 to 17:00 (with last entry at 16:30); admission costs 500 yen for adults, and 200 yen for elementary school and junior high school students. Toilets, shops, and paid parking available.