Ninna-ji is a Shingon branch Buddhist temple along the northwestern mountains of Kyōto. Dating back to the ninth century, Ninna-ji is one of the temples of Kyoto designated as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage, and has had a head priest belonging to the Imperial Family until the late Edo Period.
Today, Ninna-ji is roughly divided into two areas: the temple grounds itself, containing the main hall (a national treasure) as well as a five-storied pagoda, and a palace-style garden. The latter boasts a nice wet landscape garden from which the pagoda can be viewed, which is especially beautiful during the maple foliage season in autumn. As a photographer, it is also noteworthy that one can shoot most of the rooms at the palace.
Ninna-ji is further known for a late-blooming branch of cherry blossoms, the so-called “Omuro” cherries, which are not very tall, but happen to be in full bloom 1–2 weeks after the regular season.
Furthermore, Ninna-ji opens its archives and storages to put some of its treasures on display. For those interested in gazing at Buddhist arts, going to Ninna-ji during one such opening may be worth your time.

Admission: temple grounds free, garden/palace and inside requiring entrance fee
Nearby places of interest: Ryōan-ji, Narabigaoka Kofun, Myōshin-ji