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Ninna-ji Temple - 仁和寺 (founded 888, mostly 17th century onward)
Ninna-ji temple, located in northwest Kyoto not far from Ryoanji, is one of the oldest temples in the city. It was founded in 888 by the retired Emperor Uda, who, in accordance with his late father's wishes, converted a former palace grounds to a temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. The retired Emperor lived out his remaining 30 years here as the temple's head priest. From his example, a tradition arose that reigning Emperors would send a son to the temple to take over as head priest each time a vacancy arose. From 888 until the practice ended in 1869, the temple benefitted from this imperial patronage.
The buildings of Uda's era have long since vanished, destroyed by some of the many fires that ravaged the site. Many of the buildings that survive are from the 16th and 17th centuries, while others are far more recent. The Omuro-gosho, a palace-like compound at the southwest corner of the temple, is thought to be the site of the original temple. Over time it evolved into a shinden-style estate where the head priest lived in surroundings that recalled the Heian-era mansions of the 11th century. It was reconstructed in the early 20th century with careful attention to detail.
The northern half of the temple grounds comprises a large courtyard with many buildings that include a Golden Hall, a five-story pagoda, a scripture house, a bell tower, and smaller shrines. The oldest surviving buildings in the temple may be found here.
Bibliography:
All images copyright 2003 Timothy J. Olker
Mosher, Gouverneur. Kyoto: A Contemplative Guide
Charles E. Tuttle Co., 1986. Rutland, Vermont
Nishi, Kazuo and Kazuo Hozumi. What is Japanese Architecture?
Kodansha International, 1983. Tokyo and New York
Nitschke, Gunter & Benedikt Taschen. The Architecture of the Japanese Garden.
Benedikt Taschen Verlag GmbH, 1991. Germany
Schaarschmidt-Richter, Irmtraud & Osamu Mori. Japanese Gardens.
William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1979. New York and Tokyo
http://www.ninnaji.or.jp/syukubou/map/tmpmap.htm
Rough site plan drawn by Timothy M. Ciccone from an urban-planning map.
| A) Niumon Gate | B) Omuro-Gosho | C) Garden |
| D) Tea house | E) Center gate | F) 5-story pagoda |
| G) Bell tower | H) Golden Hall | J) Scripture house |
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Hello, I also have the same question as Leslie. I would also love to get some four leaf clover charms.
Hello Patricia, I do not have any information on whether these charms may be purchased from abroad. However, I am doubtful that they may be purchased anywhere except on site. Sorry that I may not be of further assistance. Thanks, Timothy Ciccone, Webmaster
Hi, my friend went to Ninna-Ji Temple and she came back with a four leaf clover charm. She said she got it from this temple. I was wondering if they still sell them, and if they do, is there any website that sells them, because i would love to give some to my family members. Thank you