Ninna-ji is a temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect of Buddhism and was founded in 888 by the then reigning emperor. The temple was also known as Omuro Imperial Palace. Most of the buildings at the site only date back to the Edo period in the early 1600s.
One of the most beautiful set of structures at the temple is the Gotten, the former residence of the head monk. They are styled after an imperial palace and connected to each other by covered corridors. The rooms within contained painted sliding doors.
Surrounding these structures are several extensive rock and pond gardens. There is also a glimpse of a five storied pagoda from the pond garden.
An early morning visit ensured that there were very few visitors, leaving me with a greater sense of wonderment as I explored the grounds.
