Ninna-ji was founded in 888 CE by Emperor Uda and later rebuilt in the 17th century.

Ninna-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

The Omuro cherry blossoms and Ninna-ji Imperial Palace Gardens are nationally designated Places of Scenic Beauty.

Ninna-ji is the head temple of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism.