Five-storey Pagoda at Ninnaji Temple

　Ninnaji Temple, described in the classic essay *Tsurezuregusa* and a place the writer Yasushi Inoue frequented during his student days, is known amongst Japanese people as a spot where one can enjoy the *Omuro-zakura*—the cherry blossoms that bloom latest in Kyoto. However, despite being designated a World Heritage Site, it remains one of the places visited by relatively few foreign tourists.

　Within the temple grounds stands a five-storey pagoda over 30 metres tall, and many Japanese visitors come here to photograph the cherry blossoms or autumn foliage in full bloom against the backdrop of this pagoda.

　Although the interior of the pagoda is not open to the public, it is said to house statues of Dainichi Nyorai and the Four Directions Buddhas.

　Every year, from late October, when the Iroha maple trees begin to change colour, until early December—the peak of the autumn foliage season—the temple grounds are illuminated. Whilst the admission fee is on the higher side compared to other temples, entry is free for under-18s.