88 sacred temples Pilgrimage in Omuro (御室八十八ヶ所霊場)

Behind the Ninnaji Temple, there is a mountain path called Omurojojusan, which is dotted with 88 small Buddhist temples. Ninnaji Temple manages this route. In the Edo period (1603-1868), it was difficult to visit the 88 sacred sites on Shikoku. So in 1827, the 29th Monk of Ninnaji Temple made a request to bring back sand from the 88 sacred sites on Shikoku. People buried it in the mountain, and build 88 small temples on top of it to create a sacred site.

The tour takes about two hours to visit 88 sacred temples, which are copies of the 88 temples in Shikoku. If you complete the pilgrimage, you will receive the same benefits as those of a pilgrimage to the 88 sacred sites in Shikoku. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area. On the way to the temple, the view of Kyoto city below is magnificent. This course provides a good hiking experience.

Ninnaji Temple’s WEB site about the pilgrimage route.

The first stop on the 88 sacred temples tour is Ryozenji Temple. From here, you will hike to the top of the 236-meter-high mountain.

From here, walking up the path, small temples appear in turn: No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, and so on.

Each small temple houses a Buddhist statue and a statue of Kobo Daishi. Although Buddhist statues change from temple to temple, Kobo Daishi is always with the pilgrim.

The path generally passes through wooded areas, but at times offers spectacular views of Kyoto.

The last temple is Okuboji Temple. Here your pilgrimage ends.

Nearby Spots of 88 sacred temples in Omuro

You can visit 88 sacred temples after visiting Ninnaji Temple. It is better to go to Ninnaji Temple first, as walking in the mountains will make you sweat.

Ninnaji Temple (仁和寺)

Another good hiking course is Narabigaoka hill. From the top of the hill you will have a panoramic view of Ninnaji Temple.

Narabigaoka (双ヶ丘)