Ninna-ji temple, the head temple of the omuro branch of shingon buddhism, is a highly prestigious temple, being the first monzeki temple where successive imperial princes entered the priesthood. after emperor uda abdicated, he became a monk and resided here, hence the name "omuro gosho" (omuro imperial palace). the temple boasts a dignified main hall, which was relocated from the shishinden hall of the imperial palace, as well as many national treasures such as the amida triad, the aizen myoo statue, and the medical text "ishinho," and important cultural properties such as the five-story pagoda. in spring, the omuro cherry blossoms, the latest blooming cherry blossoms in kyoto, adorn the temple grounds. the beauty of the omuro cherry blossoms, which are only a little over 2 meters tall, is exceptional.