Omuro School of Ikebana
Ninnaji is the headquarters of the Omuro school of flower arrangement, or ikebana, which was founded by Emperor Uda (867–931). Although it took its current name only some 70 years ago, the Omuro style of ikebana has been practiced at Ninnaji for centuries. During the middle ages, many famous ikebana practitioners were affiliated with Ninnaji, which ultimately resulted in the ikebana tradition here having a rather orthodox leaning.
Within Ninnaji’s orthodoxy, however, there is much variation. Practitioners can execute their arrangements according to the “traditional” style, which dictates the angles at which the flowers are placed to imitate plants as they are found in nature. However, they can also arrange flowers to their own taste, disregarding orthodox conventions. This flexibility within the Omuro school has allowed it to continue to flourish.