Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine, also known as Heian Jingu Shrine, was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto’s being the capital city of Japan since 794. It enshrines the first and the last emperors who ruled the country in Heiankyo (now Kyoto): Emperor Kanmu (737-806) and Emperor Komei (1831-1867).

What to See in Heian Shrine

1. Biggest Torri Gate in Kyoto

At the entrance of Heian Shrine there is a 24-meter-tall vermilion torri gate built in 1928, which is the biggest torri gate in Kyoto. It stretches across an 18-meter-wide road as a striking landmark, greeting visitors and worshippers from all over the world.

2. A Replica of the Imperial Palace of Heian Period 

The buildings of Heian Shrine are a 5:8 scale replica of the Imperial Palace of Heian Period (794-1185) which was constructed in the late 700s. The shrine buildings model after the architectural style of Chinese Tang Dynasty (618-907) with bright colors like vermilion, white and green. Inside Heian Shrine, the most representative Outemmon Gate and the main hall Daigoku-den are Japan’s designated Important Cultural Properties.

3. Japanese Pond Gardens

The South, West, East and Middle Gardens in Heian Shrine were designated as National Site of Scenic Beauty in 1975. They are Japanese style courtyards called strolling pond gardens, in which visitors can enjoy the view of pond, pavilions and plants while strolling along the path. Various flowers are planted so that you may enjoy blossoms in all seasons. 

Things to Do in Heian Shrine

1. Watch “Coming of Age” Ceremonies in January

According to Japanese tradition, Coming of Age Ceremonies are held on the second Monday of January every year to celebrate young people’s maturity - usually at the age of 20. On this special day, young women often wear furisode - a kind of kimono with exquisite long sleeves, and young men may wear a suit or hakama. The new adults will together worship and take photos in Heian Shrine after the ceremonies.

2. Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in April

There are about 300 cherry blossom trees in the four pond gardens of Heian Shrine, of which the South and East gardens attract both locals and foreigners every year with the stunning weeping cherry blossom trees called Yae-Beni-Shidare. This kind of cherry blossom trees feature its drooping branches covered with glorious pink blooms in April. 

3. Watch Jidai Matsuri - Festival of the Ages in October

Jidai Matsuri, one of the three major festivals in Kyoto, has been a tradition since 1895 - the year Heian Shrine was built. Falling on October 22nd, this festival is held to keep people’s memory of Kyoto’s being the old capital. During the festival, performers dress up with traditional costumes representing different periods of Japanese history and famous historical figures in Japan. It takes two hours or more for the grand procession to parade from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine.

4. Explore Kyoto Heian Antique Market

This antique market is held usually on the 10th of every month in front of Heian Shrine, in which there are around 150 stalls selling antiques, crafts, second-hand clothes or books, etc. Strolling around the market is a good way to know some stories behind the antiques and catch a glimpse of Kyoto’s local flavor.

Know Before Going

1. Opening Hours

Date	Opening Hours
Feb. 15 to Mar. 14	6:00 - 17:30
Mar 15 to Sep. 30	6:00 - 18:00
October	6:00 - 17:30
Nov. 1 to Feb. 14	6:00 - 17:00

2. Ticket Fare

Free; but the ticket of the four gardens inside is 600 JPY per person.

How to Get to Heian Shrine

1. By bus

Take the Kyoto City Bus 5, City Bus EX100, City Bus 105, City Bus 46 or City Bus 86 to Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan/Heian Jingu-mae and walk north for about 1 minute to get to Heian Shrine.

2. By subway

Take subway Tozai Line to Higashiyama Station and walk north for about 7 minutes to reach it.

Nearby Attractions

Yasaka Shrine: The place where Japan’s most celebrated Gion Festival is held. You may walk south for about 15 minutes to reach it. And it’s also convenient to take the Kyoto City Bus 86 from Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan/Heian Jingu-mae to Gion, the cost of which is 230 JPY. 
Philosopher’s Path: A long path for cherry blossom viewing, along which there are many shrines and famous temples. You may walk east for about 19 minutes to get there.
Kamo River: Also named as Kamogawa River, it’s a 31-km-long river flowing through the heart of Kyoto. You may walk west for about 14 minutes to reach the riverbank.