What is Heian Shrine?
Heian Shrine is located in Kyoto City and was founded in 1895.
Built during the Meiji period to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the capital's relocation to Heian, this shrine features a magnificent building modeled after a palace from the Heian period.
A large vermilion torii gate stands within the shrine grounds, welcoming all visitors.
Its historical background and magnificent architectural beauty have made it a popular tourist destination.
A beautiful garden in every season
The gardens of Heian Shrine are beautiful in every season.
Spring: Spectacular cherry blossoms
In spring, the temple grounds are covered with cherry blossoms, and the sight of the cherry blossoms reflected in the pond is particularly spectacular.
It's a great place to stroll around with a camera in hand, and the illuminated cherry blossoms at night are particularly magical.
Summer: Recommended for visitors looking to cool off
In summer, the gardens of Heian Shrine are ablaze with fresh greenery.
Walking around the pond is a great way to feel cool and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Autumn: Where to see the autumn leaves
In autumn, the leaves change color, and the Shinen garden in particular turns a deep red.
The contrast between the autumn leaves and the vermilion buildings is incredibly beautiful, making it a popular spot for taking photos on social media such as Instagram.
Winter: Silent snowscape
In winter, when it snows, the contrast between white and vermilion stands out, creating a landscape that is almost like a painting.
It's the perfect season to enjoy some quiet time.
Value as a cultural asset
Heian Shrine is not only beautiful, but is also famous as a place to learn about Kyoto's history.
Within the temple grounds, there are exhibits that touch on Kyoto's traditional culture and art, making it a great place for travelers who want to learn about Japanese history.
Additionally, the Jidai Matsuri, held every October, is a large-scale historical procession set at Heian Shrine, where you can see traditional Japanese costumes.
Useful information for visitors
access
- Nearest station : 10 minutes on foot from Higashiyama Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway, or 15 minutes on foot from Jingu-Marutamachi Station on the Keihan Line
- Bus : Directly outside the Kyoto City Bus "Okazaki Park" stop
Opening hours and admission fees
- Opening hours : 6:00-17:30 (varies depending on the season)
- Admission fee : The grounds are free, but admission to the shrine garden is 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students.
Recommended visiting times
If you visit Heian Shrine early in the morning, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a quiet time.
Also, don't miss the light-up events in spring and autumn.
summary
Heian Shrine is a place where you can feel the history and beauty of Kyoto.
The gardens, which show different faces with each season, and the beauty of the historic architecture captivate all who visit.
If you visit Kyoto, be sure to visit Heian Shrine and enjoy its charm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What time is Heian Shrine open until?
A1: It depends on the season, but we are usually open from 6:00 to 17:30.
Q2: Is there an admission fee?
A2: The temple grounds are free to enter, but there is a fee to enter the garden, "Shinen," which costs 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students.
Q3: Which season is best recommended?
A3: All seasons are beautiful, but I especially recommend the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn leaves season in fall.
Q4: What is the most convenient means of transportation?
A4: It is a 10-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the subway, or the city bus stop "Okazaki Park" is convenient.
