Heian Shrine: A Celebration of Kyoto's Imperial Past

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Discover Heian Shrine in Kyoto: A vibrant tribute to the city's imperial past and architectural grandeur, complete with stunning gardens.

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Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine, built in 1895 to commemorate Kyoto's 1100th anniversary as the capital, is a vibrant Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperors Kammu and Komei. Its architecture is a scaled-down replica of the Heian Imperial Palace, featuring a giant torii gate and spacious grounds.

A brief summary to Heian Shrine

97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Kyoto, Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341, JP
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Monday 6 am-7 pm
Tuesday 6 am-7 pm
Wednesday 6 am-7 pm
Thursday 6 am-7 pm
Friday 6 am-7 pm
Saturday 6 am-7 pm
Sunday 6 am-7 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Heian Shrine.

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially if you want to explore the main shrine grounds without many people around.
The Heian Shrine Garden requires a separate admission fee but is well worth a visit, especially during cherry blossom season in mid-April.
Check the shrine's calendar for special events and festivals, such as the Jidai Festival on October 22nd, for a unique cultural experience.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the courtyard is covered in gravel, which can be challenging to walk on, especially for those with mobility issues.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus number 5 to the Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan/Heian Jingu-mae bus stop. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes and costs ¥230. From the bus stop, it is a short 5-minute walk to the shrine. Alternatively, take the Tozai Subway Line to Higashiyama Station, then walk approximately 10 minutes to the shrine.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Kyoto. A taxi from Kyoto Station to Heian Shrine takes approximately 10 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare will likely cost between ¥2,400 and ¥2,900. Simply tell the driver 'Heian Jingu'.
Walking

From the Gion-Kiyomizu area, you can take City Bus #201, #203, or #206 and get off at Higashiyama Nijo bus stop, followed by a 5-minute walk east. Alternatively, it is a 15-20 minute walk from Nanzen-ji Temple to Heian Shrine. Be aware that the main courtyard is covered in gravel, which may be difficult to navigate with wheeled luggage or accessibility issues.

Discover more about Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine (Heian Jingu) is a relatively recent addition to Kyoto's impressive collection of temples and shrines, having been constructed in 1895 to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto's establishment as the capital of Japan. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Kammu, who first established Kyoto as the capital in 794, and Emperor Komei, the last emperor to reside in Kyoto before the capital moved to Tokyo. The shrine's architecture is a 5/8th scale replica of the original Imperial Palace from the Heian period, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of that era. A giant, vermillion torii gate, one of the largest in Japan, marks the entrance to the shrine. The main buildings feature a distinctive blend of Chinese and Japanese architectural styles, with vermilion pillars and green glazed tiles. The expansive courtyard is covered in white gravel, adding to the serene atmosphere.Behind the main buildings lies the Heian Shrine Garden, a nationally designated Site of Scenic Beauty. This garden, designed by Ogawa Jihei, features a variety of plants, ponds, and buildings across four distinct sections, each representing a different historical period: Heian, Kamakura, Momoyama and Edo. The garden is particularly renowned for its weeping cherry trees, which bloom later than other varieties, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. Special events, such as Noh dramas and the Jidai Festival, are held at the shrine throughout the year.