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Jōnangū Shrine: A Sanctuary of History and Serenity

Discover Kyoto's serene Jōnangū Shrine: a historical sanctuary famed for its gardens, plum blossoms, and cultural traditions.

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Jōnangū Shrine, nestled in southern Kyoto, offers a tranquil escape from the city's bustling center. Founded in 794 to protect the capital, it boasts five distinct gardens showcasing the evolution of Japanese garden design and is famed for its stunning weeping plum blossoms and historical significance.

A brief summary to Jōnangū Shrine

  • Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in late February or early March to witness the breathtaking weeping plum blossoms in the Spring Mountain Garden.
  • Attend the Kyokusui no Utage on April 29th or November 3rd to experience a traditional Heian-era poetry banquet.
  • Explore all five gardens to appreciate the evolution of Japanese garden design and the seasonal flora.
  • Look for the Little One-Inch mascot near the main hall, a nod to a classic Japanese folktale associated with the shrine.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line (Green Line) or the Kintetsu Line (Yellow Line) to Takeda Station. From Takeda Station, it's approximately a 15-20 minute walk to Jōnangū Shrine. Alternatively, take City Bus 南1, 南2, or 南3 from Takeda Station Exit 4 to Jōnangū Higashiguchi Bus Stop. Another option is to take City Bus 19 from Kyoto Station Karasuma Exit, Boarding Area C4, directly to Jōnangū. The bus ride takes about 22 minutes. The subway fare from Kyoto Station to Takeda Station is ¥290.

  • Walking

    From Takeda Station (Karasuma Subway Line or Kintetsu Line), exit and follow the signs towards Jōnangū Shrine. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. The route is generally flat and well-marked, passing through residential areas.

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Discover more about Jōnangū Shrine

Jōnangū Shrine, whose name literally means 'the shrine south of the capital' , was established in 794 when the capital moved to Heian-kyo (Kyoto). Built to protect the capital from evil spirits and ensure peace , the shrine enshrines deities of national territory, bravery, safe childbirth, and child rearing. Emperors visited to pray for protection and the security of the court. Serving as a guardian for construction, transportation, and travel, Jōnangū attracts worshippers seeking protection from misfortune and safe travels. The shrine was once part of the Toba Detached Palace during the Heian period, a base for cloistered emperors. It was also the site of the Battle of Toba-Fushimi in 1868, a pivotal clash in the Meiji Restoration. The shrine's gardens, known as Rakusuien, showcase the history of Japanese garden design through five distinct areas : Spring Mountain Garden (Haru no Yama), Heian Period-style Garden, Muromachi Period-style Garden, Momoyama Period-style Garden, and Jōnan Imperial Villa Garden. The gardens feature 150 plum trees, 300 camellia bushes, and nearly 100 maple trees, along with plants featured in *The Tale of Genji*. Jōnangū is particularly renowned for its weeping plum blossoms, which bloom in late winter and early spring. Visitors can also witness the *Kyokusui no Utage* (Wandering Stream Banquet), a re-enactment of an ancient imperial poetry game held twice a year. Shrine maidens perform sacred dances called *Kagura*, blessing participants with seasonal flowers. A mascot of Little One-Inch, from a classic Japanese tale, can be found near the main hall.

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