Heian Jingu Shrine: Kyoto’s Grand Shrine Honoring the Ancient Capital

Introduction

When you step into the Okazaki area in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, what immediately catches your eye even from a distance is the grand torii gate of Heian Jingu Shrine. Standing 24.4 meters tall and 18 meters wide, this vermilion torii gate is one of the largest in Japan, soaring majestically toward the sky as if summoning the memory of ancient Heian-kyo back to the present day.

Heian Jingu Shrine was established in 1895 (Meiji 28) to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo, making it a relatively new shrine in Kyoto. However, despite being “new,” its presence is every bit as impressive as the most famous temples and shrines in Kyoto. The shrine buildings are a faithful 5/8-scale reproduction of the Chodoin (Hall of State), the main government building of Heian-kyo, conveying the splendor and dignity of the ancient capital to the modern era. The shrine enshrines Emperor Kanmu, who established Heian-kyo, and Emperor Komei, the last emperor before the Meiji era, symbolizing the beginning and end of Kyoto’s 1,100-year history as Japan’s capital. Today, the shrine welcomes approximately one million visitors annually.

Another essential aspect of Heian Jingu is its celebrated garden, the Shin-en. This strolling pond garden of approximately 33,000 square meters was designed by the renowned Meiji-era landscape gardener Ogawa Jihei VII. The garden reveals different expressions with each season, and its spring cherry blossoms and early summer irises are considered among the most beautiful in all of Kyoto. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Heian Jingu Shrine, covering its history, highlights, nearby attractions, and access information to help you plan your visit.

Overview of Heian Jingu Shrine

Heian Jingu Shrine is located in the Okazaki area of Sakyo Ward, Kyoto. It was established in 1895 (Meiji 28) to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo. Its official name is “Heian Jingu,” and its former shrine ranking was Kanpei Taisha (a major imperial shrine). It is currently listed as a Beppyo Jinja (specially designated shrine) by the Association of Shinto Shrines.

*Please check the official Heian Jingu Shrine website for the latest worship hours and admission fees.

The most distinctive feature of Heian Jingu Shrine is that its buildings are modeled after the Chodoin (Hall of State), the main government complex of Heian-kyo. The Chodoin was the central facility of Heian-kyo where the emperor conducted state affairs and national ceremonies were held, and it was located near present-day Senbon Marutamachi. Heian Jingu reproduces the major buildings of this Chodoin at approximately 5/8 scale: the Outer Worship Hall (Gaiheiden) corresponds to the Daigokuden (Great Audience Hall), the Shrine Gate (Shinmon) corresponds to the Otenmon Gate, and the Soryu-ro and Byakko-ro towers evoke the magnificent appearance of the originals. These structures faithfully reproduce the architectural style of the Heian period, and the interplay of vermilion-painted pillars and green-tiled roofs embodies the very essence of “miyabi” (courtly elegance).

The shrine grounds cover approximately 66,000 square meters, of which the Shin-en garden occupies about 33,000 square meters. The shrine buildings are registered as Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, and the Shin-en garden is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. The shrine is also known as the starting point for the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages), one of Kyoto’s three major festivals. Every year on October 22, approximately 2,000 citizens dress in period costumes and parade about 2 kilometers from Heian Jingu Shrine to the Kyoto Imperial Palace in a grand historical procession.

History of Heian Jingu Shrine

1. The Memory of the Capital Transfer — Emperor Kanmu and the Birth of Kyoto

To understand the history of Heian Jingu Shrine, we must begin with the story of its enshrined deity, Emperor Kanmu, and the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo. In 794 (Enryaku 13), the 50th Emperor of Japan, Emperor Kanmu, moved the capital from Nagaoka-kyo to Kadono in Yamashiro Province, naming the new capital “Heian-kyo.” The name “Heian” embodied the wish for “a peaceful and tranquil capital,” and true to its name, this city would flourish as Japan’s capital for approximately 1,100 years until the de facto transfer to Tokyo in 1869 (Meiji 2).

Behind Emperor Kanmu’s decision to relocate the capital were complex political circumstances, including the interference of powerful Buddhist temples in Nara, the assassination of Fujiwara no Tanetsugu in Nagaoka-kyo, and the vengeful spirit incident involving Prince Sawara. In the new capital, Emperor Kanmu sought to free government from Buddhist interference and realize the ideals of the ritsuryo (legal code) state. Heian-kyo was built on a grid plan modeled after China’s Chang’an, spanning approximately 5.3 kilometers north to south and 4.5 kilometers east to west. At its center were the Dairi (Imperial Residence) and the Chodoin (Hall of State), the seat of political power.

During his reign, Emperor Kanmu devoted great effort to developing Heian-kyo and also conducted military campaigns against the Emishi in the northeast. He dispatched Sakanoue no Tamuramaro as Sei-i Taishogun (Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force) to expand control over the Tohoku region, while domestically implementing reforms to the land allocation system and strengthening the supervision of provincial governors to rebuild the ritsuryo system. The Heian-kyo that Emperor Kanmu built would go on to serve as the stage for various forms of government — Fujiwara regency politics, cloistered rule, and warrior government — while remaining the center of Japanese culture for over a millennium.

2. The Shock of the Meiji Restoration — The Capital Moves to Tokyo and Kyoto’s Crisis

To understand the direct impetus behind the founding of Heian Jingu, one must know about the crisis that the Meiji Restoration brought upon Kyoto. Following the return of political power to the emperor (Taisei Hokan) in 1867 and the Battle of Toba-Fushimi in 1868, the new Meiji government was established. Then in 1869 (Meiji 2), Emperor Meiji traveled to Tokyo, effectively transferring the capital. After 1,100 years as the seat of the emperor, Kyoto lost the imperial court.

This event had a devastating impact on Kyoto. Court culture centered around the Imperial Palace, the aristocratic society, and their associated industries and commerce all declined rapidly. The population plummeted from approximately 350,000 at the end of the Edo period to about 240,000 in the early Meiji era, and the city lost its vitality. Court nobles moved to Tokyo one after another, their mansions around the palace stood empty, and the thousand-year capital was in danger of being forgotten as a mere “former capital.”

However, the people of Kyoto rose to meet this crisis. The second Kyoto prefectural governor, Makimura Masanao, and the third governor, Kitagaki Kunimichi, devoted themselves to modernizing Kyoto. The construction of the Lake Biwa Canal, the opening of Japan’s first streetcar line (Kyoto Electric Railway), and hosting the Fourth National Industrial Exhibition — from the mid-Meiji period onward, Kyoto steadily progressed toward the “revival of the ancient capital.” Within this revitalization movement, the grand project commemorating the 1,100th anniversary of the capital’s transfer was conceived as a symbol of civic pride and unity. At the heart of this project was the founding of Heian Jingu Shrine.

3. 1895 (Meiji 28): The Founding of Heian Jingu — Reviving the Ancient Capital Through Civic Spirit

In 1895 (Meiji 28), the year marking the 1,100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo, two commemorative projects were planned in Kyoto: the Fourth National Industrial Exhibition and the founding of Heian Jingu Shrine. These twin endeavors were an ambitious initiative to restore the prestige of a declining Kyoto and promote industrial development and tourism.

The shrine was designed by Kiko Kiyoyoshi and Ito Chuta, architects of the Imperial Household Ministry’s construction bureau. They aimed to faithfully reproduce the Chodoin (Hall of State) of Heian-kyo at approximately 5/8 scale. The construction was supported by the passionate spirit of Kyoto’s citizens, who contributed through donations and volunteer work. The main hall was completed on March 15, 1895, and a grand enshrinement ceremony was held on April 1 to coincide with the opening of the Fourth National Industrial Exhibition.

At its founding, the only enshrined deity was Emperor Kanmu, who established Heian-kyo. In 1940 (Showa 15), Emperor Komei was additionally enshrined. Emperor Komei was the 121st Emperor of Japan, who reigned during the turbulent final years of the Edo period and was the last emperor to pass away in Kyoto. If Emperor Kanmu symbolizes “the beginning of Kyoto,” then Emperor Komei represents “the last era when Kyoto was the emperor’s capital.” By enshrining these two emperors, Heian Jingu Shrine completed its character as a shrine encompassing the 1,100-year history of Kyoto as the imperial capital.

The Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) was inaugurated at the same time as the founding of Heian Jingu Shrine. The first Jidai Matsuri was held on October 22, 1895, chosen to coincide with the date of the capital’s transfer. The historical procession recreating the customs of various periods throughout Kyoto’s history has continued for over 130 years as a festival that demonstrates the pride and solidarity of Kyoto’s citizens.

4. The Showa-Era Trial — The 1976 Arson and Reconstruction

For over 80 years since its founding, Heian Jingu Shrine had steadily built its legacy, but in the early hours of January 6, 1976 (Showa 51), an unimaginable tragedy struck. An arson attack by someone claiming to be a radical resulted in the complete destruction of nine buildings, including the main hall, inner worship hall, and sacred food offering hall (Shinsenden). Known as the “Heian Jingu Arson Incident,” structures of national important cultural property caliber were reduced to ashes in a single night.

However, support from Kyoto citizens and people across Japan was swift. Donations poured in spontaneously from those who learned of the destruction, and fundraising campaigns were launched nationwide. Particularly noteworthy was the commitment to using the same traditional construction methods employed during the original Meiji-era construction. Master shrine carpenters faithfully reproduced the Heian-period architectural style, painstakingly finishing each vermilion pillar and green roof tile by hand.

In April 1979 (Showa 54), reconstruction of the shrine buildings, including the main hall, was completed in an astonishing three years. The total construction cost reached approximately 2 billion yen, of which about 700 million yen came from public donations. This reconstruction reaffirmed just how important Heian Jingu Shrine is to the people of Kyoto. Just as at the time of its founding, history repeated itself as civic spirit rallied to meet a crisis facing Kyoto.

5. Heian Jingu Today — A Premier Kyoto Tourist Destination

Since its reconstruction, Heian Jingu Shrine has continued to develop as one of Kyoto’s premier tourist destinations. In 1994 (Heisei 6), the shrine buildings were registered as Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, and the Shin-en garden had already been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1975 (Showa 50). The shrine receives approximately one million visitors annually, and about 500,000 people visit for hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the new year), making it one of Kyoto’s most popular hatsumode spots.

In recent years, the shrine has also taken on a growing role as a hub for cultural activities. The Kyoto Takigi Noh, held every June, takes place in the grounds of Heian Jingu, where noh theater performed by torchlight creates a world of ethereal beauty. Additionally, the surrounding Okazaki area has been developed as a cluster of cultural facilities, including ROHM Theatre Kyoto and Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, with Heian Jingu Shrine positioned at its center.

The shrine is also highly popular among international tourists. The massive vermilion torii gate has been shared worldwide through social media, raising its profile as a “Kyoto photo spot.” Since the Reiwa era began, the shrine has focused on maintaining its buildings and garden, with regular repainting work to preserve the beauty of the vermilion lacquer and planned garden management. Heian Jingu Shrine continues to embody the wish that Kyoto’s citizens imbued at its founding over 130 years ago — to reclaim the pride of the imperial capital.

Highlights and Recommended Spots

Here is a curated selection of must-see highlights when visiting Heian Jingu Shrine. From the shrine buildings that recreate the elegance of Heian-kyo to the garden where seasonal flowers bloom in profusion, there are plenty of impressive spots to explore.

1. The Grand Torii Gate — A 24.4-Meter Vermilion Landmark

The symbol of Heian Jingu Shrine is undoubtedly the massive torii gate standing on Jingu-michi approach. At 24.4 meters tall with a column span of 18 meters, it was the largest torii gate in Japan when it was erected in 1929 (Showa 4). Built of reinforced concrete, this torii was constructed to commemorate the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Showa, and its vivid vermilion color stands out prominently in the Okazaki cityscape.

The grand torii is not located within the shrine grounds but stands approximately 300 meters to the south on Jingu-michi. It serves as a symbol of Jingu-michi as the shrine’s approach road, and the journey from the torii to the shrine itself is considered part of the pilgrimage. Nearby stand the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art and ROHM Theatre Kyoto, creating the distinctive atmosphere of the Okazaki area where cultural facilities and the shrine coexist.

For photography, the classic composition is to capture the torii head-on from the southern end of Jingu-michi. On sunny days, the contrast between the blue sky and vermilion is stunning, and at dusk, the torii glows in the setting sun, creating a magical landscape. In spring, the combination of cherry blossom trees along the Lake Biwa Canal and the grand torii gate is one of Kyoto’s most celebrated views.

2. The Outer Worship Hall (Daigokuden) and Otenmon Gate — Experiencing the Chodoin of Heian-kyo

The shrine buildings of Heian Jingu reproduce the Chodoin (Hall of State), the main government complex of Heian-kyo, at approximately 5/8 scale. Passing through the Otenmon Gate at the entrance, a vast courtyard of white sand stretches before you. The Outer Worship Hall (Gaiheiden) directly ahead is modeled after the Daigokuden (Great Audience Hall), where the emperor conducted state affairs, and presents a magnificent appearance with its irimoya-style green-tiled roof and vermilion pillars.

Flanking the Outer Worship Hall are the Soryu-ro (Blue Dragon Tower) to the east and the Byakko-ro (White Tiger Tower) to the west, arranged symmetrically. The Soryu-ro is named after the Azure Dragon that guards the east, while the Byakko-ro takes its name from the White Tiger that guards the west, reflecting the Four Guardian Deities (Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise) cosmology that underpinned Heian-kyo’s urban planning. These elegant two-story pavilions are precious remnants that convey the beauty of Heian-period court architecture to the present day.

Standing in the white sand courtyard, you cannot help but be overwhelmed by its vastness. The approximately 10,000-square-meter plaza is completely unobstructed, opening up a magnificent view of the sky above. This expansive space allows visitors to experience the dignity and grandeur that the original Chodoin of Heian-kyo possessed. When visiting, bow first at the Otenmon Gate, then cross the white sand courtyard to approach the Outer Worship Hall. If you visit first thing in the morning on a clear day, the vermilion shrine buildings glow even more brilliantly in the morning light, offering the sensation of having traveled back in time to the ancient capital.

3. Shin-en Garden — A Scenic Garden by Ogawa Jihei VII

The Shin-en garden of Heian Jingu is a strolling pond garden of approximately 33,000 square meters that extends to the east, center, west, and south of the shrine buildings. It was created over approximately 20 years from the Meiji to the Taisho era by Ogawa Jihei VII (commonly known as “Ueji”), a pioneer of modern Japanese garden design. The garden was designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1975 (Showa 50) and is highly regarded as a representative Japanese garden of the Meiji period.

Ogawa Jihei departed from the traditional gardens dominated by dry landscapes and rock arrangements, creating a “water garden” that utilized the abundant water supply from the Lake Biwa Canal. All the water flowing through the Shin-en is drawn from the Lake Biwa Canal, and water from Lake Biwa continues to flow into its ponds to this day. The undulating paths that follow the natural terrain, the masterful spatial composition that alternately opens and closes the field of view, and the meticulously planned plantings of seasonal trees and flowers — Ueji’s garden appears entirely natural while being a work of art attended to in every detail.

The Shin-en garden is divided into four areas — the South Garden, West Garden, Central Garden, and East Garden — each with its own distinct character. In spring, the weeping cherry trees of the South Garden cascade flowers like waterfalls. In early summer, approximately 200 varieties and 2,000 Japanese irises bloom around the Byakko-ike pond in the West Garden. In autumn, fall foliage is reflected on the water’s surface, and in winter, the snow-dusted garden presents a landscape reminiscent of an ink wash painting. A stroll around the entire garden takes about 30 to 40 minutes, offering the luxury of experiencing all four seasons of Kyoto in a single, condensed journey.

4. Taihei-kaku (Bridge Hall) — The Iconic Bridge of the East Garden

The Taihei-kaku, a covered bridge spanning the Seiho-ike pond in the East Garden, is one of the most picturesque spots in the Shin-en garden of Heian Jingu. This hashidono (bridge hall) was relocated from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and its elegant roofed structure extends gracefully across the pond. Originally used by the emperor and court nobles as a place to enjoy cool breezes within the palace, the bridge carries a special dignity enhanced by its historical provenance.

Sitting inside the Taihei-kaku, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the scenery reflected on the surface of Seiho-ike pond. On the opposite shore stands the Shobikan (a building also relocated from the Kyoto Imperial Palace), and its graceful form mirrored on the water — the “inverted Shobikan” — looks like a scene from a Japanese painting. Koi and turtles swim in the pond, water lilies bloom in early summer, and waterbirds rest their wings here. Why not take a moment to forget the noise of everyday life and simply gaze at the water in luxurious tranquility?

The view from the Taihei-kaku changes dramatically depending on the time of day. In the morning, soft light falls on the pond’s surface, creating a serene atmosphere. In the afternoon, as the angle of light shifts, the shadows of buildings and trees stretch long across the water, producing a scene of greater depth and richness. During cherry blossom season in particular, the harmonious blend of the Taihei-kaku’s vermilion, the pink of the cherry blossoms, and the blue of the pond is breathtaking, making this a popular photo spot where many photographers set up their tripods.

5. Jidai Matsuri — The Spectacular Historical Procession of Kyoto’s Three Great Festivals

No discussion of Heian Jingu would be complete without mentioning the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages), held annually on October 22. Alongside the Aoi Matsuri and Gion Matsuri, it is one of Kyoto’s three great festivals and was inaugurated in 1895 (Meiji 28) together with the founding of Heian Jingu Shrine. Held on October 22, the date of the ancient capital’s transfer, this festival is a grand historical pageant that recreates 1,100 years of Kyoto’s history through period costumes.

The Jidai Matsuri procession is organized in reverse chronological order, from the Meiji Restoration back to the Heian period. Approximately 20 groups and 2,000 participants march over about 2 kilometers, including the Meiji Restoration Imperial Loyalist Brigade, the Tokugawa Castle Envoy Procession, the Toyotomi Court Audience Procession, the Oda Lord’s Procession to Kyoto, the Muromachi Shogunate Administration Column, the Kusunoki Lord’s Procession, Medieval Women’s Column, and Heian Period Women’s Column. All costumes, weapons, and furnishings are produced based on rigorous historical research, earning the festival its nicknames of “a living historical scroll” and “a living history textbook.”

The procession departs from the Kyoto Imperial Palace at noon, passes along Karasuma-dori, Oike-dori, Kawaramachi-dori, and Sanjo-dori, and arrives at Heian Jingu around 2:30 PM. Approximately 70,000 spectators line the route each year, cheering as participants in period costumes pass by in elegant procession. Paid seating is available, but you can also watch from along the route for free. If you plan to visit Kyoto specifically for the Jidai Matsuri, we recommend visiting Heian Jingu in the morning on October 22 and then watching the procession from the roadside in the afternoon. Note that the festival may be postponed to the following day in case of rain, so be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out.

Nearby Attractions

Nanzenji Temple — The Highest-Ranking Zen Temple, “Above the Five Mountains”

Nanzenji Temple, located about a 15-minute walk east of Heian Jingu, holds the highest rank among all Zen temples in Japan as “Gozan no Ue” (Above the Five Mountains). Its approximately 22-meter-tall Sanmon gate is famous as the setting for the kabuki play “Romon Gosan no Kiri,” and from atop the gate, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kyoto cityscape. The nationally treasured Hojo (Abbot’s Quarters) features sliding door paintings by Kano Tanyu, and the celebrated “Tiger Cubs Crossing the Water” garden is renowned as a masterpiece of dry landscape gardening.

The distinctive sight of a Meiji-era brick aqueduct crossing through the grounds of a Zen temple is a feature unique to Nanzenji. Heian Jingu and Nanzenji are located on the east and west sides of the Okazaki area respectively, and strolling along the Lake Biwa Canal path to visit both is highly recommended. During the autumn foliage season in particular, Nanzenji’s Sanmon gate and Tenjuan sub-temple blaze with fiery reds, offering a taste of autumn in Kyoto quite different from that of Heian Jingu’s Shin-en garden.

Gion — Kyoto’s Premier Geisha District and Traditional Culture

Gion, about 10 minutes from Heian Jingu by city bus or about 25 minutes on foot, is Kyoto’s most renowned geisha district. The stone-paved Hanamikoji-dori street is lined with prestigious teahouses and restaurants, and with some luck, you may catch a glimpse of maiko (apprentice geisha) or geiko (geisha). The Gion streetscape is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings under the name “Gion-machi Minamigawa,” preserving the beauty of traditional Kyoto machiya townhouses.

Visiting Gion after experiencing the grandeur of the ancient capital at Heian Jingu allows you to appreciate the transition from court culture to townspeople’s culture. Nearby Gion is also Kenninji Temple, where you can admire powerful artworks including Tawaraya Sotatsu’s “Wind God and Thunder God” folding screen (reproduction) and the twin dragons painted on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall. An itinerary of Heian Jingu, then Gion, then Kenninji Temple offers a day of broadly exploring Kyoto’s history and culture.

Ginkakuji Temple and the Philosopher’s Path — Higashiyama Culture and a Serene Walking Trail

Ginkakuji Temple (Jishoji), about 10 minutes by bus or 30 minutes on foot northeast of Heian Jingu, is the symbol of Higashiyama culture, built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the 8th shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. In contrast to the brilliance of Kinkakuji Temple, the Silver Pavilion (Kannon-den) embodies the aesthetic of wabi-sabi, and the white sand cone of Kogetsudai and the sand platform of Ginshadan create an atmosphere of distinctive tranquility.

The Philosopher’s Path, stretching approximately 2 kilometers along a branch of the Lake Biwa Canal from Ginkakuji toward Nanzenji, is a beloved walking trail. It takes its name from the philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who would walk this path lost in contemplation. In spring, approximately 450 Somei Yoshino cherry trees form a tunnel of blossoms, and in autumn, fall foliage is reflected on the water. The route from Ginkakuji to the Philosopher’s Path to Nanzenji to Heian Jingu is a classic Higashiyama course beloved by many tourists. The entire journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours on foot.

How to Get There

By Train

• Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line: About a 10-minute walk from Higashiyama Station (most recommended)
• From JR Kyoto Station: Take the Karasuma Line to Karasuma Oike Station, transfer to the Tozai Line, and get off at Higashiyama Station (approximately 15 minutes)
• Keihan Railway: About a 15-minute walk from Sanjo Station or Jingu-Marutamachi Station

By Bus

• Kyoto City Bus Route 5: Get off at “Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan/Heian Jingu-mae,” about a 5-minute walk
• Kyoto City Bus Routes 46/32: Get off at “Okazaki Koen ROHM Theatre Kyoto/Miyakomesse-mae,” about a 5-minute walk
• About 30 minutes from JR Kyoto Station on City Bus Route 5

By Car

• About 20 minutes from Kyoto-Higashi IC on the Meishin Expressway
• Use the Okazaki Park parking lot (paid, approximately 500 spaces) or the underground parking at Kyoto City Kangyokan Miyakomesse
• Roads around the shrine become extremely congested during cherry blossom season, autumn foliage season, and on Jidai Matsuri day; public transportation is strongly recommended

Recommended Access

The most recommended route is to walk from Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Line. Exit the station and head east along Sanjo-dori until you reach Jingu-michi. Walking north on Jingu-michi, the grand torii gate will come into view straight ahead, and from there you can walk the straight approach road to Heian Jingu. The approximately 300-meter approach from the grand torii to the Otenmon Gate is the most impressive way to gradually take in the grandeur of Heian Jingu. If you plan to combine your visit with Nanzenji Temple or the Gion area, using the Tozai Line is the most efficient way to get around.

Conclusion

Heian Jingu Shrine is an iconic Kyoto shrine that conveys the 1,100-year history of the ancient capital to the present day. Its grand shrine buildings, modeled after the Chodoin of Heian-kyo, allow visitors to experience the dignity and beauty of the former capital. The Shin-en garden, designed by Ogawa Jihei VII and designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, is filled with seasonal flowers, with the spring weeping cherry blossoms and early summer irises ranking among the most beautiful in all of Kyoto. And the Jidai Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s three great festivals, continues to convey Kyoto’s pride as a grand historical pageant recreating 1,100 years of history through period costumes.

After visiting Heian Jingu, why not spend the day exploring the history and culture of the Higashiyama area by also visiting nearby Nanzenji Temple, Kenninji Temple, and the Gion area? Walking through Kyoto while reflecting on the ancient capital is sure to create truly special travel memories.

Frequently Asked Questions