Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine (平安神宮, Heian Jingū), located in Kyoto’s Sakyo ward, was constructed in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto’s founding as Japan’s imperial capital. Dedicated to Emperor Kammu, who moved the capital to Kyoto in 794, and Emperor Komei, the last emperor to reside there, the shrine serves as a symbol of the city’s long imperial history. The approach to the shrine is marked by a massive vermilion torii gate, one of the largest in Japan, standing prominently along the city streets. Inside the expansive shrine grounds, visitors can admire impressive reconstructions of the original Heian Imperial Palace, showcasing the architecture of Kyoto’s Heian period (794–1185), with elegant vermilion structures, white gravel courtyards, and graceful covered walkways that reflect the refined court culture of ancient Japan.

Behind the main shrine lies the Heian Shrine Garden, a tranquil oasis renowned for its seasonal beauty. The garden features large ponds, stone bridges, and a wide variety of plants, but is especially famous for its weeping cherry trees (shidarezakura), which bloom in mid-April and attract many visitors during the cherry blossom season. The shrine is also home to one of Kyoto’s major annual events, the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages), held every year on October 22. During this festival, hundreds of participants dressed in elaborate historical costumes parade from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine, reenacting the city’s history from the Heian period to the Meiji era. Whether visiting for its rich historical significance, serene gardens, or vibrant festivals, Heian Shrine offers a vivid window into Kyoto’s cultural legacy.