Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine

Introduction

The shrine was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo. Its design is based on an 8/5 scale model of the ancient capital of Heian-kyo. Behind the main hall, where green and red colors complement each other, there are three ponds and four gardens. The shrine enshrines Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Kōmei. The shrine garden within the main hall is a masterpiece representative of the Japanese stroll-style pond garden. The garden is widely renowned for its “Eighteen-layered Weeping Cherry Blossom” tree, which becomes especially famous every April when its cascading blossoms bloom in full beauty. Around the Seiho Pond area, over a thousand cherry trees of various kinds bloom competitively. Every year on October 22nd, one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages), is held here. During the festival, a procession featuring participants in historical costumes and horse-drawn carriages recreates the ambiance of the ancient capital, making it one of the key highlights of Kyoto sightseeing. Transportation

Take a city bus to Kyoto Kaikan・Art Museum Mae and walk for 3 minutes.

 Kyoto, Japan