Kyoto Heian Jingu Shrine and Garden

Smaller version of ancient palace

Tomoko Kamishima Apr 11, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The huge gate of Heian Jingu Shrine: Oten-mon Gate</p>

<p>Stepping stones in the pond of Shin-en Garden</p>

<p>Pine tree stretching out its branches over the pond</p>

<p>Roofed bridge over the pond: Taihei-kaku</p>

<p>There were various kinds of cherry trees blooming in the inner garden</p>

<p>Taking a walk under the shade of the trees</p>

<p>Weeping cherry trees reflected in the pond</p>

<p>Cherry blossoms and Soryu-ro Tower</p>

Notice

Heian Shrine is undergoing a series of renovations expected to last until March 2031. The shrine and garden will remain accesisble throughout, but some buildings may be covered up.

Latest on Heian Shrine

Heian Jingu Shrine, located near Higashiyama subway station, was built in 1895 as a memorial to the ancient capital of Kyoto on its 1100th anniversary. The huge red shrine gate attracts your eyes from a very far distance, and after passing through the gate, a wide open space surrounded by the shrine's brilliant red buildings will totally impress you. This shrine was modeled after a governmental office in ancient Kyoto, Daigoku-den Hall. Shin-en Garden, in the shrine's inner space, is splendid during cherry blossom season. The garden design and its construction were the work of a prominent garden designer, Ueji VII (Jihei Ogawa).

More info

Find out more about Heian Shrine.

Tomoko Kamishima @tomoko.kamishima

Japan is a small island nation, but we have a huge number of surprising things to discover here. Many of these delights can be found when you step off the main street onto small side paths. I really enjoy studying about and researching various aspects of traditional Japanese culture, and then sha...