Heian Shrine (平安神宮) is a Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, Japan. It was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto as the capital of Japan and is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Kanmu, who established the capital in Kyoto, and Emperor Komei, the last emperor to reside in the city before the capital moved to Tokyo.
The shrine complex covers an area of approximately 33,000 square meters and features several buildings, including the main hall (大極殿), the worship hall (外拝殿), and the inner shrine (内拝殿). The main hall is a replica of the Chodo-in of the original Imperial Palace, built on a scale of eight-fifths of the original, which was located in Kyoto during the Heian period (794-1185).
One of the most famous features of Heian Shrine is its beautiful garden, Heian Jingu Garden (平安神宮神苑), designed by the renowned seventh-generation landscape architect Ogawa Jihei (Ueji). The garden, designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, is divided into four sections and features ponds, bridges, and traditional Japanese landscaping. The garden is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom season in the spring and the autumn foliage season in the fall.
Getting there
By Train
From Kyoto Station:
- Take the Subway Tozai Line to Higashiyama Station
- 10-minute walk from Exit 1 of Higashiyama Station
Alternatively:
- Take the Keihan Oto Line to Sanjo Station or Jingumarutamachi Station
- 15-minute walk from either station
By Bus
From Kyoto Station:
- Take city bus routes 5, 100, or 110
- Get off at “Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan, Heian Jingu-mae”
- 5-minute walk north
- Journey time: About 30 minutes
From Kawaramachi Station:
- Take city bus routes 5, 46, or 32
- Get off at “Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan, Heian Jingu-mae”
- 5-minute walk north
- Journey time: About 20 minutes
By Taxi
From Kyoto Station:
- Journey time: Approximately 18 minutes
- Cost: Around 1,900 yen
Details
| Hours | March 15th to September 30th / 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM October and February 15th to March 14th / 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM November 1st to February 14th / 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM December 31st / Open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM on January 1st. January 2nd and 3rd / 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM January 4th and 5th / 6:00 AM – 5: 30 PM |
| Admission | Free |
| Phone | +81 75-761-0221 |
| Address | 97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341 |
| Official Website | https://www.heianjingu.or.jp/ |
