Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its brilliant vermilion buildings, enormous torii gate, and magnificent Japanese garden. Built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Heian-kyo (ancient Kyoto), the shrine faithfully recreates part of the Imperial Palace from the Heian period at approximately five-eighths of its original scale.

Dedicated to Emperor Kanmu, who founded Kyoto as Japan’s capital in 794, and Emperor Kōmei, the last emperor to reign from Kyoto, the shrine celebrates the city’s long imperial history. It is also the starting point of the spectacular Jidai Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s three great festivals.

History

Heian Shrine was established in 1895 during a period when Kyoto was seeking to revitalize itself after the capital had moved to Tokyo. Citizens and civic leaders joined together to create a monument honoring Kyoto’s imperial heritage and cultural importance.

The shrine originally enshrined Emperor Kanmu, the founder of Heian-kyo. In 1940, Emperor Kōmei was also enshrined, representing the final emperor to rule from Kyoto before the imperial court relocated to Tokyo. Today, Heian Shrine stands as both a place of worship and a symbol of Kyoto’s historical identity.

Highlights

Magnificent Daigokuden Hall

Admire the impressive reconstruction of the main ceremonial hall of the ancient Heian Imperial Palace.

Giant Vermilion Torii Gate

See one of Japan’s largest shrine gates, standing approximately 24 meters tall at the entrance to the Okazaki district.

National Scenic Garden

Explore the beautiful strolling gardens designed by the renowned landscape architect Ogawa Jihei VII (Ueji), featuring ponds, streams, and seasonal flowers.

Famous Weeping Cherry Blossoms

Visit in spring to experience one of Kyoto’s finest displays of graceful weeping cherry trees.

Jidai Matsuri Festival

Every October 22, watch one of Kyoto’s three great festivals, featuring a magnificent historical procession of around 2,000 participants dressed in period costumes.

Visit Tips

Admission to the shrine grounds is free, but the beautiful Shin’en Garden requires a separate ticket and is highly recommended. Allow time to stroll through the spacious landscape garden, which offers outstanding scenery in every season, especially during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage periods.

Heian Shrine is ideally located in Kyoto’s cultural Okazaki district. Many visitors combine it with the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Kyoto City Zoo, Murin-an Garden, the Lake Biwa Canal Museum, and Nanzen-ji Temple for a full day exploring both Kyoto’s traditional heritage and its Meiji-era cultural development.