Heian Shrine - Kyoto

Located at Nishitennocho, Okazaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Heian Shrine (平安神宮)  is one of Kyoto's most popular shrine.

Heian Shrine (平安神宮)

Heian Shrine History 

Heian Shrine also called Heian Jingu, was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of the city. The shrine is actually a 5/8 scale reconstruction of the original Imperial Palace which was built when Kyoto was founded in 794. Aside from the vermilion-colored shrine building, there are other notable things to see in Heian Shrine like the giant Torii located 500 meters in front of the shrine. This Torii, although far from the shrine, is actually the main entrance to Heian Shrine. 

Heian Shrine - Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Heian Shrine's Outenmon Gate

Heian Shrine Otorii Gate

Heian Shrine's Outenmon as seen from the history board near Nijo Dori
Heian Shrine's Outenmon as seen from the history board near Nijo Dori

Heian Shrine's Outenmon as seen from Reisen Street

Then there's the vast Shin-en Garden, which is the only part of the shrine that requires an entrance fee to visit. The entrance fee is 600 yen per adult and 300 yen per child. The garden is open 8:30AM - 4:30PM. Shin-en Garden is a famous cherry blossom viewing area. It is also well known for its scenic flora like the numerous wisteria, irises, and weeping cherry trees. Aside from these, one of Kyoto's biggest festivals - the Jidai Matsuri, is held here every 22nd of October.   

Inside Heian Shrine's ground:





Heian Shrine's Souryu-rou Tower

Heian Shrine's Byakko-rou Tower

Heian Shrine's Kaguraden

Heian Shrine Gaihaiden

Heian Shrine's Outenmon Gate as seen from inside the shrine grounds

The map of Heian Shrine's grounds and its Shin-en Garden

Entrance to Shin-en Garden

My brother and I got to visit Heian Shrine during the 5th day of our 2019 Japan Trip. During our visit, we just explored the main grounds and skipped the Shin-en Garden as we were pressed for time. Well, that only means that I'd get to revisit Heian Shrine again someday in the future. 

Heian Shrine Admission Fee:

Heian Shrine grounds are FREE to explore. However, if you plan to enter the Shin-en Garden you need to pay 600 yen per adult and 300 yen per child.

Heian Shrine Opening Hours:

Heian Shrine is open from 6AM to 5PM.

Why visit Heian Shrine?

Overall, Heian Shrine should be in your itinerary if you're visiting during the cherry blossom season as it is one of the best places to view the magnificent sakura trees. Keep in mind that there are also plenty of people during this time. Regardless, Heian Shrine is one of those that you should visit at least once in your life. 

Getting to Heian Shrine:

 

From Kyoto Station, walk for about 6 minutes to Karasuma Nanajo bus stop. From there, ride bus number 206 and board down at Higashiyama Niomon bus stop. Walk another 6 minutes to reach Heian Shrine grounds.
Travel time: 29 - 35 minutes
Fare: 230 yen

Ratings: 
Crowd
  
Cleanliness
Overall rating


Location: Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341, Japan

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