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Heian Jingu (Heian Grand Shrine)
京都市左京区岡崎西天王町９７
Located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, this shrine enshrines Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Komei. It was founded in 1895 (Meiji 28) as the centerpiece of the Fourth National Industrial Promotion Exposition held in Kyoto to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the capital's relocation to Heian-kyo. Initially, only Emperor Kanmu was enshrined; Emperor Komei was added in 1940 (Showa 15). The shrine buildings are a restoration of the Chodo-in (the main administrative hall of the Dairi Imperial Palace) at approximately five-eighths scale, featuring the vermilion-painted Daikokuden (Great Audience Hall), Soryu-ro (Azure Dragon Tower), and Byakko-ro (White Tiger Tower), which convey the magnificence of the past. The Shinen (shrine garden) behind the buildings is a pond-and-stream strolling garden created over more than 20 years by Ogawa Sobue VII, designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. It is one of the representative landscapes of spring in Kyoto, famous for its red weeping cherry blossoms.
History
This relatively new shrine was founded in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the capital's relocation to Heian-kyo. It is known for its shrine buildings modeled after the Dairi Imperial Palace of Heian-kyo, its large vermilion torii gate, and its Shinen garden that changes with the four seasons.
Blessings
It is worshipped for the benefit of fulfilling heartfelt wishes.
What visitors say
The vibrant vermilion-painted shrine buildings, including the Daikokuden and the symmetrical Soryu-ro and Byakko-ro towers, evoke the elegant atmosphere of the Heian period. The expansive Shinen garden is beautiful with seasonal flowers and autumn leaves, making it suitable for leisurely walks. The imposing presence of the large torii gate and the beautiful contrast against the blue sky are also major highlights.
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Wednesday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Thursday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Friday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Saturday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Sunday: 6:00 – 17:00
Annual events & festivals
- January 1 onwardHatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
A popular New Year's visit in Kyoto, highlighted by the vermilion-painted Daidai-den Hall.
Founded to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the capital's move to Heian-kyo (Kyoto). The shrine is bustling with visitors during the New Year, set against the backdrop of the vermilion-painted Daidai-den Hall and Oten-mon Gate.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Vermilion-painted Daidai-den Hall
- ・One of Kyoto's most popular New Year's visits
- ・Four seasons in the shrine garden
- April 15Reisai (Annual Grand Festival)
The most important annual rite honoring the enshrined deities.
The annual grand festival held once a year to honor the enshrined deities, Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Komei. Imperial messengers attend, and solemn rites are performed.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Annual grand festival held once a year
- ・Attendance of imperial messengers
- October 22Jidai-sai (Festival of the Ages)
One of the three great festivals of Kyoto. A historical procession of approximately 2,000 participants in costumes from various eras.
One of Kyoto's three major festivals, held on the anniversary of the Heian capital's relocation. A living historical scroll featuring a procession of about 2,000 people in costumes ranging from the Enryaku period to the Meiji Restoration, marching from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Jingu.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Historical procession (approx. 2,000 people)
- ・Exquisite costumes from various eras
- ・One of Kyoto's three great festivals
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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