Heian Jingu

京都府

Built in 1895 for Heian's 1,100th anniversary — home of the Jidai Matsuri historical procession

Founded

1895

Type

Shrine

Visited

Want to go

Access

10 min walk from Subway Higashiyama Station

97 Okazaki Nishitenno-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto

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Info

Shrine

Founded 1895

131 years

Enshrined Deity

桓武天皇

孝明天皇

Overview

Built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo, enshrining Emperor Kammu and Emperor Komei. The vermilion shrine buildings and great torii gate — a 6/8-scale reproduction of the Heian Palace\'s Chodo-in — are magnificent. The approximately 30,000-square-meter sacred garden is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty, beautiful with flowers in…

Origins

Founded in 1895 to mark the 1,100th anniversary of Emperor Kanmu's relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo. The shrine buildings reproduce the Chodoin of the Heian Palace at 5/8 scale and enshrine the relocating emperor himself. In 1938, by the will of Emperor Showa, Emperor Komei — the last emperor …

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祭
Festivals & Events
— 1

10月

Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages)

A festival commemorating the founding of Heian Jingu, one of Kyoto's three great festivals. About 2,000 participants in period costumes from the Heian era to the Meiji Restoration parade from the Imperial Palace to Heian Jingu. Called a living historical scroll.

記
Related Articles
— 4

記

Kyoto's Top Cherry Blossom Spots: A Spring Pilgrimage from Maruyama Park to Daigoji

From the weeping cherry of Maruyama Park to the 1,000 trees of Daigoji, Kyoto's spring blossoms transform temple and shrine grounds into breathtaking pink canopies. This guide covers peak timing, access, and a pilgrimage route linking five iconic sites.

seasonal

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記

Torii Gates: Sacred Thresholds of the Gods Across a Thousand Years

The vermilion torii gate standing at a shrine entrance is one of Japan's most recognizable symbols, marking the boundary between sacred and secular space. From Fushimi Inari's thousand-gate tunnel to Itsukushima's sea-floating gate, this guide explains the history, the over 60 styles, the symbolic meaning, and how to pass through a torii properly.

basics

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記

Stone Lanterns: Sacred Light Offered to the Gods and Buddhas

Stone lanterns are among Japan's most distinctive religious and garden elements. Originally imported from the continent as Buddhist offering lamps, they spread to shrines and aristocratic gardens. Kasuga Taisha's 3,000-plus stone lanterns, Itsukushima's hanging bronze lanterns, and Nikko Toshogu's massive bronze examples are among the most impressive. This guide explains their history, types, symbolism, and the best sites to see them.

basics

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もっと詳しく · 1

史
Related Historical Events
— 1

794

Transfer of Capital to Heian-kyō

In 794, Emperor Kanmu moved the capital to Heiankyō (modern Kyoto), establishing a city that would serve as Japan's capital for over a millennium. After the political interference of Buddhist clergy in Nara-era politics and the failed Nagaoka-kyō experiment, Kanmu chose a fresh site. The Heian period (794-1185) produced masterworks of Japanese literature including The Tale of Genji and The Pillow Book, and saw the rise of court aristocracy and the warrior class.

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Visiting Information

Hours

Shrine grounds: 6:00–18:00 (Mar–Sep), 6:00–17:30 (Oct), 6:00–17:00 (Nov–Feb). Shinen Garden: 8:30–18:00 (last entry 17:30) Mar–Sep, 8:30–17:30 Oct, 8:30–17:00 Nov–Feb.

Admission

Shrine grounds are free to visit. Shinen Garden admission: adults ¥600, children (elementary/junior high) ¥300. The garden is opened free of charge on one day in early June and on September 19.

As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.

Official Links

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