Heian-jungu Shrine is one of the most important and visually impressive Shinto shrines in Kyoto. It’s worth a visit, particularly on Shinto festival days.
Heian jingu shrine
Like most Shinto shrines, Heian-jingu Shrine is marked by a vermillion torii (shrine gate) out front. But the torii at Heigan-jingu is anything but ordinary: It’s vast. Standing almost 25 meters high, it dominates the entire Okazaki-koen Park area.
Interestingly, it’s set so far away from the main compound of the shrine that many people assume it’s completely unrelated to the shrine. Heian-jingu Shrine was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto as capital of the country and to coincide with an industrial exposition held that year. It’s a 5/8 scale reproduction of the original Hiean Palace (the palace of the early emperors of Kyoto).
You can explore the vast gravel strewn open area in front of the main shrine, make wishes at the shrine, buy amulets and fortunes and observe the Japanese as they go through their various religious rituals. There’s a decent garden that you must pay to enter behind the main hall. It’s famous for its cherry blossoms and this is the only time that we really recommend paying to enter the garden.
English address:
97 Nishitenno-cho, Okazaki, Sakyo-ku;
Japanese Address:
左京区岡崎西天王町97
Opening hours:
6am-5:30pm February 15-March 14 & October
6am-6pm March 15 – September 30
6am-5pm November 1 – February 14
Admission:
Admission to shrine precincts:
Free
Garden:
Adults: \600
Chidlren: \300
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
1min walk from Kyoto Kaikan Bijutsukan-mae Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 5 from Kyoto Station
10min walk from Higashiyama Station, Tozai subway line
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near to Heian-jingu Shrine Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone: 761-0221
Website:
Official Website (English)
Where Is This Place Located?
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Near To Here:
Heian-jingu Shrine is located in Kyoto’s Northern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Northern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
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- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
