Kyoto Japan | Heian Shrine

Heian-Jingu Shrine

The Heian-Jingu Shrine is a recreation of the original Heian Period (794 to 1185) Daigoku-den, or 'Palace of the State Hall' which was built south of Kyoto, in Kaide-cho Muko City, by Emperor Kanmu (737 to 806) in 794 AD.

The original Daigoku-den Palace was destroyed by fire in 1177 and never rebuilt, but in the late 1800s Emperor Komei-tenno (1831 to 1867) constructed this 2/3 scale reproduction of Daigoku-den, to honor the 50th imperial ruler of Japan (Kanmu), and the 1,100th anniversary since Kyoto was established as Japan's capital. The shrine was reconstructed to its present state in 1976.

Heian Jingu Shrine in renowned for its beautiful gardens with traditional Japanese landscaping. The Shrine's entrance is through a 24 meter high torii gate, and the shrine itself is surrounded by 33,000 square meters of traditional 'Meiji-era' style Japanese gardens. One of the popular features of the Heian gardens is sakura, or cherry-blossom viewing (hanami) in spring, which was started by the Chinese people's fascination with the flowering plum tree.

Shinsen-en Garden

During the Heian Period from 794 to 1190, hanami was popular with the aristocratic class, artists, poets, and singers imperial households. People would gather and under the blossoms for gatherings or concerts.

One of the first recorded hanami flower-viewing festivals in Kyoto took place at the Shinsen-en Garden in 812. The gardens are divided into three main areas, each with their own unique aspects.

The Minami Shin'en garden, or "south garden," is famous for its many weeping cherry-blossom trees (shidarezakura), The nighttime cherry-blossom viewing at Heian is spectacular, and during the sakura and summer seasons the shrine and Minami Shin'en gardens are opened for evening hanami and concerts.

The Minami Shin'en garden is also known for its flowering azaleas in early summer, and bush clove during the autumn months.

The Nishi Shin'en garden surrounds Byokko-ike pond, and the garden's cherry-blossom arbor, called a 'Choshin-tei' is used for performing the traditional tea ceremony.

The Naka Shin'en, or 'middle garden' is located at the center of the complex, surrounding Soryu-ike pond. One of the dominant features of Naka Shin'en is the Gary-kyo walkway, which is flanked by stone pillars.

The Shrine's entrance is through the vermillion Ote-mon gate, where you come to the main courtyard with the Daigoku-den 'Palace of the State Hall,' and the Soryu-ro 'Blue Dragon Tower,' and Omikuji 'wish trees.'

Heian Jingu Shrine is located in the north-eastern part of Kyoto, between the Kamo River, and the Path of Philosophy. The shrine main entrance is on Marutamachi street, and the Jingu-michi walking path connects the shrine with the adjacent Okazaki Park, Kyoto Museum of Art, the Zoological Garden, and Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine beyond.