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Read the English + Japanese version｜英語＋日本語版はこちら
Introduction｜はじめに
A giant vermilion torii gate.
A magnificent palace-style entrance.
And peaceful gardens filled with seasonal beauty.
Heian Shrine was established in 1895
to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary
of the founding of Heian-kyo,
Kyoto’s ancient capital.
Why was a shrine inspired
by an ancient imperial palace
built more than a thousand years later?
A New Shrine for Kyoto｜京都に生まれた新しい神社
In 794, Emperor Kanmu
moved Japan’s capital to Heian-kyo,
beginning a new chapter
in Kyoto’s history.
More than a thousand years later,
Kyoto was facing great changes
following the transfer
of the capital to Tokyo.
Heian Shrine was established in 1895
as Kyoto celebrated 1,100 years
since the founding of Heian-kyo.
The shrine became a place
to honor Kyoto’s history
and pass its cultural heritage
on to future generations.
■ Memo｜A Shrine from the Meiji Period
Although its architecture
recalls ancient Kyoto,
Heian Shrine was built
during the Meiji Period (1868–1912).
An Ancient Palace Reimagined｜なぜ宮殿を再現したの？
The magnificent Otenmon Gate
welcomes visitors
with its vermilion pillars
and green roof tiles.
The shrine’s main buildings
were modeled after
the Chodoin ceremonial complex
of ancient Heian-kyo.
Beyond the gate stands Daigokuden,
inspired by the main ceremonial hall
of the ancient imperial complex.
Rather than preserving
an original Heian-period palace,
the shrine brings
the image of ancient Kyoto
into the present.
Two Emperors｜平安神宮に祀られる二人の天皇
Heian Shrine is dedicated
to Emperor Kanmu,
who established Heian-kyo,
and Emperor Komei,
the last emperor to reside in Kyoto.
Emperor Komei was enshrined
in 1940.
The shrine connects
the beginning of Kyoto’s history
as Heian-kyo
with the closing years
of its time as Japan’s capital.
■ Memo｜The Jidai Festival
The Jidai Festival began in 1895,
the year Heian Shrine was founded.
Its historical procession
brings different periods
of Kyoto’s past to life.
It is traditionally held
on October 22,
although schedules may change.
what hidden stories await
inside the gardens?
A Garden Designed by Ueji｜名庭師が手がけた神苑
Behind the shrine buildings
lies Shinen Garden,
a spacious strolling garden
with ponds, bridges and seasonal flowers.
Covering about 33,000 square meters,
the garden is divided
into four areas:
South, West, Central and East.
Much of the garden was designed
by Ogawa Jihei VII,
known as Ueji,
a celebrated landscape gardener
of modern Kyoto.
Water, stones and trees
were carefully arranged
to create changing views
as visitors walk through the garden.
Garyukyo｜水面に眠る龍？
In the Central Garden,
large stepping stones
stretch across Soryu Pond.
This is Garyukyo,
a name meaning
“Reclining Dragon Bridge.”
The stones have a surprising history.
They were once used
as stone supports for old bridges
in Kyoto.
■ Memo｜Stones with a History
The stepping stones
were repurposed from stone pillars
associated with Kyoto’s old
Sanjo and Gojo bridges.
Even the stones beneath your feet
have stories from Kyoto’s past.
Taiheikaku Bridge｜池に架かる屋根付きの橋
In the East Garden,
Taiheikaku stretches gracefully
across Seiho Pond.
Also called Hashidono,
this covered bridge
offers a peaceful place
to sit and admire the water.
Its elegant roof
and reflection on the pond
create one of the garden’s
most memorable views.
■ Photo Tip｜Reflections on the Pond
Try photographing Taiheikaku
from across the pond.
On a calm day,
its reflection adds
another layer of beauty.
Seasonal Beauty｜季節で変わる神苑
Shinen Garden changes
beautifully with the seasons.
Spring brings
delicate weeping cherry blossoms,
while early summer
fills the ponds with colorful irises.
Fresh greenery, autumn leaves
and quiet winter scenery
offer different experiences
throughout the year.
No matter when you visit,
the garden has something
new to discover.
🟫 CAT MEMO 🐾
“I-I’m gonna fall!?” 🐾
🗺 Google Map
Official Website｜平安神宮 公式ホームページ
Please check the official website for the latest information before your visit.
Heian Shrine was built
to honor Kyoto’s long history
and preserve the memory
of its ancient capital.
Beyond its grand buildings,
the garden’s old stones,
peaceful bridges and seasonal flowers
tell their own quiet stories.
Perhaps these stories
will make your visit
a little more memorable.
Thank you
for visiting
Heian Shrine.
May your time here
bring you peace
and beautiful memories.
And may your journey
through Kyoto
be a wonderful one. 🐾
🗺 Explore More Kyoto Areas
Kyoto is divided into several unique areas,
each offering different attractions and experiences.
