Heian Shrine (Heian Jingu)
Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 606-8341
Built in 1884 to mark the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto’s birth, the Heian Shrine is hailed as one of the city’s most attractive landmarks. The multi-tiered Shinto shrine is characterized by its distinctive red color, and being featured in the film Lost in Translation cemented its status as a must-see Kyoto landmark.
The basics
The Heian Shrine is a feature on the itineraries of several Kyoto tours, which typically also cover UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kiyomizu Temple, and Nijo Castle, which dates back to the 1600s. The quiet, flat streets and cycle paths of the city lend themselves well to bike tours, while bus tours also provide a convenient option for time-pressed travelers.
Things to know before you go
- Heian Shrine is a must-visit for history and culture buffs in Kyoto.
- The shrine is a functioning place of worship for Shintoists, whom you’re likely to see making offerings and saying prayers.
- Behind the main shrine, there’s a garden that costs extra to visit (a worthwhile expense during cherry blossom season).
How to get there
Heian Shrine is easily reachable by public transportation from Kyoto station. You can take the number 5 or 100 bus, or take the Tozai subway line to Higashiyama Station, which is a 10-minute walk from the shrine.
When to get there
During the famous sakura (cherry blossom) season, which falls in the spring (generally around the end of March and beginning of April, but check in advance), Heian Shrine is surrounded by powder-pink blossoms that make a great contrast to the vivid red structure. In October, the Festival of Ages sees the torii gate come to life with parades and celebrations.
Highlights of Kyoto
With more than 1,600 temples, Kyoto has a lot to offer in terms of history and culture, making planning an itinerary for a short sojourn difficult. Some must-see temples include the Golden Pavillion (Kinkaku-ji), which is reflected in the pond below it; Kiyomizu Temple (Kiyomizu-dera), one of the oldest shrines in Japan; and Tenryu-ji, hailed as one of Japan’s five great temples.
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