A shrine built to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of Heiankyo's relocation, featuring a beautiful vermilion-lacquered main hall and an expansive Shinen garden.
■ From JR Kyoto Station: Take city bus No. 5, 100, or 110 to the "Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan・Heian Jingu-mae" stop. It's a 5-minute walk north from the bus stop. Approximately 30 minutes from Kyoto Station.
■ From Hankyu Kawaramachi Station: Take city bus No. 5, 46, or 32 to the "Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan・Heian Jingu-mae" or "Okazaki Koen Rohm Theatre Kyoto・Miyako Messe-mae" stop. It's a 5-minute walk north from the bus stop. Approximately 20 minutes from Kawaramachi Station.
■ From Gion/ Kiyomizu-dera area: Take city bus No. 201, 203, or 206 to the "Higashiyama Nijo・Okazaki Koen-guchi" stop and walk east for 5 minutes, or take city bus No. 100 to the "Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan・Heian Jingu-mae" stop and walk north for 5 minutes. Approximately 25 minutes from Kiyomizu-dori.
■ Nearest station to Heian Jingu:
Subway Tozai Line: Higashiyama Station, exit 1, 10-minute walk.
Keihan Kato Line: Sanjo Station or Jingumae-Marutamachi Station, 15-minute walk. Show route
Op.Hours
6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cld.Days
None
Fee
Shin'en Garden Admission Fee: 600 yen for adults, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students
INFO
Bringing pets onto the grounds is prohibited. However, if unavoidable, pets may be carried in a cage or held. Please check the Heian Jingu Shrine website for details.
Heian Jingu Shrine was built in 1895 (Meiji 28) to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of Heiankyo's relocation. Located in the heart of Kyoto, its impressive vermilion-lacquered main hall is a 5/8 scale replica of the original Heiankyo's main government building. Initially constructed as a symbol of Japan's national strength for the Inland Industrial Exposition, its design by Chuta Ito, the first architect to receive the Order of Culture, made it a landmark achievement. The shrine enshrines Emperor Kanmu, the first emperor of Heiankyo, and Emperor Komei, the last, making it a significant site representing Japanese history and culture, attracting numerous visitors.
Heian Jingu's charm extends to its vast Shinen Garden. Designed by the 7th generation Jihei Ogawa, a prominent Meiji-era landscape gardener, this pond-style garden offers breathtaking seasonal beauty—cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage in fall, and more. The garden also preserves remnants and structures reminiscent of Heiankyo, creating a harmonious blend of history and nature. For instance, you can find car #2, the oldest surviving vehicle of Kyoto Electric Railway (later Kyoto City Transportation Bureau)—Japan's first electric railway that transported visitors to the Inland Industrial Exposition from Kyoto Station (an Important Cultural Property built in 1911)— and the stone pillar of the bridge pier from the Sanjo Gojo Bridge built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Beyond its religious role, Heian Jingu contributes to cultural and artistic development. The garden hosts various events and festivals, offering exposure to traditional arts and contemporary works. Situated within Okazaki Park, alongside Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art, Kyoto Prefectural Library, and Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art, the shrine enjoys a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Heian Jingu is a place where history, culture, and nature harmoniously coexist, offering a true experience of the Japanese spirit. It provides visitors with unforgettable memories and a sense of peace and wonder.
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