Hirano Shrine, known as one of Kyoto's most representative cherry blossom viewing spots.
Especially breathtaking are its weeping cherry trees, some over 100 years old.
Shrines and Temples
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Highlights
The sight of weeping cherry trees over 100 years old in full bloom is breathtaking.
During the spring cherry blossom season, the shrine is illuminated as "Hirano no Yozakura," creating a magical atmosphere.
A historic shrine with roots extending back before the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo.
Known as a deity of academic success, attracting many students praying for success during exam season.
The shrine features a main hall built in the unique "Hirano-zukuri" style, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
A short walk from the "Hirano Jinja-mae" city bus stop.
15-minute walk from Kita-yama Station on the subway. Show route
Op.Hours
6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cld.Days
None
Fee
Free
INFO
The grounds are extensive, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
It gets especially crowded during cherry blossom season, so please allow ample time for your visit.
Several paid parking lots are available nearby.
Benches and a tea house are available within the grounds for your convenience.
Gojusho (temple seals) are available at the reception hall.
Hirano Shrine sits in the northern part of Kyoto City, in the Hirano district, north of the Heian Palace (Kyoto Imperial Palace). Its founding dates back to around the time of the Heian-kyo relocation. Recent research suggests that it was originally enshrined in Heijō-kyō (Nara) as a shrine to the ancestral deity of Takano Niigata, the mother of Emperor Kanmu (and thus related to the imperial family), and was later moved near the Imperial Palace with the relocation of the capital [1]. In ancient times, it had a role in protecting the Crown Prince [1], and during the Heian period, the Crown Prince himself offered sacred treasures during the annual festival, "Hirano Matsuri." It's also known as a historically revered clan deity for many clans who descended from the nobility.
The present main hall consists of four halls and two buildings, all built in a unique style called "Hirano-zukuri," and designated as an Important Cultural Property. Other structures such as the worship hall, middle gate, south gate, and the Kengusha sub-shrine are also designated or registered as cultural properties by Kyoto Prefecture.
The shrine grounds are renowned for their cherry blossoms, with the nighttime blossoms known as "Hirano no Yozakura."
The weeping cherry trees in front of the main hall are especially captivating with their elegant beauty, drawing large crowds during cherry blossom season.
At night, the blossoms are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
Hirano Shrine is also known as a deity of academic success, attracting many students praying for success during exam season.
Hirano Shrine is a highly recommended sightseeing spot where you can experience both history and nature.
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