Heian Jingu Shrine Garden

Overview

Heian Jingu Shrine Garden was created in 1895 (Meiji 28) to preserve the scenic beauty surrounding Heian Jingu Shrine during the celebrations of the 1100th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo (Kyoto). The garden's construction was overseen by Jihei Ogawa, one of Japan's foremost landscape architects at the time. The garden comprises four distinct areas: South, West, Central, and East Gardens, each with its unique charm. The South Garden features the iconic Daigokuden (main hall) as a backdrop, with ponds, bridges, and buildings artfully arranged. It also houses Car No. 2, the oldest surviving electric train car from Kyoto Electric Railway (the predecessor of Kyoto City Transportation Bureau), a significant cultural asset (built in 1911) that transported visitors from Kyoto Station during the National Industrial Exposition. The West Garden centers around the Byakko Pond, surrounded by diverse aquatic plants, including irises and water lilies. In June, a spectacular display of 2,000 irises of 200 varieties creates a breathtaking scene. The garden also includes the Choshintei teahouse, offering a tranquil space to enjoy matcha while admiring the garden's beauty. The Central Garden revolves around the Souryu Pond, featuring the Garyu Bridge, constructed using stones from the bridge piers of Sanjo and Gojo Bridges, built during the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The Souryu-rou building adds to the historical atmosphere of this area. The East Garden, a serene space, houses the Taiheikaku, relocated from Kyoto Imperial Palace, and the Seihou Pond. The Taiheikaku, once part of the Kyoto Imperial Palace's palace buildings, is the garden's most historically significant structure. The Seihou Pond, the largest in the garden, is surrounded by various trees, including pines and bamboo. Heian Jingu Shrine Garden offers a captivating blend of history and seasonal beauty. Don't miss this enchanting garden during your visit to Kyoto.