Discover the Beauty of Heian Shrine! Admire Historic Architecture and Stunning Japanese Gardens

Heian Shrine was built to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto becoming the capital of Japan. Located in the Okazaki area, it’s just a 20-minute bus ride from Kyoto Station, making it an easily accessible stop for visitors.

Dedicated to Emperor Kanmu, who established the Heian capital, the shrine recreates the grand architecture of ancient Heian-kyo, albeit at 5/8ths of the original scale. Notable buildings, like the Daigokuden Hall—a designated Important Cultural Property—reflect the elegance of Japan’s classical past.

The shrine’s gardens, known as Shin’en, are famous for their scenic beauty across all four seasons and are even designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. Here, we’ll take you on a closer look at Heian Shrine’s highlights, sharing insights from our in-depth visit.

What Makes Heian Shrine Special

Kyoto Station and its surrounding area are famous tourist spots today, but historically, this area was the center of Japanese politics from the Heian era to the Meiji era, as the home of the Emperor’s palace.

During the Heian period, the capital, known as Heian-kyo, was a well-organized city with carefully planned streets and transportation systems. Heian Shrine was built to recreate the architecture and scale of ancient Heian-kyo, giving visitors a glimpse of this grand city as it once was.

Built after the Meiji Restoration, Heian Shrine served to reinvigorate Kyoto when the capital moved to Tokyo, reviving Kyoto’s cultural and historical importance. Located near the center of Kyoto, the shrine is also known as a spiritual protector, part of Kyoto’s “Four Guardian Deities” concept.

Every autumn, the shrine hosts the Jidai Festival, one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, drawing large crowds. The shrine grounds are filled with Important Cultural Properties and feature the Shin’en Garden, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty.

With its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens, Heian Shrine is a must-see spot that lets you experience Kyoto’s historical charm on a grand scale.

The History of Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto becoming Japan’s capital. It was originally planned as the centerpiece of the National Industrial Exhibition in Kyoto, but the shrine ended up being constructed in the Okazaki area, designed as a 5/8 scale replica of Heian-kyo’s original palace buildings.

Initially, the shrine was dedicated to Emperor Kanmu, who founded Heian-kyo. Later, in 1940, Emperor Komei, the last emperor to reside in the Heian capital, was also enshrined here.

In 1976, a fire severely damaged the shrine, destroying nine buildings, including the main hall. Because Heian Shrine was relatively new and not yet designated a cultural property, raising funds for reconstruction was challenging. Thanks to donations from across Japan, the shrine was rebuilt within three years and restored to its original form.

The shrine buildings, modeled after Heian-kyo’s grand Chodoin complex, were designed by prominent architects like Chuta Ito, Seikaku Kigo, and Iwajiro Sasaki. In 2010, six of these buildings, including the Daigokuden Hall, were designated as Important Cultural Properties.

How to Get to Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine is located in Okazaki, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, surrounded by the green spaces of Okazaki Park and attractions like the National Museum of Modern Art and the Kyoto City Zoo.

The shrine is easily accessible by public transportation, including trains and buses, with each route taking around 30 minutes or less from nearby stations.

By Train:

• From Higashiyama Station on the Kyoto Metro Tozai Line: 10-minute walk
• From Sanjo Station or Jingu-Marutamachi Station on the Keihan Line: 15-minute walk
• From Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line: 20-minute walk

By Bus:

From the Gion and Kiyomizu-dera areas: Take City Bus #201, #203, or #206 to “Higashiyama Nijo/Okazaki Koen-guchi” stop, then walk 5 minutes east. Alternatively, take the Raku Bus #100 to “Okazaki Koen/Bijutsukan, Heian Jingu-mae” and walk 5 minutes north.

From JR Kyoto Station: Take Kyoto City Bus #5, or the Raku Bus #100 or #110 to “Okazaki Koen/Bijutsukan, Heian Jingu-mae” stop, then walk 5 minutes north.

From Hankyu Kawaramachi Station: Take City Bus #5, #46, or #32 to “Okazaki Koen/Bijutsukan, Heian Jingu-mae” or “Okazaki Koen/Rohm Theater Kyoto, Miyakomesse-mae” stop, then walk 5 minutes north.

Heian Shrine Visitor Information

• Address: 97 Okazaki Nishitenno-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City
• Map: Google Maps
• Phone: 075-761-0221
• Closed: Open year-round
• Hours:
  • Shrine Grounds:
    • 6:00 am – 6:00 pm (March 15 – September 30)
    • 6:00 am – 5:00 pm (November – February 14)
    • 6:00 am – 5:30 pm (February 15 – March 14, October)
  • Shin’en Garden:
    • 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (March 1 – March 14, October 1 – October 31)
    • 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (March 15 – September 30)
    • 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (November 1 – end of February)
• Admission Fee for Shin’en Garden:
  • Adults: 600 yen
  • Children: 300 yen
  • Discount for visitors with disabilities: Half-price

Official Website: Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine is a popular tourist spot with impressive buildings inspired by ancient Heian-kyo and a large, scenic garden spanning 10,000 tsubo (about 33,000 square meters). Note that the hours for the shrine grounds and garden vary slightly by season.

The grounds open early, at 6:00 am, making it a great start for a day of sightseeing in Kyoto.

The paths around the grounds are often gravel, and parts of the garden have dirt paths, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. To enter the garden, buy your ticket at the entrance to the left of the main hall.

Highlights of Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine offers stunning architecture that replicates the grand structures of ancient Heian-kyo, including the Daigoku-den Hall, designated as an Important Cultural Property. The buildings are designed to resemble the Chodo-in, the original imperial court of Heian-kyo, and feature brilliant colors that make for a memorable sight.

The Great Torii and Oten-mon Gate

If you arrive by city bus, you’ll likely get off at the “Okazaki Park, Art Museum/Heian Shrine” stop, about a 5-minute walk from the shrine. One of the first sights you’ll see is the massive red torii gate, a striking landmark of Okazaki, built to commemorate the Showa Emperor’s enthronement ceremony.

This towering torii, designed by Kyoto engineer Ryoshin Sakatani, stands 24 meters high and spans 18 meters wide, making it the largest of its kind at the time of construction. It’s built from reinforced concrete and steel, and it’s registered as a Tangible Cultural Property. Passing through this iconic gate is the perfect start to your Heian Shrine visit.

Along the path to the shrine, you’ll pass through the lush Okazaki Park, which serves as a vibrant space with a market called Heian Rakuichi held on the second Saturday of each month. Here, you can browse a variety of handmade crafts. Benches under shaded trees provide spots for rest, and nearby is the Kyoto Zoo, making it a great area for families with young children.

The Majestic Oten-mon Gate At the entrance of the shrine grounds stands Oten-mon Gate, a replica of Heian-kyo’s Oten-mon, the main gate of the imperial Chodo-in. This impressive gate, with its green-tiled roof and two-tier structure, is built to 5/8th scale of the original, and its vivid red paint makes it a striking sight. Designated an Important Cultural Property, it reaches 18.43 meters in height, offering a grand and awe-inspiring welcome to visitors.

A famous story about the original Oten-mon tells of the “Kobo Daishi mistake” — the legend that Kobo Daishi, a famous monk, forgot to add a dot to the character for “Oten” when writing the plaque for the gate. Realizing his error later, he supposedly threw his brush to complete the dot from afar, giving rise to the saying, “Even Kobo makes mistakes.”

Beautiful Heian-kyo-Inspired Architecture and Grounds

The Daigoku-den Hall, which serves as Heian Shrine’s main hall, is one of the most impressive structures on the grounds. Built in honor of the 1,100th anniversary of Heian-kyo’s founding, this hall is dedicated to Emperor Kanmu. It replicates the ancient Daigoku-den of Heian-kyo, combining traditional architectural techniques with Kyoto’s craftsmanship and is recognized for its unique design.

One distinctive feature of Daigoku-den is its green-tiled roof with golden shibi (ornamental ridge-end tiles) at each end. Historically, this building hosted the enthronement ceremonies and other important events for the emperor. Today, as Heian Shrine’s main hall, it continues to welcome many visitors and has been designated an Important Cultural Property due to its architectural and historical significance.

The shrine’s front courtyard features two famous trees, Ukon no Sakura (right) and Sakon no Tachibana (left), each blooming in vibrant colors in their season. When the writer visited in June, the fresh greenery was at its peak. The stairs in front of Daigoku-den, called the Ryudan steps, were once reserved for only high-ranking individuals.

The Soryu-ro Tower, located on the shrine’s east side, also replicates an ancient Heian-kyo style and is an Important Cultural Property. With a layered hip-and-gable roof, the building is named after the “blue dragon” said to guard Kyoto’s east. Its green tiles and red exterior make for an eye-catching display, and during spring, cherry blossoms around the tower create a perfect photo spot.

On the west side, you’ll find Byakko-ro Tower, mirroring Soryu-ro with the same architectural style. Named after the “white tiger” that traditionally protects Kyoto’s west, Byakko-ro stands at the entrance to Heian Shrine’s Shin-en Garden, a designated national scenic spot. Visitors can buy tickets at the window under Byakko-ro to explore the garden.

Finally, Heian Shrine’s two temizu-sha (purification pavilions) are designed to resemble Soryu-ro and Byakko-ro. The eastern pavilion near Soryu-ro represents the “blue dragon,” while the western pavilion near Byakko-ro represents the “white tiger.” From here, you’ll have a great view of the grand Daigoku-den and the surrounding grounds, creating a memorable start to your visit.

The Shin-en Garden: A Meiji-Era Masterpiece

The Shin-en Garden at Heian Shrine is a vast, 10,000-square-meter Japanese garden recognized as a National Scenic Spot. Created by Jihei Ogawa, a pioneer of modern Japanese gardening, it represents the best of Meiji-era garden design. Throughout the year, the garden offers seasonal beauty: cherry blossoms in spring, iris flowers in early summer, vibrant autumn leaves, and snow-covered scenes in winter.

This garden is a traditional pond-strolling garden centered around a large pond fed by the Lake Biwa Canal. The garden surrounds the shrine buildings and is divided into four sections: East, Middle, West, and South. Each area offers unique scenery, from the beautiful weeping cherry trees of the South Garden to the picturesque pond views of the East Garden.

The East Garden features Seiho-ike Pond, designed to evoke the boating pastimes of ancient nobles. The serene atmosphere around the pond is enhanced by stone lanterns, small islands, and buildings. In spring, you can see cherry blossoms reflected on the water around Turtle and Crane Islands.

Taihei-kaku, a bridge that crosses the pond, was relocated from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Inside, you’ll find benches, perfect for resting and enjoying the view. Taihei-kaku is also a popular spot for wedding photos due to its scenic setting.

The Middle Garden lies on the east side of the main hall, centered around Soryu-ike Pond. In early summer, the pond is dotted with lotus flowers in shades of purple. A path around the pond includes the Garyu Bridge, made from stones originally used in bridges built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Visitors can cross the pond by stepping stones, adding a bit of adventure to the stroll.

The West Garden is especially popular in early summer when its Byakko-ike Pond is surrounded by about 2,000 irises in full bloom. The writer’s June visit was the peak season for these stunning flowers. Each year, on a special day in peak season, the garden opens to the public for free—check the official website for details.

The South Garden, located just inside the entrance, was transformed from a resting area into a garden after WWII. This 1,700-square-meter area features over 170 plant varieties mentioned in classical Japanese poetry, with a small stream adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

An interesting feature in the South Garden is Japan’s first electric train, which ran in Kyoto in 1895. Originally built to transport visitors to the National Industrial Exhibition, it became part of Kyoto’s tram system in 1918 and operated until 1978. This historic tram car is on display here, giving visitors a glimpse of Kyoto’s early modernization.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near Heian Shrine

The area around Heian Shrine, known as Okazaki, and the nearby Higashiyama Station offer many attractions, from historic temples to art museums. Popular spots include Chion-in, the head temple of Jodo Buddhism with its impressive Sanmon gate, and the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, which displays everything from fine art to crafts.

1. Chion-in: Head Temple of Jodo Buddhism and a National Treasure

Located a short 5-minute walk from the “Chion-in-mae” bus stop (Bus #206) or an 8-minute walk from Higashiyama Station, Chion-in is a significant temple with incredible architecture.

The temple’s towering Sanmon gate, built in 1621 under orders from Tokugawa Shogun Hidetada, is Japan’s largest wooden gate and is designated a National Treasure. It stands 24 meters high and 50 meters wide, symbolizing three states of spiritual enlightenment—emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness.

Inside the Sanmon, visitors will find a hall with a Buddha statue that is an Important Cultural Property.

At the heart of Chion-in is the Miedo, a hall dedicated to the temple’s founder, Honen. The current hall was built in 1639 by the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, and is also designated a National Treasure. As of 2019, the hall has been undergoing major restoration work.

Reaching Miedo requires a short uphill walk, so comfortable shoes are recommended. A shuttle bus also operates from Sanmon to Miedo between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (except from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.).

2. Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art: From Fine Arts to Crafts

Just a 1-minute walk from the “Okazaki Park Museum/Heian Shrine-mae” bus stop (Bus #5, #46, #100) and a 5-minute walk from Heian Shrine, the Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art showcases a rich variety of artwork, especially from the Kyoto area and western Japan.

The museum’s collection includes approximately 1,000 Japanese-style paintings, 570 Western-style paintings, 1,900 photographs, 3,000 prints, and 430 ceramic works by the renowned ceramic artist Kanjiro Kawai. The museum is also known for its impressive collection of crafts, including textiles and ceramics. With a total of around 12,000 pieces, the museum rotates its displays 4-5 times a year to keep each visit fresh and engaging.

In addition to the regular collection, the museum frequently hosts special exhibitions. These temporary exhibits often feature famous international artists and works from other museums worldwide. For example, a previous exhibit on Van Gogh showcased pieces that highlighted his fascination with Japanese ukiyo-e art.

3. Shoren-in Temple: Famous for Its Night Illuminations

Shoren-in Temple, a 5-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the Tozai subway line, is part of the Enryakuji Temple lineage on Mount Hiei, associated with Japan’s imperial family. This historic Tendai-sect temple features a serene Japanese garden designed by master gardener Soami during the Muromachi period.

The temple’s “Chisen Kaiyu” (pond-strolling) garden beautifully incorporates the natural scenery of the Higashiyama mountains. Here, you can experience both tranquility and the majesty of nature.

In addition to the stunning architecture of Kacho-den and Kogosho halls, Shoren-in houses a rare national treasure: the Ao Fudo (Blue Fudo) statue in the Seiryuden Hall. This powerful depiction of Fudo Myoo, said to be a manifestation of the Buddha Dainichi, is revered as a protective figure.

Special Night Illuminations
Every spring and autumn, Shoren-in hosts a special night viewing event, lighting up its grounds with approximately 1,000 lights. This unique experience highlights the temple’s connection to light, with the principal deity Shishiko Nyorai representing pure radiance, while Fudo Myoo is depicted with flames on his back.

The illuminated garden features impressive sights, including an ancient camphor tree and a mesmerizing bamboo grove glowing blue at night. Although photos aren’t allowed inside temple buildings, visitors are welcome to capture the beautiful garden lit up in the evening. For the best experience, visit right at the start of the illumination at 6:00 p.m. to avoid the crowd.

With its classic Kyoto charm and stunning seasonal scenery, Shoren-in offers an enchanting experience. Combine it with nearby attractions for a full day of exploration.

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