Heian Shrine is a shrine located to the northeast of Kyoto city’s centre. It was built in 1895 to commemorate 1100 since the founding of Heian, meaning that it’s one of the newest shrines in the ancient city of Kyoto, yet it’s still among the more popular shrines in the city, given the beautiful architecture and serene gardens which are attached to the shrine grounds.
As you approach the shrine, you will pass through an enormous Torii gate – a Shinto gate marking the entrance to a shrine.
The Torii gate is located a few minutes walk away from the actual main shrine buildings, which were designed to resemble and replicate some of the original designs from the former Imperial Palace, of which the nation used to be ruled from many years ago.
The shrine grounds are well maintained and are quite peaceful when there are no ceremonies or festivals ongoing.
A particular noteworthy festival that takes place here at the Heian Shrine, is the Jidai Festival, which takes place annually on the 22nd of October to celebrate the founding of the great city of Kyoto. If you are in Kyoto around that time, we suggest you make your way to the shrine and see the Jidai Festival for yourself, and learn a little about Japanese history and culture along the way.
The Heian Shrine Gardens, located nearby to the main shrine buildings, is a tranquil garden that makes you forget about the present, with it’s beautiful variety of plant life, and views of traditional style buildings dotted around the garden. The gardens do have a small entry fee of 600JPY, which we feel is a fair price to pay for a little break from reality.
Along the main road to the shrine, you have a multitude of other cool sights to see, such as the Kyoto Museum of Art, and Kyoto Zoo.
Hours and Admission
- Hours: 6:00am-5:30pm (Feb 15 - Mar 14, all October), 6:00am-6:00pm (Mar 15 - Sept End), 6:00am-5:00pm (1 Nov - Feb 14)
- Free (600JPY For Heian Shrine Garden)
- Average Time Spent: 10-30 Minutes
- Official Website
Accessing Heian Shrine
Heian Shrine is a about a 10-15 minute walk away from Higashiyama Station along the Kyoto Subway line.
From Kyoto Station, you will depart along the Karasuma Line (Local Kokusaikaikan), until Karasuma Oike Station, where you then transfer to the Tozai Line (Local Rokujizo) to Higashiyama station. This will take roughly 15 minutes in total on trains, plus the aforementioned 10-15 minute walk, and will cost 260JPY.
Alternatively, a bus route is possible by departing Kyoto Station on either the 5, or 100 bus, which will take 30 minutes (traffic dependent), and will save you about 30JPY.
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Where to Stay
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