Heian Jingu Shrine
Heian Jingu 平安神宮 is a relatively modern shrine dedicated to two deified emperors, Kammu and Komei. The shrine was originally built in 1895 to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto in 796. The city was constructed as the capital of Japan by Emperor Kammu, who was known for his enlightened reign which encouraged help for the poor, education, and foreign trade.
Heian Shrine
In 1938, the 2500th anniversary of the founding of Japan, brought about extensive remodels to the shrine. Emperor Komei, who was instrumental in laying the foundation of the Meiji Restoration, was then deified in appreciation of his concern for the welfare of the Japanese people.
Heian Jingu Bridge
The shrine is a magnificent complex with many buildings and an incredibly beautiful garden. Gardens are rare in shrines, though common in temples, so this is a special feature well worth the visit. Enter through the 24.2 meter (about 80 feet) tall torii gate. There is a wide gravel courtyard surrounded by arcades with white walls and vermillion columns. It is a reconstruction of Heian period administrative buildings at 2/3 scale. Visit the main shrine, then go to a small door in the left to access the gardens.
Heian-jingu, Kyoto
There are four separate garden areas, designed to give different views to the visitor strolling through. It is beautiful at any time of the year, with its changing display of flowers and plants. There are multiple small lakes; take time to relax beside them and enjoy the views. Do not miss the covered bridge with benches to sit on and its little box of bait for visitors to feed the fish.
Beauty of Heian Jingu
Over the year there are festivals with activities at Heian Jingu. The Reisai Festival the 16th of April, 2013 in Heian-jingu Shrine (平安神宮) has a Geisha dance recorded by Ayado GION and shown here.
There is no charge to visit the main shrine and the gravel courtyard. The gardens cost ¥600 for adults or ¥300 for children. They open at 8:30 am, but closing times vary between 4:30 and 5:30 pm. Plan on taking time to enjoy the gardens, as they are some of the most beautiful in the city.
Stepping stones at the gardens of Heian Jingu
It is easy to get to Heian Jingu by taking city bus #5 to the Kyoto Kaikan Bijutsukan Mae stop. The official website is: http://www.heianjingu.or.jp/index_e.html
photos by:
cotaro70s &
kubotake,
neepster,
pablo.sanchez,
beggs,
KimonBerlin
