ABOUT
About this spot
One of the symbols of Kyoto, Heian Jingu was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Heian-kyo. As soon as you step in, you are overwhelmed by the vast grounds and the magnificent, vivid vermilion "Otorii" gate and "Oten-mon" gate. The "Shin-en" garden within the grounds is a large pond-strolling garden created by the master landscape gardener Ogawa Jihei, active from the Meiji to Showa periods. In spring the red weeping cherry trees that also appear in Junichiro Tanizaki's novel "The Makioka Sisters" bloom splendidly, followed by iris in summer, autumn leaves in fall and snow scenes in winter, so you can feel Japanese atmosphere throughout the year. It is also famous as the venue for the "Jidai Matsuri" (Festival of the Ages), one of Kyoto's Three Great Festivals, held every October 22. The spacious grounds feel open and are ideal for sightseeing with friends, family walks, or quietly feeling the weight of history alone. Museums and a zoo are also nearby, so this is an essential spot for a cultural holiday.
Last updated March 28, 2026