You probably won’t see this on your standard Kyoto itinerary, but the spectacular landscapes of Heian Shrine are not too far from the action!
Somewhere in between the infamous Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Nanzen-ji Temple is the beautiful Heian Shrine, otherwise known as Heian Jingu.
The Coolest Torii Gate
On your way to Heian Shrine, you’ll come across this massive torii gate similar in color and style to that of Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine.
However, the size of this structure is absolutely phenomenal, as you can see through the comparison of the full-grown adult walking past.
At certain times of the year such as the Jidai Matsuri Festival held in October, parades of people dressed up in traditional attire and riding horses can be seen passing through this torii gate.
On a normal day, you can freely walk or drive through the torii gate and admire its beauty without any issues.
Rich History
The Heian Shrine was built in 1895 to commemorate Kyoto’s first and last emperors – Emperor Kammu and Emperor Komei respectively.
Upon entrance to the shrine, you will find a very spacious area with a few interesting artifacts in the vicinity.
During the Jidai Matsuri Festival, people will dress up in outfits from the various eras that took place over Kyoto’s long history to honor its beginnings and acknowledge how far the city’s come.
Cool Backgrounds
Kyoto is a hub for amazing sceneries and natural beauty.
From rich green forests to crystal clear flowing rivers, it’s in many ways the “pride of Japan” and a symbol of culture and tradition.
As such, it’s no surprise that beautiful green forests and mountain ranges can be seen from within the grounds of Heian Shrine.
For a shrine that has no admission fees and is completely free to enter, I was amazed at how much of a spectacle it was both in terms of its amazing artifacts and scenic location.
Amazing Artifacts
Indeed, the artifacts here truly are a sight to behold, from the statues commemorating emperors of the past to the vermilion temple structures that stand the test of time.
I’d recommend wearing enclosed shoes when visiting as the grounds can be quite sandy and rocky to walk on.
If you’re on the religious or spiritual side, you can take this as an opportunity to make a prayer for good luck and prosperity while you’re here too.
Scenic Location
Again, I cannot stress enough how amazing the location of Heian Shrine is, quite frankly, taking the spotlight over the shrine itself.
Just around the corner from Okazaki Park, the vicinity is awesome for strolling around, chilling at one of the cafes, or having a game of tennis at the local courts!
All-in-all, I’d highly recommend Heian Shrine to not only experience a piece of Kyoto history but also to soak in the natural beauty of the surrounding forests and mountains.
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