A relatively young shrine, Heian-jingū Shrine was built in 1895 to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto as the capital city.

The spacious grounds contain museums,an open courtyard, gardens and beautiful viewing points making it a popular spot despte its relative youth. The buildings are a replica of the Heian period Imperial Palace, but to a smaller scale (5/8ths to be specific). Popular in cherry-blossom season, the gardens have many weeping cherry-blossom trees which bloom towards the end of the season. The shrine is easily spotted by the 25m torii gate which marks the entrance in Okazaki-koen park. While strolling through the shrine area is free, the gardens do require a fee of ¥0 for adults and ¥300.

Heian Jingu
Photo by Wei-Te Wong used under CC

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