basic information

Heian Shrine was built relatively recently in 1895 on the occasion of the 1,100th anniversary of the Heian Capital foundation. It is dedicated to the first and last emperors that reigned from Kyoto, Emperor Kammu and Emperor Komei.

The shrine buildings are a partial replica of the Imperial Palace of the Heian Period, but only about two thirds of the original buildings in scale. Several events are held on the shrine's spacious inner court occasionally.

A nice garden is located behind the shrine's main buildings. A visit is most beautiful in April, when the garden's many weeping cherry trees are in full bloom. An admission fee applies only to visiting the garden (see details below).

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how to get there

Heian Shrine can be reached by bus number 5 or 100 from Kyoto Station. A more reliable (and probably faster) alternative is by subway to Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Line (requires a transfer at Karasuma Oike Station from the Karasuma Line) followed by a 10 minute walk to the shrine.

How to get to and around Kyoto

hours and fees

Heian Shrine
Hours:	6:00 to 17:30 (closing time varies seasonally by half an hour)
Closed:	No closing days
Admission:	Free

Heian Shrine Garden
Hours:	8:30 to 17:00 (closing time varies seasonally by half an hour)
Closed:	No closing days
Admission:	600 yen

news and reports

	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 15, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 7, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 4, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 1, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 30, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 25, 2009

travel community

Users who have been to Kyoto: 1604
Users who have been to Heian Shrine: 449

8th of 45 most visited sights in Kyoto.
36th of 509 most visited sights nationwide.

Rating by users:		recommended (83/100, 251 votes)
Rating by staff:		recommended
Overall Rating:		outstanding

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hotels & ryokan

Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto Voted No.1 hostel in Asia by Hostelworld customers. 9 mins walk from JR Kyoto station Bed from 2,500 yen. Ryokan Hirashin 3min walk to Shijo Karasuma Sta. Spacious Japanese-style rooms. 140 years of history. Public baths renovated in 2006. Hotel Sugicho A ryokan in the center of Kyoto town. From 4000yen. 4 train stations are within walking distance. Try the Kyoto Kaiseki. Guest Inn Chita A small traditional inn run by a very kind staff. From 3500yen per guest. 10 min from Kyoto Station. Renewed in 2006.

tours and packages

Kyoto Tours Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings. River Terrace Dining with Kyoto Maiko Gourmet Kyoto cuisine and a rare chance to see maiko perform.

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