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.

Orientation in Kyoto

Shrine:
Hours: 6:00 to 17:30 (slightly longer/shorter in summer/winter)
Admission: Free

Garden:
Hours: 8:30 to 17:00 (slightly longer/shorter in summer/winter)
Admission: 600 Yen

travel community

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Users who have been to Heian Shrine: 239

8th of 41 most visited sights in Kyoto.
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hotels & ryokan

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. 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 Kinoe A comfort ryokan in Gion District. Quality services. 5 min to Gion Corner, Yasaka Jinja. Ponto-cho, Kiyomizu-dera nearby. Hotel Sugicho A ryokan in the center of Kyoto town. From 4000yen. 4 train stations are within walking distance. Try the Kyoto Kaiseki. Kyoto White Hotel From 4,150 yen per night. 3 minutes from JR Kyoto station. Tomiya Ryokan A traditional Japanese inn located 2 min walk from Kyoto Station. Close to bus terminal for all the attractions.

tours and packages

Kyoto Tours Various English tours of Kyoto and surroundings. Atlas Japan Tour Customized tours emphasizing cultural experiences and communication to find real Japan. Education and exchange program available.

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