Heian Shrine is one of the best-preserved shrines in Kyoto. It is a mesmerizing place that guarantees to provide peace of mind and soul to all its visitors. Japan’s culture is strongly depicted through this architecture and this is why it is Japan’s one of the important cultural properties.
History & Significance
The Heian Temple in Kyoto was built as a partial representation of the Heian Palace from Heian-kyo. It was the main attraction of the Industrial Exposition Fair. The fair was held for the 1100th anniversary of the establishment of Heian-kyo. After the fair, the monument was preserved as a shrine in remembrance of the 50th Emperor, Emperor Kanmu. Furthermore, after the Capital of Japan was shifted from Kyoto to Tokyo, the shrine became a symbol of revival of the spirits of the people of Kyoto that was very badly bruised after the Second World War.
Reasons Visit Heian Shrine
Architecture: 5/8th in scale (in length), it is the reproduction of the Chodoin (Emperor’s palace in the former eras). The architecture is the representation of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. In addition, the Torri (Gate) is one of the largest in the country.
Garden: taking almost half the land area, the garden was designed by ardener Jihei Ogawa 7th over the span of 20 years. It is a tranquil place to sit, walk and have fun.
Annual Festivals: The main attraction of the shrine is the annual festivals celebrated in the memory of Emperor Kammu in early April.