Kyoto Heian Jingu Shrine and Garden

Smaller version of ancient palace

Tomoko Kamishima Apr 11, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The huge gate of Heian Jingu Shrine: Oten-mon Gate</p>

<p>Stepping stones in the pond of Shin-en Garden</p>

<p>Pine tree stretching out its branches over the pond</p>

<p>Roofed bridge over the pond: Taihei-kaku</p>

<p>There were various kinds of cherry trees blooming in the inner garden</p>

<p>Taking a walk under the shade of the trees</p>

<p>Weeping cherry trees reflected in the pond</p>

<p>Cherry blossoms and Soryu-ro Tower</p>

Heian Jingu Shrine, located near Higashiyama subway station, was built in 1895 as a memorial to the ancient capital of Kyoto on its 1100th anniversary. The huge red shrine gate attracts your eyes from a very far distance, and after passing through the gate, a wide open space surrounded by the shrine's brilliant red buildings will totally impress you. This shrine was modeled after a governmental office in ancient Kyoto, Daigoku-den Hall. Shin-en Garden, in the shrine's inner space, is splendid during cherry blossom season. The garden design and its construction were the work of a prominent garden designer, Ueji VII (Jihei Ogawa).

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Find out more about Heian Shrine.

Tomoko Kamishima @tomoko.kamishima

Japan is a small island nation, but we have a huge number of surprising things to discover here. Many of these delights can be found when you step off the main street onto small side paths. I really enjoy studying about and researching various aspects of traditional Japanese culture, and then sha...