Constructed to celebrate Kyoto's 1,100th anniversary as Japan's capital, Heian-Jingu Shrine, distinguished by its majestic red torii gate, is a vibrant city emblem and a key destination for visitors.
Entry to the shrine grounds is free of charge.
Visitors may witness Shinto weddings as they are held regularly at the shrine, but these are private ceremonies. Photography of wedding parties requires permission, and visitors should observe quietly from a distance.
The Heian period, from 794 to 1185 in Japanese history, marks when the imperial capital was relocated from Nara to Heian-kyō (now Kyoto).
As the Fujiwara clan lost power and Japan transitioned into a shogunate under the control of rival warlords, the Heian period concluded, yet the era's aristocratic culture endured, continuing to shape Japanese identity.
Traveler reviews
This was one of the most amazing locations we visited in Kyoto. This was not in our plans and we stumbled upon it. We originally planned to visit the Muri-An Garden close by, but they had waiting so we ended up here. We were pleasantly surprised and absolutely recommend to anyone who loves Japanese garden. This place is so peaceful and has so many breathtaking views and beautifully manicured landscape. It has Lots of great photo locations to offer. If you think these photos are amazing, wait till you visit in person 😊.
Heian-jingū Shrine was a really peaceful stop, with the main shrine area open to enter and the whole place feeling calmer than I expected. The garden was the highlight for me — it costs extra, but it felt absolutely worth it once I got inside. There was plenty of space to enjoy it without crowds, which made the visit even better.
Heian-jingū is a stunningly beautiful and incredibly peaceful shrine right in the heart of Kyoto. The scale is impressive—from the towering vermilion torii gate to the bright orange main buildings—yet the atmosphere throughout the grounds is one of perfect serenity.
We paid to enter the Shin'en Garden, and it was worth every yen. It's a masterpiece of landscape design, with winding paths, tranquil ponds (like the famous Soryu-ike), and picturesque bridges (including the Garyu-kyo). It was the most peaceful part of our visit, a world away from the city bustle just outside the walls. It's a perfect spot to slow down, breathe, and soak in the quiet beauty of Kyoto.
As a relatively modern shrine built for the city's 1100th anniversary, it has a different, grander feel compared to Kyoto's ancient temples, but it's no less captivating. Everything is immaculately maintained, making it a wonderfully restorative and photogenic stop.
Loved this shrine! It was not crowded at all on a random Monday around 11am and the entry fee to the gardens is more than reasonable and absolutely worth it! They’re huge and so beautiful with ponds, beautiful plants and trees, wildlife, stepping stones and pavilions. Highly recommended.
Free to enter the main shrine area which is a beautiful building and surprisingly quiet. The real hidden gem though is the large Japanese garden surrounding it — paid entry but absolutely worth it. We were practically alone in there which is almost unbelievable for Kyoto. No idea why more people don’t visit but take advantage of it while it lasts.
