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Hirano Shrine

Name: Hirano Shrine
Address: Japan, 〒603-8322 京都府京都市北区平野宮本町１
Rating: 4.2

4.2 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Place Of Worship・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Hirano Shrine in Kyoto is a historic and scenic spot renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms. Founded in 794 by Emperor Kammu, it is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. The shrine has been a significant cultural and religious site for centuries, often visited by emperors and nobility.

One of the shrine’s most notable features is its impressive collection of cherry trees. With over 400 cherry trees of various species, Hirano Shrine offers one of the longest and most spectacular cherry blossom viewing seasons in Kyoto. Each variety blooms at different times, extending the hanami (flower viewing) period from late March to late April. The annual cherry blossom festival held here draws large crowds, featuring traditional performances, food stalls, and special ceremonies.

The shrine itself is beautifully maintained, with traditional wooden structures, bright red torii gates, and serene gardens. The main hall and the sacred grounds reflect the elegant architecture and spiritual ambiance typical of Shinto shrines. Visitors can also see the distinctive style of the honden (main sanctuary), which is designated as an important cultural property.

Hours:

6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee:

Free

Hours

Monday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 75-461-4450

Website

www.hiranojinja.com

The area

Address

Japan, 〒603-8322 京都府京都市北区平野宮本町１

Top ways to experience Hirano Shrine

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What other travelers are saying about Hirano Shrine

It is quite far from the city centre and does not attract too many tourists so we can have many spaces to walking around and enjoy it. Visiting the sakura garden costs 500Yen/person but doing so to the main shrine and its small adjacent garden is free, and of course, extremely beautiful with cherry blossoms are in their peaks.

Lê Quang Kiệt

Apr 2, 2025

Updated on 30 March 2024 More Cherry Blossom trees are in full bloom at this Shrine than other places in Kyoto. A mixture of Cherry blossoms and small yellow flowers create an amazing picture. You will spend at least half full day there. Along the flower path, there are chairs for resting. Apart from a lot of beautiful flowers, there are a lot of tall old trees. Compared to other popular Shrines, most visitors are from local residents. Furthermore, there is no entrance fee. You may make voluntary donation to the Shrine. You also make a wish at the Shrine. Highly recommeded.

Jacob Lee

Mar 31, 2024

Lovely shrine with huge cherry tree garden and lovely old tree beautiful goshuin, nice staff.

Lieren

Nov 5, 2024

While it's a lovely shrine, they block off a majority of the grounds to charge tourists and Japanese alike to see the cherry blossoms. There are places to view all over Kyoto. So unless you want to have a secluded picnic within a red and white barrier, it's not worth paying. I went around the outside and took photos over the top of the barrier. The shrine is still fully accessible.

Will

Apr 12, 2023

I have to admit that while we visited other temples for the history, beauty, and religiosity, we visited this temple during peak cherry blossom bloom and primarily marveled at being immersed in a garden of blooming cherry blossoms. Check out the video and photos.