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.
The shrine is celebrated for its spectacular cherry blossoms, with about 50 species and 400 cherry trees planted on its grounds. It has held a cherry blossom festival yearly since 985, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists to view and celebrate under the cherry trees.
Hirano Shrine is accessible by various bus lines from Kyoto Station, such as the #205 or #50 bus to Kinugasa Komae. From Sanjo Keihan, you can take bus #15 to the same stop. For those near Shijo Omiya (Hankyu Railways), the #55 bus also leads to the shrine.
Entry to Hirano Shrine is free, making it a welcoming destination for visitors wishing to explore its historic and natural beauty without concern for admission fees.
Hirano Shrine, established in 794 AD by Emperor Kammu to coincide with the capital's move to Heian-Kyo, is renowned for its cherry blossom festival and historical significance. It has been a site of imperial patronage and is known for its connection with Japan's Imperial Household and royal family.
Hirano Shrine is close to several other noteworthy sites, including Ritsumeikan University, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, and the famous Kinkakuji Temple. Its location in northwest Kyoto makes reaching these significant cultural and historical sites.
Found this very nice shrine and garden when walking towards the kinkakuji. Well worth a visit!
The garden was very nice, and I expect it will be much prettier when in bloom!
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.
Hirano Shrine is beautiful in spring. The flower garden is filled with sakura and yellow rape flowers. There are musical performances inside the shrine and long lines of people waiting to pray for good luck.
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.
