Introduction to Heian Jingu Shrine
Overview of Heian Jingu Shrine
Heian Jingu Shrine, located in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, was built in 1895 to honor the glory of the Heian period (794-1192), and during the Meiji period (1868-1912), the Otorii gate and regent shrines were built. Today, the shrine is well known as one of the representative shrines in Kyoto and attracts many worshippers.
History and Origin
Heian Shrine was built to celebrate the establishment of Heian-kyo during the Meiji Restoration. Heian-kyo was part of Kyoto, which flourished as the capital during the Heian period and played an important role as the center of Japanese history and culture. Heian Shrine was built to honor that prosperous era and to pray for the prosperity and peace of the nation.
Deities and Benefits
The deities of Heian Shrine are the Emperor Kanmu and his empress, Empress Shikaraku. Emperor Kammu is known as the founder of the Heian-kyo capital and symbolizes the prosperity of the Heian period. At Heian Jingu Shrine, prayers are offered for the safety of the family, academic success, and prosperous business.
Precincts and Architecture
The grounds of Heian Jingu Shrine include a garden with an elegant atmosphere and a stately main shrine. In particular, the Otorii (Grand Gate) and the main shrine pavilions are splendid examples of ancient Japanese architectural styles. Trees and stone lanterns are also arranged in the precincts to create a sacred atmosphere.
How to Access
The Heian Jingu Shrine is conveniently accessible by bus or subway from Kyoto City. In particular, it can be reached on foot from the Heian Jingu-mae bus stop on the Kyoto Municipal Bus. There are many tourist attractions nearby, such as Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which are well worth a visit for tourists.
Impressions of having been there
Heian Jingu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kyoto City, where you can feel the culture and history of the Heian period (794-1192). I visited the shrine on a spring day. As soon as I stepped into the shrine's precincts, I was surrounded by a quiet and solemn atmosphere.
The grounds of Heian Shrine are vast, and the area around the pond, called Hachimanbori, is particularly famous. The torii gates and trees reflected on the pond were beautiful, and the view of the pond reflected on the water was spectacular. In addition, many cherry trees are planted in the precincts of the shrine, and in spring the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating a fantastic scene.
Entering the main shrine of Heian Shrine, one could feel the solemn atmosphere, a place where worshippers could calm their hearts. Around the main shrine, there were historical buildings and beautiful gardens, which gave visitors a taste of history and culture. Particularly famous were the Kamo Goso-jinja Shrine, a regent shrine of Heian Shrine, and the Shiki-nai-sha Shrine, which gave visitors a sense of the history and prestige of the shrine.
I felt that Heian Shrine is a beautiful shrine that combines history and culture and is one of the most atmospheric and different places to visit in Kyoto. It is a place where one can enjoy the quiet atmosphere and beautiful scenery and refresh both body and soul. When you visit Kyoto, be sure to visit Heian Jingu Shrine as well.