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Heian Shrine, Kyoto

4.1
#18 of 347 in Historic Sites in Kyoto
Historic Site Religious Site
Noted for its scarlet tori gates, Heian Shrine remains one of the most important Shinto sites in Kyoto. Built in 1895 to celebrate the city’s 1,100th anniversary, and relatively new in comparison to similar religious sites, the shrine was designed to resemble a smaller replica of the original Heian Palace. Step into the complex through the large, vividly colored gate, and explore its picturesque grounds. Roam the courtyards and Chinese-style buildings, or, for a small fee, enter the gardens that encircle a large pond, and stroll along stone paths lined by weeping cherry trees and maples. Before you head to Kyoto, plan trip itinerary details with our user-friendly Kyoto vacation route planner, to make sure you see all that Kyoto has to offer, including Heian Shrine.
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4.2
  • Ginkaku-ji Temple after bath! Get off the bus and was a large Torii gate. It is a large red-painted Palace architecture. Museum of fine arts.
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  • There is a large torii gate marking the entrance to the Shrine’s spacious grounds. A relatively new, beautiful shrine. A couple of museums are right by the torii gate. I was lucky to see a couple posi...  more »
  • Heian shrine which is often said. Although not religious people don't have to come in, but feel Japanese folk customs is also not a bad idea. Could an Oracle or something, some day man often the plot, it is meant to.
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  • One among the beautiful shrines in Kyoto. If you believe in fortune you can buy 500yen chain from the store. Match your year of birth before buying this.
  • Cool orange buildings and structures. If you are into Shinto things, this is a must see. I like to look at the way the buildings are put together. In old fashioned Japanese architecture, they don't use any nails or glue. Sometimes they would disassemble the whole structure and move it to another location. Pretty cool!
  • Heian Shrine is a Shinto shrine popular with Japanese newly married couples taking photos. We went in with the day tour group, saw some Sakura blooms, take a photo of the main shrine, did a quiet prayer in the shrine, turnaround and get out. That's all to it. There is a separate garden to the side.. but not included in our tour package or schedule.
  • Beautiful place to visit! Weddings are very popular on site. Many places to visit around the area.
  • A very cool, historic shrine. Kyoto has many places that make you feel like you've stepped back in time and this is one of them. Loved touring this place while I was here.
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Where to stay in Kyoto

Kyoto spoils visitors for choice when it comes to good accommodations, offering everything from traditional ryokans to luxury Western-style hotels. In a city used to receiving foreign travelers, you'll find that most establishments know exactly what to offer tourists and how to help newcomers to the area. To avoid paying premium prices during the cherry blossom season, consider staying in Osaka, located just a 30-minute train ride away. If you must stay in Kyoto itself, keep in mind that centrally located hotels charge more than those in the outer neighborhoods.
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