- Culture
- Kyoto
Heian-jingu Shrine
Feel like a Heian nobility in the shrine and gardens that convey the ancient capital to the present day
Heian Shrine was constructed in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100-year anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo, present-day Kyoto. It was built as a symbol of the restoration of Kyoto, in hopes of reviving the city that was devastated over time. The vast grounds are dotted with red-lacquered buildings, such as the Oten-mon Gate and the Daigokuden Hall, which imitates the official reception hall of the Heian Period (794-1185), and an expansive garden with beautiful seasonal flowers. On October 22 every year, the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) is held, featuring an elaborate parade that is like a gorgeous picture scroll.
Jidai Matsuri (Festivals of the Ages)
The Jidai Matsuri, which has continued since the establishment of Heian-jingu Shrine in 1895, is a grand festival of the shrine and is known as one of the three major festivals of Kyoto. Around 2,000 participants parade through the streets of Kyoto dressed in styles of the various eras throughout the thousand years of the capital city from the Heian Period to the Meiji Restoration (1868). The costumes and other furnishings used are actual traditional crafts that have been recreated through careful historical investigation. The colorful procession is truly a moving picture scroll of history and culture, a festival representing the magnificent autumn of Kyoto.
Photo_ Koroda Takeru
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
The art museum is located inside Okazaki Park, a five-minute walk from Heian-jingu Shrine. It was established in November 1933 to commemorate the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Showa. Numerous masterpieces of modern Japanese paintings are in the collection, including Kyoto art circles. The renewal opening in March 2020 added a new collection room, where visitors can enjoy various artworks for each season. The building retains the unique Japanese-Western eclectic architectural design at the time of its opening, but has new features such as the glassed-in underground entrance, creating a retro-modern fusion.
Location
| Name | Heian-jingu Shrine |
|---|---|
| Website | http://www.heianjingu.or.jp/english/english.html |
| Address | 97 Okazaki Nishi Tenno-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto |
| Access | From JR Kyoto Station, take the bus (City Bus Line 5, Raku Bus No. 100/110) and get off at Okazaki Koen/Bijutsukan, Heian Jingu-mae bus stop, then walk approximately 5 minutes. |
| Inquiries | TEL: 075-761-0221 |
