Heian Shrine - home of the gods
April 2nd, 2008 by Carolyn Toddphoto: Carolyn Todd
Heian Shinto Shrine honours the first and last Emperors based in Kyoto: Kammu and Komei, and is the spiritual centre of Japan.
Emperor Kammu established the Heian Capital (former name of Kyoto) in 794 AD and was deified as the spiritual god-cum-protector of the city in 1895, the 1100th anniversary of the founding of the city.
Emperor Komei was concerned for the welfare of the Japanese people and paved the way for the development of modern Japan in the Meiji-era (1868-1912). He was deified at Heian Shrine in 1940, when the shrine was renovated and extended. Heian Shrine itself covers a huge area and some of the buildings are replicas of the Kyoto Imperial Palace buildings, but two thirds the size. The large red entrance ‘tori’ gate stands 24 m., one of the biggest in Japan.
Heian Shrine is also a focus of one of the main festivals of Kyoto, Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages), which takes place on October 22nd each year to commemorate the establishment of Kyoto on that date in 794 AD. Around 2000 participants, dressed in costumes from the Heian period through to the time Kyoto ceased to be capital at the end of the Edo period, parade through the city from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine. They accompany the portable shrines enshrining the first and last Kyoto Emperors; those honoured by the construction of Heian Shrine.
In spring, Heian Shrine is a popular location for viewing weeping cherry trees, which can be seen in the South Garden. This is designed in the Heian style for hosting garden parties and composing traditional poetry. The cherry blossom season is followed by periods in which azalea and clover take centre stage.
Summer in the West Garden is highlighted by irises surrounding the pond, with a tea ceremony house nestled among the trees. In the East Garden, old-style buildings, previously located at Kyoto Imperial Palace, can be seen reflected in the central pond. The Middle Garden also contains a pond - one with stepping stones formed from the foundation pillars of old Kyoto bridges.
Access: from JR Kyoto Station: Bus 5 to Kyoto Kaikan Bijutsu-kan Mae / a 10 min. walk from Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Subway Line / a 15 min. walk from the Keihan Railway: Sanjo Station
Entry – free but a 600 yen charge applies for access to the gardens
For more information: http://www.heianjingu.or.jp/index_e.html
