Heian Shrine (Heian Jingu)

Heian Shrine was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the establishment of Heian-kyo (the ancient name for Kyoto) as the capital. The shrine buildings are a partial replica of the original Heian-era Imperial Palace at a reduced scale (5/8th size), offering visitors a glimpse into the architectural splendor of Japan's golden age of classical culture.

The enshrined deities are Emperor Kammu, who founded Kyoto in 794, and Emperor Komei, the last emperor to fully rule from Kyoto before the Meiji Restoration.

The most striking feature is the massive red 'torii' gate standing in front of the shrine – one of the largest in Japan at 24 meters tall. The shrine grounds themselves are a vast, open space with vermilion buildings that evoke the elegance of the Heian court.

Behind the main buildings is the 'Shin'en' garden, a masterpiece of Japanese garden design. This strolling garden features several ponds, bridges, and weeping cherry trees that are spectacular in spring.

The 'Jidai Matsuri' (Festival of the Ages) on October 22nd is one of Kyoto's three great festivals. A procession of about 2,000 people, dressed in historically accurate costumes from all periods of Kyoto's 1,200-year history, marches from the Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine. It is a living museum of Japanese history.