Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto No.7

Heian Jingu Shrine was established in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the Heian period’s capital relocation. It enshrines Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Komei. The main hall of the shrine is a restoration of the original Chōdō-in, the central hall of Heian-kyō, scaled down to about 80% of its original size. The vibrant red hall contrasts beautifully with the white gravel of the grounds, creating a stunning visual.

The Shinen is a large stroll garden, covering approximately 30,000 square meters, and consists of four distinct gardens: East, Central, West, and South. It is a pond-style garden that offers beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. In spring, the garden is adorned with red weeping cherry trees, and in early summer, irises bloom, creating picturesque views. There is so much to see that it takes time to fully explore the entire garden.

Location	97 Okazaki Nishitenno-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Open Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Access	A short walk from the Kyoto City Bus stops “Okazaki Jingu-mae” or “Heian Jingu-mae.”
Fee	Free Garden 500 yen
Website	Heian Jingu Official Website

On April 5, 2025, I visited in the morning. As I passed through the entrance, I was greeted by a large open space. Unfortunately, the Daikyū-den (Main Hall) was under renovation. From the entrance to the Shinen, the pink cherry blossoms were in full bloom. These were the Yaebeni Shidarezakura (double-flowered weeping cherry trees), with a deep pink color and soft, elegant petals. It was unlike any cherry blossom I had ever seen before. The trees were strategically placed in the Japanese-style garden, creating a picturesque scene. As I walked further, I encountered a large pond, where irises are said to bloom in different seasons. The garden is vast, with varying elevations, so be prepared to walk a lot—sneakers are highly recommended. Afterward, I recommend taking a break at a nearby café (which I will introduce in a separate article).