Heian Shrine, Shinto shrine in Okazaki, Kyoto, Japan.
Heian Shrine is a Shintō house of prayer in Sakyō ward, Kyoto, entered through a tall red-lacquered gate structure with a curved roof. Within the compound, several halls surround a wide gravel plaza, while extensive gardens with ponds and traditional bridges extend behind the main buildings.
The compound was established to mark the 1100th anniversary of the city's founding, honoring the emperors who ruled from here. It was designed using plans from old records that show how palace buildings looked centuries ago.
The name Heian refers to the old designation of Kyoto, when the city was still called Heian-kyō. Visitors often witness wedding ceremonies held in the courtyard or watch worshippers ring large bronze bells before the prayer halls.
Those wishing to visit the gardens pay an admission fee and follow a set path along the ponds. The main courtyard remains free to enter and can be explored on foot at any time.
The construction follows a reduced scale of historical palace architecture, giving visitors a sense of how imperial compounds once appeared. Depending on the season, cherry trees, irises, or autumn foliage bloom in the gardens, drawing photographers and strollers.
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