Author: masamiyake

History

Heian-jingu has a relatively short history. It was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th year of the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo.

Heian-jingu enshrines two Japanese emperors as deities, the 50th Emperor Kan-mu who transferred the capital to Heian-kyo, and the 121st Emperor Komei, the last emperor who had lived in Kyoto.

Overview

Heian-jingu is one of the most important and visually impressive Shinto shrines in Kyoto.

 Heian is the former name of Kyoto.

Heian-jingu is listed as an important cultural property of Japan.

The word “jingu” as in Heian-jingu means the shrine which has a relationship to the imperial family.

 Heian-jingu represents a part of the ancient capital of Kyoto(Heian-kyo).

The shrine’s main buildings are a 5/8 (five-eighths) scale reproduction of the original Imperial Palace from the Heian period.

Autumn leaves

In Shin-nyo-do, maple trees grow on both sides of the stone-paved approach, and the three-story pagoda can be seen in the back, as if the temple were in a forest of maple trees. The stone pavement from the front of the main hall to the west becomes a tunnel of autumn leaves. 

The most beautiful moment is when the autumn leaves are bathed in the setting sun. 

The peak of the autumn foliage in the temple depends on the weather of the year, but the peak season is after the end of November. The area behind the main hall can be enjoyed until early December.

The main hall

In the main hall, The Nodding Amitabha, is open to the public only once a year on November 15.

This Amitabha was sculpted by Jikaku Daishi Ennin, the third head of Hieizan.

Then go down to the capital and save all people, especially women. When he said, “Then go down to the capital and save all people, especially women,” Amida nodded his head, which is why he is also called “Nodding Amida”.

Overview

Shin-nyo-do Temple,or  (Shinsho Gokuraku-ji Temple), which is famous for its autumn leaves in Kyoto.The autumn leaves are unquestionably beautiful.

Of course, not only that, but you can feel the strong message of Buddhism in the history and legend of the temple.

There are also many other attractions such as the unique garden.

Randen　a streetcar

Randen　a streetcar

Randen a streetcar operated by Keifuku Electric Railway, has long been a favorite of local residents.

Access

From Shijo Omiya Station, take the Randen Line to Arashiyama Station (approx. 22 mins). The transfer stations to Shijo Omiya Station are Omiya and Saiin Stations on the Hankyu Kyoto Line.

Nonomiya Shrine

Good Luck Charms

There are many good luck charms at the shrine office for various benefits. There are many lucky charms for children, marriage, victory, traffic safety and so on. 

In addition, many ema (votive picture tablet) are pasted in the narrow precincts of the shrine, which shows the high level of reverence for this shrine. 

The shrine is a place where you can feel the strong power of the shrine.