Heian-jingū Shrine (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Heian-jingū Shrine?
What makes it 67% Baby-Friendly: Babies are allowed and diaper tables sit in adjacent restrooms, but no nursing room, loose gravel and garden steps make stroller use hard, so a carrier and a short visit are safest.
Positives:
- Flat walking paths: Gravel courtyard is firm enough for a baby carrier or large-wheeled stroller.
- On-site baby facilities: Free diaper changing tables and disposal bins in the Toni Toni complex.
Challenges:
- Uneven garden sections: Shin-en Garden has stepping stones and loose gravel that may upset a stroller.
- No dedicated nursing room: Breastfeeding must be done in the open courtyard or off-site facilities.
What is Heian-jingū Shrine?
- A Shinto shrine founded in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto’s establishment as Japan’s imperial capital
- A partial reconstruction of Heian Period imperial architecture, distinguished by a colossal vermilion torii, the Otenmon gate and the Daigokuden main hall
- A shrine complex set within Shin-en Garden, a 30,000 square metre Japanese landscape noted for its path around a central pond
What is so special about Heian-jingū Shrine for with baby?
- Shallow gravel courtyard ideal for baby carriers.
- Giant vermilion torii gate offers striking photo moments.
- Shin-en Garden’s flower sections enchant all ages.
- Free on-site diaper-changing facilities in Toni Toni complex.
- Compact visit perfect for a gentle family outing.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: A visit lasting 1-2 hours is enough to see the main gate, grounds, and garden at a gentle pace with a baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Heian-jingū Shrine
Walk the gravel courtyard:
Stroll the flat gravel paths around the main shrine grounds in a baby carrier.
Tip: Use the ramp at the left side of the gate for easy entry; morning visits have firmer ground.
Explore the giant torii gate:
Stand under the 24-meter vermilion gate for photos.
Tip: Position baby in a soft carrier and ask staff to frame the shrine background.
Stroll Shin-en Garden:
Follow the pond path through seasonal flower sections.
Tip: Pay 600 yen per adult at reception; late afternoon light is gentle for baby.
Use baby facilities:
Change diapers in the Toni Toni complex west of the entrance.
Tip: Enter the accessible restroom inside for a clean table and disposal bin.
Pick a protective charm:
Buy an omamori for baby’s health as a keepsake.
Tip: Costs 500 yen; ask for the child-size charm at the office.
When is the best time to visit Heian-jingū Shrine (Kyoto, Japan)?
In early April, see weeping cherry blossoms in the South garden. In June, spot irises in bloom. Visit mid-morning to avoid peak sun and crowds.
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Reviews of Heian-jingū Shrine (Kyoto)
Amirul Mu'minin
Heian Jingu Shrine has a stunning large torii gate and wide open grounds. The architecture is impressive, and the garden (for a small fee) is very peaceful with ponds, flowers, and traditional bridges. A calm escape from the busy city and great spot for photos!
THE EXPLORER
We recently stopped in Japan on one of our trips to Korea to visit my wife’s family. From Tokyo, we book a tour to Kyoto on the bullet train. One of the places we visited on the tour was the Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto. The main building was beautiful and very well maintained. Not too busy on the day we visited which was good.
Lê Quang Kiệt
It was so far the most beautiful and amazing shrine in Kyoto for us. In order to avoid the crowd, we visited it at 4.45pm, and we did not disappointed! No tour groups, no tourist flood, so we could slowly walk through the garden (which required an additional cost of JPY600pp), enjoyed the breeze, and admired the natural beauty. There were so many lovely corners in the garden. So mesmerizing, despi...
Henry
A really beautiful shrine with a big eye widening garden. This place is really good for forest bathing shinrin-yoku or just to be with friends and family. It has nice history. It costs 600 yen to enter the garden. Sadly the main shrine was under renovating. It was really fun to feed the fishes from the pavilion. They were really hungry. One bread piece costs 50+. Not many tourists
Fern Gleeson
Beautiful shrine and well worth 600 yen to enter the gardens they were beautiful! Very peaceful and full of birdlife. Plenty of benches to take a rest and toilets throughout. The stepping stones are fun!
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult entry to Shin-en Garden (2 adults) | JPY 1,200 |
| Child-size omamori charm | JPY 500 |
| Snack at nearby café | JPY 500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,200 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Heian-jingū Shrine
- Early arrival: Visit at opening to avoid crowds and secure changing table quickly.
- Pack light stroller: Use a lightweight stroller or carrier for gravel areas to ease movement.
- Combine with nearby stops: Walk 6 minutes to the Kyoto Handicraft Centre for a quiet baby break and café.
Map of Heian-jingū Shrine
Address: 97 Okazaki Nishitennōchō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341, Japan
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About Heian-jingū Shrine
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 75-761-022110 BEST nearby Activities
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