Heian-jingū Shrine (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Heian-jingū Shrine?
What makes it 76% Kids-Friendly: Kids can feed carp, hop stepping stones and use Okazaki Park next door; cheap child ticket helps, yet long gravel paths, little shade and no interactive displays may tire or bore them quickly.
Positives:
- Cultural Experience: Kids learn Shinto prayer and history in a hands-on way.
- Spacious Grounds: Wide paths let children run safely under adult supervision.
Challenges:
- Gravel Paths: Strollers may struggle on loose gravel; a carrier can help.
- Limited Shade: Few covered areas in the garden; bring hats and sunscreen.
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 kids?
- Learn Shinto prayer by bowing and clapping.
- Hop across stepping stones in a scenic pond.
- Play at the free playground at Okazaki Park.
- Explore a giant vermilion torii gate and courtyard.
- Collect a colorful goshuin shrine stamp.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This allows time for the shrine, garden, playground and a snack break without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Heian-jingū Shrine
Cross the giant torii gate:
Walk under the bright red entrance gate on Jingu-michi.
Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and get a clear photo.
Step across stones in Shin-en Garden:
Kids can hop over stepping stones in the central pond.
Tip: Hold young children’s hands and wear non-slip shoes.
Learn the shrine prayer:
Teach kids to bow twice, clap twice and bow once in front of Daigokuden Hall.
Tip: Show them the order: bow, clap, clap, bow for fun.
Play at Okazaki Park playground:
Slide, sandpit and old tram to climb just outside the shrine.
Tip: Bring a small ball or bubbles for extra fun.
Collect a goshuin stamp:
Get a special shrine seal in your stamp book.
Tip: Buy a stamp book at the office or bring your own.
When is the best time to visit Heian-jingū Shrine (Kyoto, Japan)?
Visit in late March for cherry blossoms or June for iris blooms; November shows colorful maple leaves in the garden.
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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 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Garden entry (2 adults + 1 child) | JPY 1,500 |
| Omamori charms (2 kids) | JPY 1,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,500 |
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
- Buy Tickets Online: Reserve Shin-en Garden tickets in advance to skip lines.
- Combine Nearby Sights: Pair with a visit to the Kyoto Handicraft Centre for a snack break.
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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