Heian Shrine

Though one of Kyoto’s newest shrines, the Heian Jingū is also one of the most impressive – the shrine gate is one of the largest in Japan, and the buildings are a replica of Kyoto’s Heian Period Imperial Palace.
The gardens are best known for their weeping sakura (cherry blossom) trees, so are most popular during cherry blossom season, but they are lovely at any time of the year with their blossoming flowers and cool ponds. The water garden, with irises and water lilies, is particularly beautiful when in bloom in late spring and early summer.