🟧 Heian Jinggu (shrine).
🟧 The vermillion orange colour of shrines signifies it is built mainly in the Heian period (ie abt 1300 years ago).
➡️ The vibrant shade is thought to be auspicious and drive away evil spirits from the shrine. 🙏🏻❇️ The colour red/orange is a form of protection for a shrine, it says in the guide book.
One of several "newer" shrines, it is nonetheless one of the more modern, largest and grander ones too. Less frequented by tourists, Heian is much quieter and enjoyable, especially the gardens around it, among local favorites for events and weddings. We strolled around its grounds, arranged according to flowering seasons, were impressed by the definitively Japanese courtyard design. The giant torri leading to the complex right on the main road where traffic goes under it, is so massive that itself is a sight can be seen miles away from Higashiyama hills.
April 14 and a bunch of cherry blossoms were on the trees still, not all of them though. Nearby there's a walkway along the water, and there were many bright cherry blossoms there today.
I did the garden at the shrine here, and it was very nice with many cherry blossoms also, but ¥600 entry for adults.
Special goshuin paper for cherry blossom season ended today, but the normal one they draw in your book is ¥500 at the booth to the left right when you enter. Couldn't miss it cuz there was a line.
It's really big and not that crowded, don't understand why many people like a swarm of bees heading to Kiyomizu temple and Arashiyama, there're still other beautiful places in Kyoto.
Heian Shrine is built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Kammu, the city's founder, and Emperor Komei, the last emperor to reign from Kyoto. The architecture of Heian Shrine is a partial replica of the original Heian Palace, featuring vibrant vermilion structures and expansive grounds. The shrine is famous for its large torii gate at the entrance, beautiful gardens, and the annual Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages), held every October 22nd.