Kyoto

Mar 29, 2015 - 1 min read

Cherry Blossom at Heian Jingu

Iconic Kyoto shrine looks pretty in pale pink

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

View of Heian Shrine with cherry tree in the foreground

The bough of a cherry tree frames a view of the red and green shrine

The blossoms are a wonderful counterpoint to the rich vermilion color of the shrine

Weeping cherry spilling out of the inner garden at Heian Shrine

An old cherry tree leans gracefully on supports

In spring the shrine has pink omikuji (fortune papers)

The pink fortune papers tied to bare branches look like strange cherry blossom

Tea with rice crackers or sweet three-colored rice balls

A woman in a blue kimono stands under a cherry tree in the courtyard of Heian Shrine

Pink cherry blossom framed by the eaves of the shrine

A cherry tree extends its sheltering branched over the requests written on ema boards

Heian Shrine's big torii rising above the cherry blossom along the canal on Niomon Dori

Notice

Heian Shrine is undergoing a series of renovations expected to last until March 2031. The shrine and garden will remain accesisble throughout, but some buildings may be covered up.

Latest on Heian Shrine

The elegant red Heian Jingu Shrine with green tiled roof is one of Kyoto's most famous sightseeing spots. It is particularly beautiful in spring when cherry blossoms are blooming. Cherry trees in the courtyard contrast with the red, adding delicate charm to views of the shrine. Pink weeping cherry spills out of the inner garden, and seasonally pink omikuji (fortune papers) look like strange blossoms tied onto the branches of bare trees.

More info

Find out more about Heian Shrine.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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Veronika Tomanova

Veronika Tomanova 10 years ago

I see how is the best season for capturing the beauty of the shrine!

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Erica Brooks

Erica Brooks 10 years ago

Nice shots!! Wonder if it looks that beautiful when there are no flowers.

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Cathy Cawood

Cathy Cawood Photographer 10 years ago

Thank you Erica. I think the blossom adds something special, but I like this place at any time of year.

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Justin Velgus

Justin Velgus 10 years ago

Clean looking shots of a wonderful attraction.

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Cathy Cawood

Cathy Cawood Photographer 10 years ago

You mean not many people in the shots?

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