Summer in Japan is renowned for its breathtaking fireworks displays, vibrant festivals that fill the month, and the delicate beauty of colorful wind chimes.
In Kyoto, as well as in other cities, wind chimes are hung during the summer in various shapes and colors. Today, I will introduce one such place in Kyoto: Heian Shrine.
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/2tKS8tLoMpqDBUVU9
Heian-jingu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It is classified by the Association of Shinto Shrines as a Beppyō Jinja, which designates it as one of the top shrines in Japan.
The shrine is also quite easy to access, with a bus ride costing just 230 JPY and taking around 30 minutes to reach the gate directly.
In front of this shrine, there is a very large Torii gate, which is considered one of the most impressive Torii gates in Japan.
Don’t forget to get yourself a kimono to complete the experience and take some beautiful photos with the wind chimes :v
Two mascots stand on either side of the temple entrance, adding a playful and welcoming touch to the shrine.
After entering the gate, head to the left to reach the area with the wind chimes.
The wind chimes here carry everyone’s wishes. Visitors can also purchase paper to write down their own wishes and hang them alongside the chimes.
Wind chimes at Heian Shrine.
Wind chimes here also come in many shapes, like Shiba dogs, cats, pandas, etc.
Let's see some of the pictures I took here.
After taking photos here, we can purchase tickets to explore the garden surrounding the temple. The price is 300 JPY for children and 600 JPY for adults.
At the entrance to the garden, there is a preserved Kyoto tram from 1912, offering a glimpse into the city's past.
The garden is filled with a variety of plants and flowers, along with a peaceful fish pond. When I visited in July, the lotus had not yet fully bloomed, but the beauty of the garden was still captivating.
As you walk around the garden, you'll eventually come to this area—a covered bridge with wind chimes hanging along both sides of the walkway, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.
There are also seats here where visitors can rest, enjoy the breeze, and take in the beautiful scenery around them.
It’s incredibly cool and comfortable here, thanks to the many trees that provide shade and help catch the breeze.
At the foot of the bridge, there's an aquarium with turtles. You can buy bread (sold on the bridge) to feed the fish and turtles. Under the gentle sound of the wind chimes, it creates a peaceful and calming scene.
On the right side of the bridge, there is a rather elegant space designed for hosting special events, such as weddings and engagements.
This was the first time I witnessed a traditional Japanese wedding, and it was truly a beautiful and unique experience.
The bride and groom also take their wedding photos here, adding to the beauty of the surroundings and making the moment even more memorable.
Marrying a smiling husband :))))
After exploring the garden, we exit through the exit gate, concluding our visit to this serene and beautiful space.
The exit gate also offers many beautiful angles, perfect for taking some final photos before leaving.
After exiting the gate, we head to the right to enter the main hall of the temple, where we can experience its sacred and peaceful atmosphere.
This marks the end of our journey to explore one of the top temples in Kyoto and Japan. Thank you for reading until the end!
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