What is It- Japan’s long history and different traditions can be difficult for Americans to understand. While filled with modern buildings and technological marvels, Japan is a much older society than the United States. Traditional values such as reverence for one's ancestors, politeness, formality, and harmony are important in Japanese culture. Travelers are likely to experience them in meeting people and visiting important spiritual and historical sites there. 

One destination that illustrates the importance of cultural traditions to the Japanese people is the Heian Shrine in Kyoto. Heian Shrine was built in 1895 for an Industrial Exhibition to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of the city. Dedicated to the spirits of the two emperors who ruled Japan, the Shinto shrine was modeled on a hall of the city’s imperial palace. The shrine is laid out symmetrically around a large courtyard of white gravel which contrasts with the bright red coloring of the buildings and the green of the elaborate gardens behind the shrine. 

Important Features - Some interesting features of the shrine are the following:

• Torii Gate - The entrance to the site features a large eighty-foot high torii gate which straddles the street. The largest gate structure in the country, it is a popular spot for pictures and selfies.

• Gardens - There are four different sections of the Shrine Gardens which are designed to emphasize the importance of harmonizing with nature. Covering more than  8 acres, there is: (1) a traditional Japanese garden called the western garden with paths and large stepping stones, a stream and several beautiful ponds with water lilies, and an arbor used for tea ceremonies; (2) a middle garden with a large pond with turtles and koi fish, (3) the eastern garden which has a Chinese style ornate covered bridge and a reconstructed imperial guest house; and  (4) the recently constructed south garden with quiet areas for reflection and an event hall for weddings and special events that has been popular with aristocrats for many years. 

• Buildings - The façade of the main building at the shrine was constructed with traditional bamboo architecture, curved roofs, and animal sculptures. The beauty and peacefulness of the site is further enhanced by nearby pagoda style towers, the gardens, and weeping cherry blossom trees. 

• Wishing Tree - One unusual feature of the shrine is a “Wishing Tree.” This tree was created by having people tie a piece of paper containing a written wish onto the branches of small trees. People do not wish to make a fortune, to find love, or get a new car. Instead, the purpose of the wishing tree is to allow hundreds of devotees of the shrine to wish for forgiveness for a wrong they have done to a family member, friend, or stranger. 

• Religious Practices - The Heian Shrine is a place of Shintoism worship which the Japanese people often visit during annual events and festivals. They also visit the shrine to pay respect to the gods who often take the form of things found in nature like trees, water, and other natural resources, and to honor their ancestral relatives. This is done through prayer, purification rituals, and offerings. Visitors to the shrine can respectfully participate in these activities.

Interesting Facts - An annual festival called the Festival of the Ages is held annually on October 22nd in the city. It honors the decision of Emperor Kammu in 781 AD to move the imperial capital of Japan to Kyoto. A parade is held with two thousand participants dressed in costumes representing different eras of Japanese history who march from the Imperial Palace to the Heian Shrine. 

When to Go - Most people like to visit Kyoto between March and May and from September to November when the temperature is usually in the 70s. The blooming of cherry blossom trees in March and the Golden Week vacation period in May draw crowds to the area’s parks and historic sites. The rainiest months are from May to July and there are high temperatures during those months as well. 

How to Get There – Kyoto is located on the western half of the Japanese mainland approximately 240 miles from Tokyo. There are dozens of daily flights to Kyoto from both of Tokyo’s major airports or it may be reached in less than three hours by bullet train to Kyoto Station and then a short subway ride. 

Cost- There is no fee to view and enter the shrine, but a small admission is charged to walk around the Gardens.