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Temples & Shrines

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Heian shrine is symbolic location commemorating the life of Emperor Kammu who made Heian (Kyoto) the capital of Japan in 794 and Emperor Komei who was the 121st and last ruler of the time that Heian was the capital of Japan. Today, it does not only figure as a tourist attraction for foreign visitors but also serves as the spiritual center of the nation as a whole, as well as of the patriotic citizens of Kyoto.

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Emperor Kammu transferred the capital to Nagaoka in the province of Yamashiro, and further picking the adjoining districts of Kadono and Atago in 793 as the best possible site for the capital, he began to construct a new palace. In the following year, the seat of government was moved to the new capital called the Heian Capital. Emperor Komei was born in 1831 as the crown prince of Emperor Ninko and acceded to the throne in 1847 as the 121st ruler of Japan. Though brief, his reign of 21 years marked the closing days of the Tokugawa Shogunate and heralded the beginnings of modern Japan. The Emperor passed away on December 25, 1866 at the young age of 36. The end of his life was characterized by his intense patriotic concern for the welfare and destiny of the country. In adoration of the great character and achievements of the Emperor who laid the foundation of modern Japan, the citizens of Kyoto organized an association to deify Emperor Komei at the Heian Shrine in 1938. This propelled a move to rebuild the shrine as a commemorative project marking the 2,600th year of the founding of Japan. The dedication ceremony took place on October 19, 1940. This is how two Emperors of Japan, one the founder of and the other the last ruler of the Heian Capital, have come to be deified at Heian Shrine. Today, it does not only figure as a tourist attraction for foreign visitors but also serves as the spiritual center of the nation as a whole, as well as of the patriotic citizens of Kyoto. The temple has a grand torii gate and a spacious garden spanning over 3000 square meters. You can enjoy a short stroll through the garden alongside the beautiful scenery.