Hirano Shrine

Map

History & Origins

The shrine was founded by imperial order of Emperor Kanmu at the time of the move to Heian-kyo and received the devotion of the imperial family. In the Heian period it was counted among the Twenty-One Shrines and flourished as a place where court nobles viewed cherry blossoms. Its reputation as a famous cherry blossom spot grew from 985, when Emperor Kazan is said to have dedicated cherry trees.

Highlights

The cherry trees in the grounds have been widely known since the Edo period as the 'Night Cherry Blossoms of Hirano,' and various varieties bloom in turn from late March to mid-April. The 'Sakigake-zakura' is famous as an early-blooming cherry in Kyoto. At the Cherry Blossom Festival on April 10, parishioners hold cherry blossoms in a procession in a flower-exchanging festival.

Visitor Guide

It is about a 3-minute walk from the Kinugasa Kosen-mae bus stop of the Kyoto City Bus, or about a 7-minute walk from the Kitano Hakubaicho stop. Admission to the grounds is free, and night illumination is held during the cherry blossom season.

Best Season

The cherry blossom season from late March to mid-April is the most beautiful, and the shrine is very busy with visitors who come for the 'Night Cherry Blossoms of Hirano.'

Blessings

Annual Events

• April

  Reitaisai (Grand Annual Festival) and Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival)

  There is a Reitaisai on April 2 and a Sakura Matsuri on April 10. At the Sakura Matsuri, a procession holding cherry blossoms, the "Hanakae Matsuri," is held.

Travel Plan

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