Heian Jingu Shrine

Heian Shrine, located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine with a profound historical background. In the past, it held the status of a Kanpei Taisha (imperial shrine of the first rank) and was also a Chokusaisha (a shrine where imperial envoys are dispatched). Today, it is listed as one of the Beppyo Jinja (special category shrines) under the Association of Shinto Shrines.

The entire shrine complex is a scaled-down reproduction of the Chodo-in (also known as the Ministry of Eight Departments), the main hall of the ancient Imperial Palace (Daidairi) in Heian-kyō. The structures are built at approximately 5/8 the original size. The vivid vermillion main gate at the front is modeled after the Ōtenmon of the Chodo-in. The buildings on the left and right inside the gate replicate the appearance of the Chōshūdō halls. The outer worship hall (Gehaiden) is a recreation of the Daigokuden (Main Hall) of the Chodo-in, flanked by structures modeled after the Sōryūrō (Blue Dragon Tower) and Byakkorō (White Tiger Tower).

The original main hall of Heian Shrine was completed in 1895 (Meiji 28). However, it was completely destroyed by fire on New Year’s Day in 1976 (Showa 51) and was rebuilt in April 1979 (Showa 54).

The architectural style of the shrine reproduces the appearance of the Chodo-in as it was during its third reconstruction in the late Heian period (11th to 12th century). This reconstruction, completed in 1072 (Enkyu 4), was later destroyed by fire in 1177 (Jishō 1). Buildings such as the Daigokuden were also depicted in the illustrated scroll Annual Events of the Court (Nenjū Gyōji Emaki) commissioned by Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa. However, structures such as the Kaishōmon (between the Daigokuden and Ōtenmon), the twelve Chōdō halls, and the Shōranrō and Seihōrō towers flanking the Ōtenmon were not reconstructed.

Additionally, all the rooftiles of Heian Shrine are covered with green-glazed tiles. However, recent studies have shown that during the Heian period, only specific parts such as the eaves of the Daigokuden used green-glazed tiles, and not the entire structure.

The shrine was designed by notable architects including Chuta Ito, Kiyoyoshi Tametsugu, and Iwaichiro Sasaki. In December 2010 (Heisei 22), six buildings including the Daigokuden were designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The large torii gate along the shrine approach, standing at 24.4 meters tall, is also registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.