Hirano Shrine (Kyoto)

Located in Kyoto’s Kitano area, Hirano Shrine is a historic shrine founded in the late Nara period and moved to its current site when the capital was transferred to Heian-kyo.

Since the Heian period, cherry trees at Hirano Shrine have been planted within the grounds as a symbol of enhanced vitality. Today, around 60 varieties and 400 trees bloom in splendor, with different kinds flowering one after another over Approx. one and a half months. Among them, the early-blooming “Sakigake Sakura” originated at this shrine and is said to mark the start of cherry blossom viewing in the capital when it begins to bloom.

Hirano Shrine is home to many rare cherry trees, including ones dedicated by court nobles as symbols of their families, and these have been passed down to the present day. In the Edo period, it was loved for its “Hirano no Yozakura,” or nighttime cherry blossoms, and even today the shrine is illuminated at night during cherry blossom season. At the “Oka-sai” festival held on April 10, rituals and a historical procession derived from Emperor Kazan’s imperial visit are performed, adding brilliance to spring in Kyoto. This is a shrine where cherry blossoms and history come alive, and one you’ll especially want to visit in spring.