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Hirano Shrine (Kyoto)

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Hirano Shrine (Kyoto)

A historic shrine in Kitano where diverse cherry blossoms color Kyoto in spring.

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Supervised by :  Hirano Shrine

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.

Highlights

  • A historic shrine founded in the late Nara period and moved to its current location when the capital was transferred to Heian-kyo.
  • Approx. 60 varieties and 400 cherry trees bloom within the grounds, including blossoms passed down since the Heian period.
  • Rare varieties can be enjoyed over a long season, including the early-blooming “Sakigake Sakura.”
  • Every year on April 10, the Oka-sai festival and a historical procession are held, adding vibrant color to spring in Kyoto.

Photos

  • A historic shrine with origins dating back to the Heian period

    A historic shrine with origins dating back to the Heian period

  • The early-blooming cherry blossom “Sakigake,” which originated at Hirano Shrine

    The early-blooming cherry blossom “Sakigake,” which originated at Hirano Shrine

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have goshuin stamps?
A

Yes, we do.

Q

Is there a parking lot?
A

Yes. Paid parking for 17 cars.

Q

Are there coin lockers?
A

No, there are not.

Reviews

2

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Holly
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    I hadn't specifically planned to visit Hirano Shrine. I just happened to go to nearby Kitano Tenmangu that day and wandered all the way here, where I discovered that Hirano Shrine is actually quite a famous cherry blossom spot in Kyoto. What surprised me most was that the cherry trees here aren't limited to the common Somei Yoshino. There are about 400 cherry trees of roughly 60 varieties on the grounds, and the different varieties bloom at different times, making the viewing season much longer than at typical cherry blossom spots. Even though we visited toward the end of the season, we were still able to enjoy the blossoms.

    Unfortunately, I didn't visit during the most beautiful peak bloom. But while exploring the shrine, we met an older man who kindly took us to touch the sacred stone called “Suehirogane.” After reading the explanation, I learned that it is a magnetic iron meteorite or iron-rich rock that the shrine regards as a sacred stone and an object of prayer. At the time, I was a little confused about why I had suddenly been taken to touch a rock, but it still made for an interesting travel memory.

    Hirano Shrine isn't a large tourist shrine, but its wide variety of cherry blossoms and long history alone make it well worth visiting. If you can choose when to go, I still recommend cherry blossom season most of all. It's especially convenient to visit together with Kitano Tenmangu since they're not far apart. If you can make it during peak bloom, the scenery will probably be much more spectacular than what I saw this time.

  • 廖珮宇
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    A scenic spot where you can experience wearing a kimono.

Details

Name in Japanese
平野神社
Postal Code
603-8322
Address
1 Hirano Miyamotocho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone
075-461-4450
Closed on
Open daily
Hours
6:00am–5:00pm (during cherry blossom season, the grounds may also be open at night from sunset until around 9:00pm)
Admission
Free entry to the grounds (admission to the cherry garden is ¥500, free pass ¥1,000 *during cherry blossom season only)
Access
1) 3-minute walk from the City Bus “Kinugasa Komae” stop
2) 7-minute walk from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station on the Keifuku Kitano Line
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa