- Overview
Heian Shrine is a popular stop for visitors to Kyoto and has some beautiful architecture, however, it is not very accessible to those in wheelchairs or with other mobility challenges.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Despite the name, Heian Shrine does not date back to the Heian Period (794-1185). The shrine was built in 1895 to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of the capital’s foundation in Kyoto (formerly known as Heian-Kyo). It is dedicated to the first and last emperors to reigned in Kyoto – Emperor Kammu (737-806) and Emperor Komei (1831-1867). The building is a 5/8 replica of the Heian Palace of Heian-Kyo.
Approaching the shrine, visitors are greeted with gigantic torii gate before the main gate to the shrine. The grounds of the courtyard are spacious and wide open.
Behind the buildings there is a garden with plants, ponds and traditional buildings.
The shrine is also used for various events, including the Jiday Festival (October 22). In celebration of the anniversary of the founding of Kyoto, a parade of people in costumes from different historical periods march from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine.
The shrine is free to enter all year round from 6:00-17:30. Though it should be noted that closing time changes with the seasons, so please check the official website.
The Heian Shrine gardens are open from 8:30-17:00 (again, varying by season) and cost 600 yen.
GETTING THERE
Heian Shrine can be reached by the Kyoto city bus (Kyoto Kaikan Bijutsu-mae Stop). It is also possible to walk from Higashiyama Station (station map, elevator at exit #2), but the distance is around 1km.
ACCESSIBILITY
Heian Shrine has a number of obstacles for visitors with disabilities, especially those in manual wheelchairs.
The main gate has three entrances. The central entrance and the entrance on the right side have steps and are not wheelchair accessible. The entrance on the left has a set of ramps providing access.
However, even approaching the main gate requires going over 2-4cm thick gravel. Once inside, the entire courtyard is gravel. While power wheelchairs will likely not get stuck, manual wheelchair users may have a very difficult/tiring time getting around. Those with other mobility issues may also have trouble balancing/moving in the gravel.
The courtyard is divided into an upper and lower area by a set of steps, but there is a ramp available to the left.
The garden is nearly completely inaccessible to wheelchair users. The main entrance has a few steps, so wheelchair users are permitted to enter from the garden exit. However, since there is no cash register / ticketing at the exit, staff will insist you purchase a ticket at the entrance and then go to the exit to enter. Since there are only stairs at the entrance, a companion will need to buy tickets for those who cannot climb steps.
Even the garden exit has a small bump in (2-4cm).
Once inside, the staff must open up two small gates to allow access to the main route. It is possible to go around two of the ponds, but that is it. Only about 30% of the garden is accessible to wheelchair users. The paths are dirt and a bit uneven.
There is an accessible toilet in the small park in front of the shrine, but the Toni Toni souvenir and restaurant complex (http://1022.kyoto.e.adg.hp.transer.com/) just west of the shrine entrance has a very nice accessible toilet.
CONCLUSION
While the courtyard of Heian Shrine is beautiful, that is all that will be available to many visitors with disabilities. It is possible to see a bit of the garden, but the hassle of buying tickets at one side of the courtyard, crossing over thick gravel to the garden exit at the opposite side, and then only seeing about 30% of the garden is likely not worth it for most visitors.
- Access
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Google Map Not Loaded
Sorry, unable to load Google Maps API.
- Photos
- Reviews
- Nearby Hotels
- Kizashi The Suite is a luxury boutique hotel located in Kyoto’s historic Gion District. The hotel has a full concierge service, babysitting, shiatsu massage, full-course in-room dining prepared by a Read more...
- Accessible Room – A Type Toyoko Inn is a very reasonably priced hotel chain that has done an excellent job of making the majority of their hotels accessible to Read more...
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei is in the heart of ancient Kyoto. The hotel features a blend of modern and traditional in its design and is a 7-minute walk Read more...
Have a question?
We try our best to provide information to a wide audience. But everyone has different needs.
If you have some specific questions about this listing, come join us on Tabifolk in the Japan group and we will get you the information you need!
Share your pictures of your trip or look up the accessibility of your next location with SIM cards or pocket WiFi!