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What is Hirano Shrine?
The history of Hirano Shrine dates back to 794 (Enryaku 13), when Emperor Kammu invited the four deities of Yamato Province to the shrine when he moved the capital to Heian. It is a venerable shrine that is revered along with Ise Jingu Shrine andKamigamo Shrine and is counted as one of the 22 shrines.
Basic Information
| Name | Hirano Shrine |
| Benefit | General luck, overall luck, fulfillment of wishes |
| Hours of operation | 6:00-17:00 During the cherry blossom season, the shrine is open at night for nighttime cherry blossom viewing. (from sunset to around 21:00) |
| Admission fee | 500 yen |
| Parking lot | Available (17 cars) |
| Location: 1 Hiranomiyamoto-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, 603-8322, Japan | 1 Hiranomiyamoto-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, 603-8322, Japan |
| Phone number: 075-461-4450 | 075-461-4450 |
| Official website | https://www.hiranojinja.com/ |
Features and Highlights
- One of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto
- Light-up at night, known as “Hirano no Yozakura” (nighttime cherry blossoms )
- About 400 cherry trees, including rare varieties
- The “Cherry Blossom Shrine ” is popularly known as a symbol of the god of life force
About 60 varieties of cherry trees are planted at Hirano Shrine, ranging from the early-blooming “Kai-zakura” to the late-blooming “tsukiyo-nezakura”. The shrine grounds are decorated with magnificent cherry blossoms, such as the red-stemmed weeping cherry and the Yoshino cherry.
Hirano no Yozakura” has been open to the general public since the Edo period (1603-1867), and remains one of the most beautiful nighttime cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto. Approximately 400 cherry trees are fantastically illuminated to color the night sky.
Event Information
Spring Event “Sakura Blossom Festival
| Event | Ouka Matsuri ( Cherry Blossom Festival) |
| Place | Hirano Shrine |
| Date and Time | April 10, 2024 (Wednesday) |
| Details | 10:00 ~ Cherry Blossom Festival 11:00 ~ Visit to Emperor Hanayama’s mausoleum 12:00 ~ Shinko Row portable shrine ceremony 13:00 ~ Jidai-gyoretsu (parade of about 200 people) 15:00 ~ Shinko Row Return Ceremony |
| Official Site | Cherry Blossom Festival |
Other Events
- June 30: Natsukoshi-no-oharai (summer purification )
- September 14 Hoto Festival
- September 29th: Natsukisai (Natsuki Festival )
Official Website: Annual Events
How to access
- 7 min. walk from ” Kitano Shiraume-cho ” station on the Keifuku Electric Railway Kitano Line
- 3 min. walk from Kinugasa-ko-mae bus stop by Kyoto City Bus.
Parking for 17 cars is available on the northeast corner of the east side of the street.
Conclusion
Hirano Shrine, with its long history, is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto. Why not spend a moment to contemplate the history of the shrine while admiring the magnificent view of cherry blossoms? You can enjoy the shrine not only in spring but also throughout the year, such as when the shrine is illuminated at night and during the Sakura Hana Matsuri (cherry blossom festival).
