Heian Shrine, Kyoto

Heian Shrine (GPS: 35.01598, 135.78242) is a beautiful vermillion-colored shrine in the Okazaki area of Kyoto. It was built in 1895 on the 1,100th anniversary of the establishment of Kyoto, which at that time, was known as Heiankyo.

Heian Shrine is dedicated to the first and last emperors of Japan in Kyoto: Emperor Kanmu, who moved the capital to Heiankyo, and Emperor Komei, who was the last emperor to reign from Kyoto, before the capital was moved to Tokyo by Emperor Meiji.

The construction of Heian Shrine was also a morale booster for the people of Kyoto, who have just lost the capital status to Tokyo. At the approach to the shrine is one of the biggest torii gates in Japan.

Heian Shrine itself is said to be a replica of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, built at three-fourth scale.