Heian-jingu Shrine is a relatively
recent addition to Kyoto's collection of sacred places, but is
still a very impressive shrine which features elegant,
richly-colored buildings surrounded by large gardens in the
four cardinal directions.
Built in 1895 to commemorate
the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Heian Kyo (Kyoto),
and dedicated to the Emperors Kammu and Komei, the first and
last Emperors to rule Kyoto, the buildings are a partial
replica of the Imperial Palace of the Heian Period (794-1185).
This image shows the "Taihei-Kaku Bridge" (said to be the
original bridge on which the story "Memoirs of a Geisha" was
based on) with the hills of the Higashiyama range forming the
backdrop. I was there at the wrong time of year, as this
bridge should really be photographed in late autumn when the
leaves of the trees in the background take on orange and brown
hues - another time maybe :) |
