When visiting Kyoto, be sure to take a look at the Heian Shrine also known as Heian-jingu. You can get here by bus #100 from Kyoto station.

The first sign that you are getting near will be the unmistakable massive Torii gate that spans the road, and stands just beyond a bridge that is also bright red.

The massive Torii gate at the entrance to Heian-Jingu shrine in Kyoto

Walking along this road, in the distance, you will see what you might think is the shrine. This, however, is the entrance to the Heian Shrine.

The entrance to the Heian shrine

The entrance is already very impressive.

Entrance to Heian-Jingu shrine in Kyoto

The Heian Shrine in Kyoto

Once you pass through here you find yourself standing in front of a huge courtyard of small white stones and in the distance is the Heian shrine.

Heian-Jingu shrine in Kyoto

You can spend plenty of time looking around here and also pay to enter the areas behind the shrine if you wish.

Heian-jingu shrine in Kyoto Higashiyama area

Heian Shrine in Kyoto

The Heian shrine is worth a look especially if you are beginning a tour around the Higashiyama area.