Heian-Jingu Shrine Grand Torii — Attraction in Kyoto

The Heian-Jingu Shrine Grand Torii (平安神宮 大鳥居) is one of Kyoto’s most striking landmarks and a symbol of the city’s cultural heritage. This massive torii gate, painted in vivid vermilion, stands at the entrance to the Heian-Jingu Shrine, which was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto’s founding as the capital of Japan.

The grand torii, erected in 1929, is one of the largest in Japan. Standing at approximately 24.4 meters tall and with a crossbeam spanning 33.9 meters, it dominates the landscape and creates a stunning visual approach to the shrine. Its imposing size and brilliant color make it an iconic feature of the Okazaki area, a district known for its cultural institutions such as museums and traditional gardens.

The torii serves as a gateway between the secular world and the sacred grounds of the shrine, which enshrines Emperor Kanmu, the founder of Kyoto, and Emperor Komei, the last emperor of the ancient capital. Passing under the torii symbolizes purification and the beginning of a spiritual journey.

The grand torii is particularly captivating during festivals, such as the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages), when it frames colorful processions of participants in traditional costumes. Surrounded by wide avenues and the nearby Okazaki Canal, the torii also offers an excellent photo opportunity. Visitors to Heian-Jingu Shrine often pause to admire this architectural masterpiece, which beautifully represents the elegance and grandeur of Kyoto’s history and...

登録有形文化財（建造物） 名称 ： 平安神宮大鳥居 ふりがな ： へいあんじんぐうおおとりい 員数 ： 1基 種別１ ： 宗教 種別２ ： その他工作物 時代 ： 昭和前 年代 ： 昭和3 西暦 ： 1928 構造及び形式等 ： 鉄筋コンクリート造一部鉄骨造、高さ24m、幅18m 登録番号 ： 26 － 0129 登録回 ： 34 登録告示年月日 ： 2002.09.03(平成14.09.03) 登録年月日 ： 2002.08.21(平成14.08.21) 登録基準１ ： 国土の歴史的景観に寄与しているもの 所有者名 ： 宗教法人平安神宮 解説文： 昭和天皇大礼を記念して建てられた。設計は京都府技師の阪谷良之進。構造は鉄筋コンクリート及び鉄骨造、形式は明神鳥居で、幅18ｍ、高24ｍになり、当時国内最大であった。柱が太いプロポーションが特徴で、洛東岡崎のシンボルとして広く親しまれている。 （文化庁：国指定文化財等データベースより） 修理工事： 桓武天皇崩御1200年大祭記念事業の一事業として実施。外部の塗装の塗替えを主とした部分修理。国宝重要文化財等保存整備費補助金を受けた。総事業費85,680,000円。事業期間16か月。工事期間約5か月。2004年（平成16年）5月24日工事着手。株式会社大林組による請負工事。2004年10月14日全工程を完了。実績報告書並びに修理工事報告書を提出し2005年（平成17年）3月31日に全事業完了。 Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) Name: Heian Jingu Otorii Furigana: Heian Jingu Otorii Number: 1 Type 1: Religion Type 2: Other Structures Era: Pre-Showa Year: Showa 3 Year: 1928 Structure and Form: Reinforced concrete with some steel frame, height 24m, width 18m Registration Number: 26 - 0129 Number of Registrations: 34 Date of Registration Announcement: 2002.09.03 (Heisei 14.09.03) Date of Registration: 2002.08.21 (Heisei 14.08.21) Registration Criteria 1: Contributes to the historical landscape of the country Owner: Religious Corporation Heian Jingu Explanatory Text: Built to commemorate the enthronement of Emperor Showa. The design was by Kyoto Prefectural Engineer Sakatani Ryonoshin. The structure is made of reinforced concrete and steel, and is a Myojin torii gate, measuring 18m wide and 24m high, making it the largest in Japan at the time. It is characterized by its thick pillars and is widely loved as a symbol of Okazaki in the eastern part of Kyoto. (From the Agency for Cultural Affairs: Database of Nationally Designated Cultural Properties) Repair Work: This was carried out as part of the commemorative projects for the 1200th anniversary of Emperor Kanmu's death. Partial repairs were mainly done by repainting the exterior paint. The project received a subsidy for the preservation and maintenance of national treasures and important cultural properties. Total project cost: 85,680,000 yen. Project duration: 16 months. Construction period: approximately 5 months. Construction began on May 24, 2004. Contracted by Obayashi Corporation. All work completed on October 14, 2004. A performance report and repair work report were submitted, and the entire project was completed on March 31, 2005...

Photogenic place for photos. Along great easy stroll to Kyocera city museum / arts centre / zoo from subway station exit. Shrine is mega large, just look at the minuscule taxi cabs parked below it. Majestic & hard work to erect it in ancient times (1895). A definite area of interest which is far less crowded for more relaxed and sublime afternoon...