We came to the Shrine to view and photo the sakura corridor lining the Okazaki Canal. The Otorii for the Heian Shrine stands at a cross roads near the bridge over the canal. The bridge is a favorite spot for bridal photo shoots and in the short time we were there, we were treated to several of these. Rather than entering the shrine, we walked along the canal photographing the sakura boughs which draped into the water. The north shore was especially lovely. Every once in a while a tour boat would ply the waters. Continuing along the canal for some time, shooting as we went, we finally arrived at Nanzen-ji. A pleasant way to spend a few hours.

Visiting Heian Shrine is free but if you want to walk the gardens there is a fee and it is well worth it. The gardens were stunning. I wasn't here at the best time and the gardens were still beautiful. The shrine itself is massive, the red color was unique and beautiful, especially with a blue sky.

This is a very large complex with very ornate temple buildings, but the gardens are what you should spend time in. They are large and manicured and have some lovely features like the covered bridge and the stepping stones. One of the nicest temple gardens we went to in our whole trip.

This shrine is very striking to see with it's colours so strong and bold. When you entered in through the gates you enter a big courtyard with buildings all in front of you. It was very peaceful and the gardens were lovely (there is a charge to enter the gardens) with a large lake. I would love to see this garden in Spring with the Cherry blossoms and in Autumn with the colours changing as it would be absolutely gorgeous. We visited in May so we got the fresh young green leaves which were great.

immensive buddism temple with big toji gate and huge garden. goshuin is 300 yen. spend 1h to visit the whole temple and next 2h to visit the kyoto museum which is nearby.