Photo Spot · Okazaki
Heian Jingu Great Torii 平安神宮 大鳥居
A huge vermilion torii, about 24 metres tall, straddling Jingu-michi in Okazaki, best shot from the canal bridge with cherry blossom or autumn trees in front.
About
The great torii of Heian Jingu stands well south of the shrine itself, between the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art and the National Museum of Modern Art. For the classic frame, stand on Jingu-michi south of the Okazaki canal (Biwako Sosui) and shoot north so the torii rises over the water; in early April the canal banks are lined with cherry blossom and sightseeing boats pass beneath. A telephoto from further south compresses the torii against the Higashiyama hills.
Highlights
- One of the largest torii in Japan, about 24 m tall
- Okazaki canal and cherry trees in the foreground
- Framed by two major art museums
Tips
- Stay on the pavement: Jingu-michi carries buses and cars under the torii.
- Early April is peak; arrive before 8am to avoid crowds on the canal.
- The shrine itself is a 5 minute walk north if you want to continue.
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
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Open in the appNearby
- Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of ArtMuseum · 10 m away
- National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (MOMAK)Museum · 70 m away
- Yamamoto MenzouRestaurant · 120 m away
- Okazaki ParkPark · 170 m away
- Kyoto Kanze Noh TheatreShows & Entertainment · 170 m away
- Kyoto Museum of Crafts and DesignMuseum · 220 m away
- ROHM Theatre KyotoShows & Entertainment · 280 m away
- OkakitaRestaurant · 320 m away