Heian Jingu Shin-en Garden Free Open Day (September) 2026

Why You Should Visit

Once a year, on 19 September, Heian Jingu opens its Shin-en, the 33,000-square-metre stroll garden wrapped around the shrine buildings, free of charge. The day marks the opening of the Heian-no-sono section of the south garden, and the usual 600 yen admission to this nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty is waived. The garden was laid out by Ogawa Jihei VII, the landscape designer behind many of modern Kyoto's great gardens. In autumn, bush clover and thoroughwort, two of the classic seven autumn grasses, are at their best, and the walk ends at the east garden's Seiho Pond and covered bridge. A goshuin stamp issued only on this day is also available, and the museums of Okazaki are a short walk away.

Essentials

location

Shin-en Garden, Heian Jingu Shrine

period

September 19, 2026 (Sat)

Time

8:30–16:30（受付終了）

cost

Free garden admission on this day (normally 600 yen adults, 300 yen children)

Links

Official Website

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access

Take city bus 5, 100 or 110 to Okazaki-koen Bijutsukan/Heian-jingu-mae and walk 5 minutes north (or 10 minutes from Higashiyama Station on the Tozai subway line). By car, about 20 minutes from the Kyoto-Higashi IC on the Meishin Expressway; the shrine has no car park, so use the paid Okazaki Park municipal car park nearby.

There are 12 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Shin-en Garden, Heian Jingu Shrine, and 6 public restrooms within 8 minutes. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

TICKETS / REGISTRATION

No booking needed; enter the garden from the entrance inside the Otenmon gate during opening hours. The limited goshuin stamp is issued on the shrine grounds on the day. See the Heian Jingu official site for details.

NOTE

About the garden:

A stroll garden with four sections: south, west, middle and east. About 33,000 sq m in total
Designed by Ogawa Jihei VII (Ueji). Designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty in 1975
The Heian-no-sono in the south garden opened in 1981 and grows some 200 plants named in Heian-period literature
One-way route: south garden, then west, middle and east

Autumn highlights:

Bush clover, thoroughwort and other autumn grasses at their peak
Seiho Pond and the covered Taiheikaku bridge in the east garden

On the day:

A goshuin stamp issued only on this date
The annual free opening commemorates the day the Heian-no-sono was opened
Paths are mostly gravel and stepping stones; some stretches are not wheelchair-accessible

*The free day is usually crowded. Right after opening is the quietest time.

FAQ

Is it really free, and do I need to book?

Yes. On 19 September garden admission is free and no booking is needed; just enter from the garden entrance during opening hours. The main shrine courtyard is free every day.

How crowded does it get, and when is it quietest?

The free day draws large crowds every year. Arriving right at opening, around 8:30, gives the calmest walk. Admission closes at 16:30.

Is the garden open in the rain?

Yes, it opens as usual in wet weather. Paths are mostly gravel and stepping stones, so wear shoes that grip.

How long does the walk take?

A full loop from the south garden to the east garden takes about 30 to 40 minutes; allow an hour if you stop for photos.

Calendar

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