Heian Jingu Shrine

If you are going to Kyoto, yes, go to Kinkakuji and some of the other more popular temples. But don’t miss out on Heian.
The grounds for Heian are massive. The main gate and castle are visually stunning when you first arrive. Not to mention the massive Tori Gate that straddles the street.
The inner gardens are not to be missed. This is something you want to take your time doing. The walk around the small lake/​pond has numerous stunning photo opps. Our trip was in April and we were fortunate enough to be there during the Sakura (Cherry Blossoms). There is no amount of words that can describe how pretty the gardens are during this period. We have been to Heian in other times of the year (Sept/​Oct) and although very pretty. Nothing compares to when the Cherry trees are blooming.
The walk around the lake area is very calming and everything is beautifully taken care of. As others indicate the temple is almost like any other temple, but the gardens are not to be missed. Don’t get me wrong the temple is beautiful but the gardens are the understated winner.
In our latest visit there, the only disappointment was that the stepping stones across the pond are no longer open. The stones are still in the water, but obviously people must have fallen in and so they are now blocked from access. Which is really sad as walking across the stones makes for fantastic photos.
There is a small tea house setup around the pond, and it was wonderful to sit and look at the beauty while enjoying some tea. We were even fortunate enough to be able to take some photos with a family that was all dressed up in Kimono.
Overall, I understand that there a number of different and amazing temples in Kyoto. If you come to Heian, (which I think you should), take time out to walk through the gardens. You will not be disappointed with this gem.

One of the larger Shinto shrines in Japan, Heian Shrine is modeled to be the ²⁄₃ scale of the original Imperial Palace complex back when Kyoto was the imperial capital. Even at the reduced scale, Heian Shrine is still a magnificent sight to behold, starting from the world’s largest torii gate in front and the grand main hall in the end!
The main shrine ground from the main gate to the main hall (Although the main hall interior is not accessible like other Shinto shrines) is free to access, but the garden nearby requires a 500 yen admission. I didn’t go to the garden because I already spent a sizable amount of cash on temples so I don’t know what the garden looked like, but I was glad to swing by to see this grand shrine!
Located near the frequent route 100 bus stop and only a 10 minute walk by the Higashiyama subway station, Heian Station is a great quick sightseeing stop to see this Shinto grandeur as this will be the closest thing to the ancient Kyoto Imperial Palace you will see without using a time machine!

A sand bar stretches when I pass through huge scarlet Torii (gate of a shrine). It is a beautiful and magnificent Shinto shrine which stands on a vast ground. Its green tiles and scarlet Torii against blue sky are brilliant in Kyoto city.
This Shinto shrine which is the terminal of the procession of the Jidai Festival. The festival began to celebrate foundation of this shrine and 1100 year commemoration after Heiankyo was relocated as the capital of Japan.
The garden attached to a Shinto shrine usually needs admission fees, but is open to public for free during the time of the cherry tree. This double cherry blossom matches red pillars, which brings spring to Kyoto gorgeously at a stretch. I can enjoy seasonal floras elsewhere in the Japanese garden surrounding the main shrine. Don’t miss iris garden in June.
There is the hall adjacent to the shrine, where many celebrities or ordinary couples hold a wedding ceremony here.

Be sure to checkout the gardens behind.