Hirano Shrine

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The Hirano Shrine (平野神社,, Hirano-jinja^?) is a Shinto shrine in the city of Kyoto.

The shrine was established in the year 794 by Emperor Kammu when the capital was transferred to Heian-kyō from Nagaoka-kyō. From the earliest years, the shrine has been often visited by members of the Imperial family. In earlier centuries, the shrine also enjoyed a special relationship with both the Genji and the Heike .

The present buildings of the shrine were constructed in the 17th century, including

Imaki-no-kami (今木神)
Kudo-no-kami (久度神)
Furuaki-no-kami (古開神)
Hime-no-kami (比売神)

The shrine has been the site of a cherry blossom festival annually since 985. The long history of festivals at the Shrine began during the reign of Emperor Kazan, and it has become the oldest regularly held festival in Kyoto. Each year, the festival begins in the morning with a ceremony at the mausoleum of former Emperor Kazan. In the afternoon, a procession travels from the shrine into the neighboring area and back.

The Hirano shrine is also well known and popular for its gardens and many trees.