Jun 6, 2014 - 1 min read

Heian Jingu, Shin-en Garden in June

Outdoor Roofed Passageways -5 Taihei-kaku Bridge

By Tomoko Kamishima

Community writer

Water lilies and their beautiful reflection

Weeping cheery blossoms and Taihei-kaku Bridge in early April

The bridge is a very sophisticated wooden structure

The roofed passageway has long benches on both sides

Heian Jingu Shrine in cherry blossom season

Stepping stones created from the legs of old bridges

There are many kinds of tiny flowers in the garden

Taihei-kaku is a beautiful wooden bridge crossing over the pond at Shin-en Garden in Heian Jingu Shrine. This bridge is not just a bridge, but a very sophisticated wooden structure featuring a small tower in the middle. The roofed passageway has long benches for sitting while you are walking over the bridge. The garden was designed and created by Ueji VII in 1895. He used water from Biwako Canal built in the Meiji Period (1890), stones from the legs of old bridges built in the Tensho Period (1573-1592), and the entire Taihei-kaku Bridge which was granted to the shrine as an Imperial gift. The best time to visit here is during cherry blossoms season in early April, and in June to enjoy the iris and water lilies.

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By Tomoko Kamishima

Community writer

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Kim Bergström 6 years ago

So beautiful! When I visited Heian Jingu it was autumn, but I'd love to go back in June.

Tomoko Kamishima Photographer 11 years ago

Thank you Cathy. Shin-en Garden is one of my favorite gardens in Kyoto.

Tomoko Kamishima Photographer 11 years ago

Thank you Bonson. The reflection of the flowers was really beautiful.

Cathy Cawood 11 years ago

Beautiful photos! I've only been to this garden once, in autumn, so it is nice to see pictures of other seasons there!

Bonson Lam 11 years ago

The photo of the iris and the water lilies are like a living masterpiece. I can imagine Monet swooning over this scene, if only he visited this place. But now we can all enjoy it in its glorious colors. Thank you Tomoko!

5 comments in total