Heian Shrine — Vermillion Grandeur and Garden Paradise

**Shin-en Garden route:** The garden divides into four sections experienced sequentially: South Garden (plum and cherry trees), West Garden (iris pond with stepping stones), Middle Garden (weeping cherries including famous Beni-shidare cultivar), East Garden (large pond with Edo-period bridge and tea houses). Each section offers distinct seasonal highlights — visit spring for cherries, June for irises, November for maple foliage. **Cherry blossom timing:** Heian Shrine's weeping cherries (枝垂桜, shidarezakura) bloom mid-April, 1–2 weeks later than standard Somei Yoshino variety. The most famous tree (in Middle Garden) is centuries-old Beni-shidare with cascading pink branches reaching the pond — one of Kyoto's most photographed cherry trees. Night illuminations during bloom period (17:30–21:00, ¥2,000) showcase lit trees against dark sky. **Jidai Matsuri:** October 22, Heian Shrine hosts Jidai Matsuri (時代祭, Festival of Ages) — massive historical costume parade recreating 1,000 years of Kyoto fashion from Heian to Meiji periods. 2,000 participants in period-accurate costumes march from Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine. The parade is spectacular historical pageant (9:00–14:30) — arrive early at shrine for good viewing position as procession enters (around 14:00).