After a long day of travel, we woke up energized to start our day. Since Kyoto has too many places to visit, we sorted it by area. Day 1 is on the east side. Full of enthusiasm, we headed on our first stop.

Heian Shrine

<R> The entrance of the shrine with it's captivating colors.

"The shrine was built on the occasion of the 1100th anniversary of the capital's foundation in Kyoto and is dedicated to the spirits of the first and last emperors who reigned from the city, Emperor Kammu (737-806) and Emperor Komei (1831-1867). Heian is the former name of Kyoto. Heian Shrine can be reached by Kyoto City bus number 5 or 100 from Kyoto Station in about half an hour (230 yen). Alternatively, take the subway via Karasuma Oike Station to Higashiyama Station (20 minutes, 260 yen), from where the shrine is a ten minute walk." [ref: japan-guide.com]