Shogunzuka(将軍塚) is said to have been buried in a 2.5-meter-high doll dressed in armor and holding a sword, bow, and arrow to pray for the protection of the capital at the time of the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo.
There are two observation decks from which you can view the entire city of Kyoto. From the North Observatory (the large stage), you can see Mt. Hieizan (where Enryakuji Temple is located), the Daimonji side of the Gozan Bonfire, the Kamo River, the complex of Konkai Komyoji Temple, and the three gates of Nanzenji Temple.
From the West Observatory, you can see Otorii at Heian Jingu Shrine, Left Daimonji, Kyoto Gyoen(Kyoto Imperial Palace), Kyoto Tower, and Mt. The setting sun over the Nishiyama mountain range in the evening is spectacular.
Shogunzuka is generally accessible by car. It takes about 20 minutes by cab from Kyoto Station. On weekends and holidays, a circular bus and piston bus (Seiryuden⇔Sanjo Keihan) are in service. However, during November, year-end and New Year’s holidays, cherry blossom season, and Golden Week, buses run on weekdays on a temporary basis.
opening hours | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.※Registration closes at 4:30 p.m. |
regular closing day | without a holiday |
entrance fee | Adults 600 yen, Junior and senior high school students 400 yen, Elementary school students 200 yen |
station | Subway Keage Station※Approximately 30 minutes on foot. Access by car is recommended. |
parking lot | Parking available (free) |
official site | Shogunzuka |