Details about these KAMI's can be found in the ancient histories, but precise details on origins are not recorded. The names of the deities signify food preparation and revitalization. The JINJA's primary role was to promote good health and long life for the TENNO(Emperor). The HIRANO-JINJA was founded in 794 CE, after the removal from the HEIJOKYO(NARA Imperial Palace)by KAMMU-TENNO. It thus da
tes from the beginning of the HEIAN period(794-1185). Ceremonies were presided over by the KOTAISHI(Crown Prince)in ancient times, who was treated as a divine fifure. In the HEIAN period theJINJA was established as one of twenty-two entrusted with protecting the KOZOKU(Imperial family). The name HIRANO-JINGU was first recorded in the MONTOKU-TENNO-JITUROKU. KAMI of HIRANO-JINJA is fifth in rank in Japanese KAMI. IN 864 CE IMAKI-SUME-OKAMI(as JINJA deity) was elevated to the highest JINJA rank. In the HEIAN period, various TENNO visited the JINJA 19 times, In later times, the JINJA protected the descendants of Imperial lines, GENJI, HEISHI, OHE, NAKAHARA, KIYOHARA, and SUGAWARA and others. It was utterly destroyed in the OHNIN-NO-RAN(1467-1477) which burnt much of KYOTO. It was rebuilt again in 1628 by a noble of the HEISHI clan, NISHINOTOIN-TOKIYOSHI. In1871, MEIJI-TENNO elerated the JINJA to being KANPEI-TAISYA, one of the most sacred JINJA in Japan. The JINJA is notable for it's beautiful architecture, combining ancient simplicity with harmony with the surrounding trees. The roof is cypress tiles, and the green moss is exquisite. Note the fine structure of the roof, similar to ISE and IZUMO, called HIRANO-DUKURI or HIRANO-HIYOKU-KASUGA-DUKURI. There is an ancient KUSUNOKI(campho tree), and the famous SAKURA trees stand nearby. HIRANO JINJA is famous for SAKURA blossom. Every spring there are parties underneath the flowering trees. There are about 500. OUKASAI(SAKURA festival) on April 10 This place is a site of great natural beauty an inland of trees and flowers in North KYOTO for more than 1200 years.