Heian-jingu (Heian Shrine) is a Reduced-scale replica of the Heian-period Imperial Palace (Chōdō-in) landmark in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, and a filming location for Lost in Translation (2003). Built in 1895, it was designed by Itō Chūta. It is owned by Heian Jingu (the Shinto shrine's own religious corporation; a Beppyo shrine affiliated with the Association of Shinto Shrines / Jinja Honcho).
Location: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Verified facts
- Located in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
confidence 80/100 · 4 independent sources · SRC-10883, SRC-10880, SRC-12510, SRC-12891, SRC-11821 - Appeared in Lost in Translation (movie, 2003)
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-10883, SRC-10880, SRC-11165 - Built in 1895
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-10883, SRC-11276, SRC-11821 - Historic designation: Important Cultural Property of Japan
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-10883, SRC-11276, SRC-11822 - Designed by Itō Chūta
confidence 90/100 · 4 independent sources · SRC-10883, SRC-11276, SRC-14203, SRC-14381, SRC-14380 - Architectural style: Reduced-scale replica of the Heian-period Imperial Palace (Chōdō-in)
confidence 70/100 · 2 independent sources · SRC-10883, SRC-11821 - Owned by Heian Jingu (the Shinto shrine's own religious corporation; a Beppyo shrine affiliated with the Association of Shinto Shrines / Jinja Honcho) (since 1895)
confidence 85/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-13902, SRC-10883, SRC-13966 - Designed by Itō Chūta
confidence 90/100 · 4 independent sources · SRC-10883, SRC-11276, SRC-14203, SRC-14380 - Architectural style: Reproduction of the Chōdō-in / Heian-period (late 11th–12th century) palace architecture
confidence 80/100 · 4 independent sources · SRC-10883, SRC-11276, SRC-12510, SRC-12891, SRC-11821
Evidence & sources
- SRC-10880 — https://www.discoverkyoto.com/kyoto-voice/filming-locations-kyoto/ (Tier 3, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-10883 — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heian_Shrine (Tier 1, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-11165 — Movie-Locations.com – Lost In Translation filming locations (Tier 2, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-11276 — https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/heian-jingu/ (Tier 3, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-11821 — Japan-Guide.com — Heian Shrine (Tier 2, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-11822 — Nippon.com — Memories of the Ancient Imperial Court at Kyoto's Heian Jingū (Tier 2, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-12510 — Japan National Tourism Organization (Official Site) — Heian-jingu Shrine (Tier 3, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-12891 — Japan Travel — Heian Shrine in Kyoto (Tier 2, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-13902 — https://www.heianjingu.or.jp/about/history/ (Tier 1, reference; retrieved July 2026)
- SRC-13966 — GaijinPot Travel — Heian Shrine (Tier 2, reference; retrieved July 2026)
- SRC-14203 — Old Tokyo (Heian Jingu (Heian Shrine), Kyoto) (Tier 2, reference; retrieved July 2026)
- SRC-14380 — Japan Experience — Heian Shrine Gardens (Tier 2, reference; retrieved July 2026)
- SRC-14381 — Wikipedia — Itō Chūta (Tier 1, reference; retrieved July 2026)
How we verify
Every fact above is independently corroborated by at least two reputable sources and
confidence-scored before publication. Claims that cannot clear that bar are withheld. We show the
street address only for non-residential public landmarks (museums, commercial and civic buildings,
publicly documented filming-location sites); the exact addresses of private residences and any
personal information are structurally barred from publication. Last reviewed June 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Lost in Translation filmed?
Heian-jingu (Heian Shrine), in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, is a real-world filming location used for Lost in Translation.
Who designed Heian-jingu (Heian Shrine)?
Heian-jingu (Heian Shrine) was designed by Itō Chūta.
Where is Heian-jingu (Heian Shrine) located?
Heian-jingu (Heian Shrine) is located in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture.