When Emperor Kanmu relocated the capital to Kyoto in 794, this shrine was transferred to Kyoto from the Nara.
This shrine is famous for cherry blossoms, especially their beauty viewed at night.
A lot of people visit this shrine when the many cherry blossoms are in bloom.
There are about 400 cherry trees of 50 kinds of Early-opening flowers and late-opening flowers. Therefore, people can enjoy cherry blossoms for about a month at this shrine.