The Shinto Yasaka Shrine is one of the most stunning sights in Kyoto’s Gion district, particularly noted for its iconic red shrine gates. The impressive red stone torii gate stands at 9.5 metres high, making it one of the largest in Japan. Dating back to 1645, this gate is guarded by two komainu, or lion dog guardians, believed to date back to the 13th century.
With a heritage dating back to 656, Yasaka Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions and the focal point of the annual Gion Matsuri summer festival held in July, which has been celebrated since 869. The shrine is set amidst a large garden that becomes a popular spot to view the spectacular cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn leaves later in the year. The shrine also draws thousands of visitors during the New Year for the Okera Mairi festival, where worshippers light a flame from the temple’s sacred fire to take home and cook their first meal of the year for good luck.
Yasaka Shrine honours the great Japanese mythological god, Susanoo-no-mikoto, who defeated the mighty eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-orochi, a symbol of great disasters in Japanese folklore. Today, there are an estimated 3,000 satellite shrines around Japan based on Yasaka Shrine.
Geisha are a common sight at the temple, often seen gracefully visiting the shrine, adding to its cultural allure.
Nearby Attractions
Maruyama Park: Adjacent to Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s most famous spot for cherry blossom viewing (hanami). The park is particularly lively during the sakura season, with locals and tourists enjoying picnics under the blooming trees.
Gion District: Just a short walk from the shrine, Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. Stroll along the traditional wooden machiya houses, and you might catch a glimpse of geisha and maiko on their way to appointments.
Kodai-ji Temple: Located a few minutes’ walk from Yasaka Shrine, Kodai-ji is a beautiful Zen Buddhist temple known for its stunning gardens, historic buildings, and seasonal illuminations.
Hanamikoji Street: A historic street in Gion lined with traditional tea houses and restaurants. It’s a great place to experience the old-world charm of Kyoto and enjoy some traditional Kyoto cuisine.
Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka: These historic streets, located near Kiyomizu-dera Temple, are filled with traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants. The stone-paved paths and preserved buildings offer a glimpse into Kyoto’s past.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most famous temples, known for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding forests.
These attractions, all within walking distance of Yasaka Shrine, make for a rich and varied exploration of Kyoto’s historic and cultural heritage.
Access
The nearest stations to the shrine are the Keihan Gion-Shijo Station which is located on the east bank of the river, and it’s just a five-minute walk to the shrine, while Hankyu Kyoto-kawaramachi Station which is to the west side of the river is an 8-minute walk, follow Shijo Dori east from the river. Alternatively, if you get off the city bus 206 at the Gion stop, you would be next to the shrine grounds.
Official Website:
http://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/
