Yasaka Shrine, affectionately known as “Yasaka-san,” is famous for the Gion Festival, one of Japan’s three great festivals. The festival originated as a religious ceremony held at the shrine and has become one of Kyoto’s most celebrated annual events.
The shrine’s main hall, rebuilt in 1654 under the patronage of Tokugawa Ietsuna, is designated a National Treasure. Twenty-nine other structures are designated Important Cultural Properties, including the West Tower Gate, rebuilt in 1497, the South Tower Gate, the dance stage, Tamahikari Inari Shrine, and the votive picture hall.
Yasaka Shrine is believed to have been founded in either 656 or 876. Its principal deity today is Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the Shinto god who defeated the fearsome eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi.
In earlier times, the shrine enshrined Gozu Tenno, a deity regarded as the guardian of Gion-shoja, the sacred monastery where the Buddha is said to have taught. As a result, the shrine was known by several names, including Gion Shrine, Gion-sha, and Gion Kanjin-in.
Following the separation of Shinto and Buddhism in 1868, the institution was renamed Yasaka Shrine.
The shrine grounds can be entered from all four cardinal directions. The gates are not closed at night, allowing visitors to worship at any time.
Although Yasaka Shrine hosts numerous annual events, the Gion Festival is by far the most famous. It is one of Japan’s three great festivals and has a history dating back more than a thousand years.
The festival began as a religious ceremony intended to ward off disease and misfortune during an epidemic. It is believed to have become an annual event around 970.
Festival-related ceremonies and activities take place throughout July, from the beginning to the end of the month. Visitors can enjoy traditional dances, Japanese music performances, flower arrangements, and the festive atmosphere that heralds the arrival of summer in Kyoto.
Within the grounds is Utsukushi Gozen-sha, a small shrine dedicated to the Munakata Three Goddesses, who are often described as three beautiful sisters. They are believed to bring good fortune in love and beauty, making this shrine especially popular with women.
In front of the shrine is a spring known as the Beauty Water. Beside it is the phrase “May both body and spirit become beautiful.” According to local tradition, applying a few drops of the water to the skin brings beauty to both body and mind.
The water is not suitable for drinking. Visitors can nevertheless experience this distinctive beauty-related tradition while exploring the shrine grounds.
Open all year round
Free of charge
Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station
Approximately 8 minutes on foot from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station
15 minutes by car from JR Kyoto Station
Short walk from Gion bus stop (No. 206 city bus) from JR Kyoto Station