YASAKA SHRINE

Yasaka Shrine is a 1,350-year-old shrine located between Higashiyama and Gion districts. This shrine is dedicated to Susano’o no Mikoto; the god of sea and storm. His wife Kushiinada-hime and Yahashira no Mikogami are also worshipped along with their eight children. 

As you step inside the main gate, you will find several shrines; each famous for different things. One shrine is popular for making people more beautiful while the other is for finding a loving relationship. You can write your wish on the wooden votive tablets and hang them on the torii gate.

As you reach the main hall, there is a prayer altar with colourful lanterns hanging from the ceiling. This altar also serves as the stage for several cultural programs scheduled during the year. They are majorly performed by nearby geisha. The main festival of Kyoto City is Gion Matsuri which infuses more light and love to the shrine.

Highlights

• Participate in the famous Gion Matsuri; the summer festival of Yasaka Shrine celebrated in July and learn about the history and culture of Kyoto.
• Seek blessings from the god of sea and storms; Susano’o no Mikoto at the prayer hall and immerse in the beauty of several lanterns hanging everywhere.
• Click memorable photographs at the Vermilion Gate; a popular landmark at the shrine’s entrance where you will find stairs leading to the rōmon gate.
• Ring the large bells hanging from the prayer altar ceilings and worship the three Japanese gods – Susano’o no Mikoto, Kushiinada no Mikoto, and Yahashira no Mikogami.
• Browse through the beauty shrine located within the Yasaka Shrine grounds where devotees pray in Utsukushii Gozen-sha for better skin and hair.

How To Reach

• By Car: Yasaka Shrine is approximately 4 km from the Kyoto City Centre and takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach. There is a dedicated parking space for the tourists.
• By Bus: You can take the #206 or #207 bus from Kyoto Station to the Gion Bus Stand. 
• By Foot: Reach the Shijo Keihan Station and walk for around 5 to 10 minutes to reach the shrine. You can also walk from Kiyomizudera to reach the Yasaka Shrine in 20 to 30 minutes.

Best Time To Visit

Yasaka Shrine is open to the public throughout the year.

• Best Season: Visit Yasaka Shrine in July as the famous Gion Festival is celebrated and the whole town is immersed in love, light, and laughter.
• Best Day in the Week: Visit during the weekdays to avoid crowds and get the best experience of the shrine.
• Best Time of the Day: Visit early morning to take the best photographs or late at night to immerse in the beautiful lantern view.

Other Essential Information

Visitor Tips

• Arrive early in the morning and capture the best photographs, especially at the front of the vermillion gate.
• Grab the scenic illumination of lanterns at night and pray in front of the well-decorated shrine.
• Visit during special days and immerse yourself in the grand wedding celebrations or festivals organised at the altar.
• Explore the adjacent shrines which are specifically dedicated to love, beauty, and health.
• Catch drops of the flowing water and throw them on your face to make your heart and body more beautiful.
• Avoid drinking water from the stone bowl as it is not potable.