Yasaka Jinja

Map

History & Origins

It is said to have originated in 656 (the 2nd year of Empress Saimei's reign), when Iri-shi, an envoy from Goguryeo, enshrined in Higashiyama the deity who had sat on Mt. Gozu in Silla. After an epidemic in the Heian period, it became the center of Goryo worship, and the 'Gion Goryo-e', begun in 869 to quell an epidemic, is said to be the origin of the present Gion Matsuri.

Highlights

Passing through the West Tower Gate opens onto a vast precinct, and the main hall (a National Treasure) is known for its 'Gion-zukuri' style, distinctive even among Shinto shrine architecture. The tower gate is dreamlike when lit up at night, and its closeness to Gion and Hanamikoji makes it a popular base for sightseeing. A wide selection of matchmaking amulets is also available.

Visitor Guide

It is about a 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line, or about 8 minutes from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line. The grounds are open for worship 24 hours (the shrine office and offering office are open 9:00-17:00). The West Tower Gate, at the end of Shijo-dori, is the main entrance.

Best Season

The July Gion Matsuri period (especially the Yoiyama evenings of the Saki-matsuri and Ato-matsuri and the Yamaboko Junko procession days) is the biggest highlight. The 'Okera Mairi' on New Year's Eve is also famous as a traditional event to ward off misfortune.

Blessings

Annual Events

• July

  Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival)

  Kyoto's largest festival, held July 1–31. A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, it is especially famous for the Yamahoko Junko procession (Saki Matsuri on the 17th and Ato Matsuri on the 24th).

• January

  Okerasai (Okera Festival)

  A festival for protection from misfortune, held late on the night of January 1. It is customary to take home the fire of the okera (atractylodes) burned in the grounds.

Travel Plan

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