Complete Guide to Yasaka Shrine | A Thorough Explanation of History, Blessings, Highlights, and the Gion Festival
Located in Gion, Higashiyama, Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine is a venerable shrine known as the head shrine of approximately 3,000 Yasaka Shrines and Gion Shrines throughout Japan. Affectionately known as “Gion-san” by locals, it attracts many worshippers throughout the year. This article provides a detailed explanation of Yasaka Shrine, from its history, enshrined deities, blessings, highlights within the grounds, and its deep connection to the Gion Festival, one of Japan’s three major festivals.
What is Yasaka Shrine?
Yasaka Shrine is a shrine located in Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City. Its official name is “Yasaka Shrine,” but before the Meiji-era separation of Shinto and Buddhism, it was called “Gion-sha” or “Gion Kanshin-in.” Located at the eastern end of Shijo Street, its grounds, situated between the Gion entertainment district and Maruyama Park, are one of the central hubs of Kyoto tourism.
Basic Information about Yasaka Shrine
Location: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Main Deities: Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto, Yahashira-no-Mikogami
Founding: Believed to be in the 2nd year of Empress Saimei’s reign (656 AD) (various theories exist)
Former Shrine Rank: Kanpei Taisha (Grand Imperial Shrine)
Visiting Hours: Grounds are freely accessible (Main hall is open 24 hours)
Shrine Office Hours: Approximately 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission Fee: Free
History of Yasaka Shrine
Origin of Founding
There are several theories regarding the founding of Yasaka Shrine. According to the oldest records, the shrine’s origins date back to 656 AD (the second year of Empress Saimei’s reign), when Iri-shiomi, who came to Japan from Goguryeo (Korea), enshrined Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who resided on Mount Gozu in Silla, in Yasaka-go, Atago-gun, Yamashiro Province.
On the other hand, there are also records indicating that in 876 AD (the 18th year of the Jogan era), Ennyo, a monk from Nara, built a hall and enshrined Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha) as the principal deity, reflecting the complex history of the era of syncretism between Shinto and Buddhism.
From Gion Shrine to Yasaka Shrine
During the Heian period, it was known as “Gion Shrine” or “Gion Kanshin-in” and was under the influence of Enryaku-ji and Kofuku-ji temples. It was particularly revered as a deity that wards off epidemics, and its fame spread throughout Japan with the Gion Goryo-e (the origin of the current Gion Festival), which began in 869 AD (the 11th year of the Jogan era).
During the Middle Ages, it received the patronage of the Muromachi Shogunate and the Imperial Court. After being destroyed in the Ōnin War, it was rebuilt and continued to prosper under the protection of the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period.
In 1868 (Meiji 1), following the separation of Shinto and Buddhism, Buddhist elements were removed and the shrine was renamed “Yasaka Shrine.” In 1871 (Meiji 4), it was designated a Kanpei Chūsha (a medium-ranking government-supported shrine), and later elevated to Kanpei Taisha (a high-ranking government-supported shrine).
From the Post-War Period to the Present
After the war, it became a religious corporation belonging to the Association of Shinto Shrines. Even today, it remains a representative shrine of Kyoto, attracting a wide range of worshippers from local residents to tourists. In particular, during the New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day visits, it boasts one of the highest numbers of visitors in the Kansai region.
Deities and Benefits of Yasaka Shrine
Main Deity
Susanoo-no-Mikoto
A fierce god appearing in Japanese mythology, known as a heroic deity for slaying Yamata no Orochi (a mythical eight-headed serpent). It is worshipped as a god of protection against disease, warding off evil, and matchmaking.
Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto
The wife of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, she was saved by him from being sacrificed to Yamata-no-Orochi. She is revered as a goddess of matchmaking, marital harmony, and beauty.
Yahashira-no-Mikogami
The children of Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto, they are believed to bring blessings of family safety and prosperity of descendants.
Main Blessings
- Protection from Evil and Disease: The oldest blessing of Yasaka Shrine. It has been worshipped since the epidemic of the Heian period.
- Matchmaking: Because it enshrines the married couple Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto, it brings blessings for successful relationships and romantic fulfillment. 3. Beauty: The Mi-Gozen Shrine, in particular, is popular with women as it is dedicated to the goddess of beauty.
- Business Prosperity: Located in the bustling Gion district, many visitors pray for business success.
- Academic Achievement: Within the shrine grounds, there is a shrine dedicated to the god of learning.
Highlights of Yasaka Shrine
West Gate (Important Cultural Property)
This is an iconic building of Yasaka Shrine, facing Shijo Street. The brightly vermilion gate was rebuilt in 1497 and stands approximately 10 meters tall. It is illuminated at night, adding to the Gion nightscape.
The plaque above the gate reads “Gion-sha,” preserving the shrine’s former name.
Main Hall (Important Cultural Property)
Rebuilt in 1654 by order of Tokugawa Ietsuna, the main hall features a unique architectural style known as “Gion-zukuri.” Its integrated structure, combining the main hall and the worship hall, makes it a rare and valuable building.
Inside, the deities, including Susanoo-no-Mikoto, are enshrined, and worship is possible 24 hours a day. It is especially crowded with worshippers from New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day.
Dance Hall
Located in front of the main hall, this vermilion-lacquered stage is where Kagura (sacred music and dance) and other performances are offered during festivals such as the Gion Festival. During the New Year, numerous lanterns are hung, creating a mystical atmosphere.
Utsukushigozen Shrine
This subsidiary shrine, located east of the main hall, enshrines the three Munakata goddesses: Tagiribime-no-Mikoto, Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto, and Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto.
The “Beauty Water” in front of the shrine is said to make the skin beautiful, and it is constantly visited by women praying for beauty. It is also known to be visited by geisha and maiko.
Okuninushi Shrine
This subsidiary shrine enshrines Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, famous as the god of matchmaking. Known from the myth of the White Rabbit of Inaba, Okuninushi-no-Mikoto is popular among younger generations as the god who brings good fortune in love.
Heart-shaped ema (votive tablets) are offered here, and the shrine is bustling with visitors praying for success in love.
Blade Shrine
A rare shrine dedicated to blades in Japan, it attracts worshippers from professions that handle blades, such as blacksmiths and chefs. It is also known for being a popular destination for Kyoto’s restaurants and chefs.
Epidemic Shrine
A small shrine located south of the West Gate, dedicated to Somin Shōrai. A long-standing belief in protection against epidemics has continued here, and the annual “Chino-wa Kuguri” (passing through a ring of reeds) ceremony takes place on July 31st during the Summer Festival.
Tadamori Lantern
A stone lantern associated with a legend about Taira no Tadamori, the father of Taira no Kiyomori. There is an anecdote that the lantern’s flame appeared as a yokai (supernatural creature) on a rainy night, and it is cherished as a historical site that conveys Tadamori’s bravery and composure.
Maruyama Park
The oldest park in Kyoto City, located east of Yasaka Shrine. Originally part of the Yasaka Shrine grounds, it was developed as a park during the Meiji era. Known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, the central weeping cherry tree, “Gion’s Night Cherry Blossoms,” is particularly famous as one of Kyoto’s representative cherry blossoms.
Gion Festival and Yasaka Shrine
Origin of the Gion Festival
The Gion Festival is said to have originated in 869 AD (Jōgan 11) when an epidemic swept through Kyoto. Sixty-six floats, representing the number of provinces in the city at the time, were erected, and the portable shrine of Gion Shrine was sent to Shinsen-en Garden to pray for the eradication of the disease. This was called “Gion Goryō-e” and became the origin of the current Gion Festival.
Structure of the Gion Festival
The Gion Festival is a long festival held over one month, from July 1st to 31st. The main events are as follows:
Yamahoko Procession: A magnificent parade of elaborately decorated floats (yamahoko) through the streets of Kyoto, held on July 17th (pre-festival) and 24th (post-festival). It is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Mikoshi Procession: On July 17th (Shinko-sai) and 24th (Kanko-sai), the three portable shrines of Yasaka Shrine parade through the parish area.
Yoiyama: The eve of the Yamahoko Procession, held from the 14th to the 16th (pre-festival) and from the 21st to the 23rd (post-festival). The floats, illuminated by lanterns, create a magical atmosphere.
Hanagasa Procession: A procession centered around flower-decorated umbrellas (hanagasa), held on July 24th.
Gion Festival Events at Yasaka Shrine
During the Gion Festival, many Shinto rituals are performed at Yasaka Shrine.
- Kippuiri: July 1st, prayers for the safety of the festival.
- O-Sendo: Representatives from each float district visit Yasaka Shrine.
- Mikoshi Arai: A ritual to purify the portable shrine with water from the Kamo River.
- Shinkosai/Kankosai: The portable shrine parades through the parish area.
- Ekijinja Natsukoshisai: July 31st, the festival concludes with a ritual of passing through a ring of reeds.
The Gion Festival is the most important festival of Yasaka Shrine and, with a history of over a thousand years, is one of Japan’s most representative festivals, attracting attention from all over the world.
Annual Events
Besides the Gion Festival, Yasaka Shrine holds various other festivals throughout the year.
Main Annual Events
January 1st: New Year’s Day Festival: A festival celebrating the New Year. It is bustling with many visitors making their first shrine visit of the year.
February 2nd & 3rd: Setsubun Festival: Bean-throwing takes place at the dance hall, with participation from geisha and maiko.
Early April: Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival: A festival held to coincide with the cherry blossom season in Maruyama Park.
May 15th: Annual Festival: One of Yasaka Shrine’s most important festivals.
June 30th: Great Purification Ceremony: A Shinto ritual to purify oneself of sins and impurities accumulated over the past six months. A ritual of passing through a ring of reeds is performed.
July 1st-31st: Gion Festival: As mentioned above, the largest festival at Yasaka Shrine.
Mid-October: Divine Procession: The autumn grand festival.
November 23rd: Niiname-sai (Harvest Festival): A festival to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.
December 31st: Oharae-shiki (Great Purification Ceremony) and Joya-sai (New Year’s Eve Festival): A Shinto ritual to purify oneself of the sins and impurities of the past year and prepare for the New Year.
Yasaka Shrine’s Amulets and Goshuin (Shrine Seals)
Popular Amulets
Yakuyoke-mamori (Exorcism Amulet): A representative amulet of Yasaka Shrine. Offers protection against disease and misfortune.
Enmusubi-mamori (Marriage Amulet): An amulet for finding a good partner. Dedicated to the divine couple Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kushinada-hime-no-Mikoto.
Bi-mamori (Beauty Amulet): An amulet related to the beauty water of the Utsukushigozen Shrine. Wishes for inner and outer beauty.
Gion-mamori (Gion Festival Amulet): An amulet related to the Gion Festival. Its Kyoto-style design is popular.
Plague Protection Amulet: An amulet from the Plague Shrine. Wishing for health and protection from illness.
Goshuin (Shrine Seals)
Yasaka Shrine offers several types of goshuin.
- Yasaka Shrine Goshuin: The basic goshuin available at the main hall.
- Utsukushigozen Shrine Goshuin: The goshuin of the goddess of beauty.
- Okuninushi Shrine Goshuin: A goshuin for matchmaking.
- Plague Shrine Goshuin: A goshuin for protection against plague.
- Hamono Shrine Goshuin: The goshuin of the god of blades.
During the Gion Festival and New Year’s, limited edition goshuin are sometimes available. Goshuin notebooks are also available in multiple designs and are popular souvenirs.
Access to Yasaka Shrine
Access by Train
Keihan Railway: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Gion-Shijo Station. This is the most convenient access method.
Hankyu Railway: Approximately 8 minutes on foot from Kawaramachi Station. Head east along Shijo Street.
From JR Kyoto Station: Take City Bus No. 206 or No. 100 and get off at “Gion” bus stop. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
Access by Bus
Kyoto City Bus: Get off at the “Gion” bus stop. Multiple routes stop here.
- Route 206 (Kyoto Station to Kitaoji Bus Terminal)
- Route 100 (Kyoto Station to Ginkakuji Temple)
- Routes 46, 201, 203, etc.
Access by Car
Approximately 20 minutes from Meishin Expressway Kyoto East IC, and approximately 30 minutes from Kyoto South IC. However, there is no parking on the temple grounds, and there are many traffic restrictions in the surrounding area, so we recommend using public transportation.
Nearby coin-operated parking lots are often crowded, and traffic restrictions are in place, especially during the Gion Festival and the New Year period, so access by car should be avoided.
Tourist Spots Around Yasaka Shrine
Gion Area
Hanamikoji: A cobblestone street running north-south through the heart of Gion. It is lined with teahouses and restaurants, and if you’re lucky, you might even encounter a geisha.
Kenninji: Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple. It houses valuable cultural artifacts such as paintings of the Wind God and Thunder God and the Cloud Dragon.
Gion Shirakawa: A charming streetscape along the Shirakawa River. It is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, offering a quintessential Kyoto landscape.
Higashiyama Area
Kiyomizu-dera: A representative Kyoto temple registered as a World Heritage Site. It is famous for its “Kiyomizu Stage.”
Kodaiji: A temple founded by Kita-no-Mandokoro Nene, the principal wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Beautiful gardens and nighttime illuminations are popular.
Chion-in Temple: The head temple of the Jodo sect. Known for its large Sanmon gate and nightingale floor corridor, one of the largest in Japan.
Maruyama Park: Kyoto’s oldest park, adjacent to Yasaka Shrine. Famous for its cherry blossoms.
Shoren-in Monzeki: A Tendai sect temple. The special nighttime viewing, illuminated with blue light, is fantastic.
Kamo River Area
Kamo River: Kyoto’s representative river. Enjoy riverside dining and strolls.
Pontocho: A geisha district with restaurants and bars lining the narrow alleys along the Kamo River. Nighttime strolls are recommended.
Manners and Precautions for Visiting Shrines
Etiquette for Visiting Shrines
- Bow Before Passing Through the Torii Gate: Bow slightly before entering the sacred area.
- Purifying at the Water Basin: Hold the ladle in your right hand and purify your left hand, then switch to your left hand and purify your right hand. Switch back to your right hand, receive water in your left hand, rinse your mouth, and finally purify the handle by holding the ladle upright.
- Worship: Quietly place your offering in the offering box, ring the bell, and worship using the two bows, two claps, and one bow ritual.
- Photography on the Temple Grounds: Photography is generally permitted, but may be prohibited inside the main hall or during festivals. Please be considerate of other worshippers.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
Weekday Mornings: This is the least crowded time. Recommended for those who want to worship at a leisurely pace.
Times to Avoid: The shrine is extremely crowded during the New Year’s visit period (December 31st to January 3rd), the Gion Festival period (especially July 14th-17th and 21st-24th), and the cherry blossom season (late March to early April).
Early Morning Visit: Since the shrine is open 24 hours a day, you can visit in peace and quiet early in the morning.
Clothing and Belongings
There are no specific dress code requirements, but it is advisable to dress appropriately for a sacred place like a shrine. Since it is hot in summer and cold in winter, please dress according to the season.
The shrine grounds have many cobblestone paths, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Women, in particular, should avoid high heels.
Yasaka Shrine Trivia
Origin of “Gion-san”
Yasaka Shrine, known locally as “Gion-san,” derives its name from the Jetavana Monastery in India. Gion Shoja is known as the place where Buddha preached, and its name remains in place names and common names as a remnant of the era of syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism.
Why it can be visited 24 hours a day
The main hall of Yasaka Shrine is open for worship 24 hours a day. This is based on the belief that the shrine, as a deity that wards off disease, “protects people at all times.” Many worshippers visit, especially from New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day.
The West Gate is not the main gate
While the vermilion-painted West Gate facing Shijo Street is famous, the actual main gate is the South Gate on the south side. However, since many worshippers enter through the West Gate, it functions as the de facto main gate.
The Legend of the Azure Dragon
There is a legend that a deep well called “Ryuketsu” (dragon’s lair) lies beneath Yasaka Shrine, where an Azure Dragon resides. This Azure Dragon is considered one of the four guardian deities of Kyoto and is revered as the guardian deity of the east.
Yasaka Shrines and Gion Shrines Nationwide
There are approximately 3,000 Yasaka Shrines and Gion Shrines throughout Japan, with the head shrine being Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. These local Yasaka Shrines are also revered as deities of protection against disease and misfortune.
Summary
Yasaka Shrine is a representative Kyoto shrine with a history of over 1300 years. It has long been worshipped as a deity of protection against disease and misfortune, and is also known as the center of the Gion Festival, one of Japan’s most representative festivals.
With Susanoo-no-Mikoto as its main deity, it attracts worshippers with various wishes, including those for matchmaking, beauty, and business prosperity. There are many sights to see, including the main hall and West Gate (both important cultural properties), subsidiary shrines such as the Utsukushigozen Shrine and Okuninushi Shrine, and the adjacent Maruyama Park.
Located in the heart of Gion and easily accessible, it is a must-visit spot when sightseeing in Kyoto. The seasonal festivals and events are also fascinating, and you’ll likely discover something new each time you visit.
Taking advantage of its 24-hour opening hours, visiting in the quiet early morning hours is highly recommended. Why not experience the history and culture of Kyoto at Yasaka Shrine, offer a peaceful visit, and immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture?
