About Yasui Konpira Shrine
Yasui Konpira Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City. Its official name is “Yasui Konpira Shrine,” and it enshrines Emperor Sutoku, Omononushi-no-kami, and Minamoto no Yorimasa as its deities.
Its founding dates back to the time of Emperor Tenmu (late 7th century), and it is believed to have originated from Fujiwara no Kamatari’s Fujidera Temple, built to pray for the prosperity of his family. Later, in connection with the story of Emperor Sutoku’s stay at Kotohira Shrine in Sanuki, it became widely worshipped as “Yasui no Konpira-san.”
About the Enkiri Enmusubi Stone
Features of the Stone
The most famous feature of the shrine grounds is the gigantic “Enkiri Enmusubi Stone,” measuring 1.5 meters high and 3 meters wide. It has a hole in the center large enough for a person to pass through, and its surface is covered with countless paper effigies (katashiro) pasted by worshippers. The number of these effigies reaches tens of thousands annually, creating a unique spectacle of layers upon layers of white paper.
Proper Worship Procedure
- Write your wish on the effigy: After visiting the main shrine, write your wish on the effigy (a substitute amulet).
- Pass from front to back: Holding the effigy, pass through the hole in the monument from front to back to sever bad ties.
- Pass from back to front: Next, pass from back to front to forge good ties.
- Attach the effigy: Finally, attach the effigy to the monument to complete your prayer.
*There may be a waiting line during busy times. Weekday mornings are generally less crowded.
Benefits
Severing Ties
- Severing Bad Relationships: Cutting ties with colleagues, neighbors, or people you dislike.
- Severing Ties with Illness: Breaking free from illness, injury, or bad habits.
- Breaking Free from Addiction: Breaking free from bad habits such as gambling, alcohol, and smoking.
Matchmaking
- Successful Relationship: Meeting your ideal partner, achieving romantic success.
- Improved Relationships: Building good relationships.
- Improved Career Luck: Establishing good job opportunities and business relationships.
It is believed that this shrine is particularly effective for prayers related to “severing ties,” as Emperor Sutoku, when exiled to Sanuki, renounced all desires and secluded himself here.
Other Highlights
Kushizuka (Comb Mound)
This mound is dedicated to the memorial service of combs. The “Kushi Matsuri” (Comb Festival) is held here every year on the fourth Monday of September. It is a spectacular festival featuring a procession of people dressed in period costumes parading through the Gion area.
Ema (Votive Tablets)
Various votive tablets (ema) bearing various wishes are offered at the temple grounds, including heartfelt prayers for ending or forming relationships.
Access Information
Access by Train and Bus
- Keihan Main Line: 10-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station
- Hankyu Kyoto Line: 15-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station
- City Bus: 1-minute walk from Higashiyama Yasui bus stop (Routes: 206, 207, etc.)
Access by Car
There is no dedicated parking lot. We recommend using nearby coin-operated parking lots or public transportation.
Location
70 Shimobenten-cho, Higashioji Matsubara-agaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0823
Visiting Information
- Visiting Hours: Open all day (Shrine office open 9:00-17:30)
- Admission Fee: Free
- Estimated Time Required: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Peak Season: Weekends, holidays, and festival days (10th of every month)
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Yasaka Shrine: 5-minute walk
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple: 15-minute walk
- Kodai-ji Temple: 10-minute walk
- Gion Hanamikoji: 7-minute walk
It is recommended to visit this shrine along with other famous spots as part of your Higashiyama sightseeing.
