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Yasaka Shrine

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Yasaka Shrine

An ancient shrine established before the capital moved to Heian-kyo, with a history spanning over 1,300 years. Also known as the birthplace of the Gion Festival, it has attracted devoted worshippers throughout the centuries.

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Supervised by :  Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushiinadahime-no-Mikoto, and Yahashira-no-Mikoto. It is the head shrine of approximately 2,300 Yasaka shrines and other related shrines throughout Japan that enshrine Susanoo-no-Mikoto. The shrine is said to have originated in 656, when a deity from Mount Gozu in the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla was enshrined here. Long revered as Gion Kanshin-in and Gion-sha, it remains affectionately known to locals as “Gion-san.”

When an epidemic swept through the capital in 869, people are said to have prayed to the deity of Yasaka to ward off and quell the disaster. Since then, the shrine has attracted many worshippers as a place to seek protection from misfortune. The nationally renowned Gion Festival, one of Japan’s three major festivals, is said to have originated from these prayers for protection.

The West Romon Gate stands at the eastern end of Shijo Street, one of Kyoto’s main thoroughfares. A landmark of the Higashiyama area, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Its striking vermilion exterior can be seen from a distance and makes it a popular photo spot. The Main Sanctuary, where the shrine’s deities are enshrined, is designated a National Treasure. The current structure was rebuilt by Tokugawa Ietsuna, the fourth shogun of the Edo shogunate. Its distinctive architectural style, known as Gion-zukuri, places the main sanctuary and worship hall beneath a single roof.

The spacious grounds are also dotted with auxiliary shrines and other points of interest. Particularly popular among women is Utsukushi Gozen-sha Shrine. It enshrines the three Munakata goddesses, renowned for their beauty, and is widely worshipped for blessings related to beauty and virtue. Sacred water known as Biyosui, or “beauty water,” wells up in front of the shrine. Applying a little to the skin is said to enhance both inner and outer beauty.

Highlights

  • The beautiful vermilion West Romon Gate, a landmark of the Higashiyama area.
  • The National Treasure Main Sanctuary, built in the distinctive Gion-zukuri architectural style.
  • Utsukushi Gozen-sha Shrine, revered by women for blessings related to beauty.

Photos

  • The West Romon Gate, designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan

    The West Romon Gate, designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan

  • The Gion-zukuri Main Sanctuary, designated a National Treasure

    The Gion-zukuri Main Sanctuary, designated a National Treasure

  • Utsukushi Gozen-sha Shrine, dedicated to three goddesses renowned for their beauty

    Utsukushi Gozen-sha Shrine, dedicated to three goddesses renowned for their beauty

  • Biyosui, sacred “beauty water” that wells up in front of Utsukushi Gozen-sha Shrine

    Biyosui, sacred “beauty water” that wells up in front of Utsukushi Gozen-sha Shrine

  • Okuninushi-sha Shrine, known for blessings in matchmaking

    Okuninushi-sha Shrine, known for blessings in matchmaking

  • Eki-jinja Shrine, dedicated to Somin Shorai, a deity believed to ward off epidemics

    Eki-jinja Shrine, dedicated to Somin Shorai, a deity believed to ward off epidemics

Reviews

18

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Gina C
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    The shrine has a very solemn atmosphere, but it doesn’t feel too formal. It feels especially pleasant to walk around the grounds, take your time worshipping, and look at the traditional architecture. Once the lanterns light up at night, it becomes a different kind of enchanting sight.

  • wendy
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    When visiting Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine is always a classic spot well worth seeing. With a history of more than 1,300 years, it has stood here since before the capital was moved to Kyoto and is also the shrine where the Gion Festival originated. The ancient shrine buildings and strong Kyoto atmosphere make you feel the depth of its history as soon as you step inside.

    This time, I happened to visit during cherry blossom season. Pale pink blossoms were in full bloom around the shrine, and the combination of the red gate, traditional buildings, and cherry blossoms felt so distinctly Kyoto and was truly beautiful. In spring, Yasaka Shrine has an added sense of romance and gentleness. You can enjoy the scenery as you walk, and every photo turns out beautiful. No wonder it’s considered one of Kyoto’s must-visit cherry blossom spots.

  • Linda Liao
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    Yasaka Shrine is located at the eastern end of Kyoto's bustling Shijo Street, just across the road, and is well worth including on a visit to Kyoto. The shrine has a long history dating back to around the 7th century and has long been revered by Kyoto residents and travelers. It is also one of the places where the famous Gion Matsuri originated. Passing through the vermilion gate, you can immediately feel the solemn atmosphere of a traditional shrine. Besides visiting the shrine, it's also nice to stroll around Gion and Hanamikoji and experience Kyoto's distinctive historical charm.

  • 雨妤魚
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    As a tourist, of course I had to check out Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto~

    Uh... but honestly, my impression of this place is: hot, very hot, extremely hot.
    And it seemed like there were many different areas inside where you could worship separately. It felt like there was no end to them.

    But what left the biggest impression on me was that I actually ran into two underclassmen from high school here!

    The two of them are now boyfriend and girlfriend.
    (Nice job, buddy. He pursued her for a long time, but have they broken up now? Sorry, I'm so nosy.)
    And my first thought when I saw her was! How was she wearing full makeup without it melting at all???
    (Sorry, but I can only wear sunscreen, otherwise it would be terrifying...
    I honestly thought it was seriously impressive 👍

    The main thing is, they had already gone all the way up to worship at Kiyomizu-dera and then walked down here...

    And me? I just kept wiping away sweat.
    (It was so hot it was seriously miserable.

    Then he even took a candid photo of me and sent it to my high school homeroom teacher. That was so mean...

    Even more annoying, my homeroom teacher later sent the photo back to me. I wonder if it's because I teased him first before. Is this the teacher's revenge?

  • 王小鈞
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    When visiting Kyoto's Higashiyama area, Yasaka Shrine is almost impossible to miss. After passing through the bustling Gion district, the vivid vermilion gate immediately catches your eye. Even before entering the shrine, you can feel the strong Kyoto atmosphere.
    During this visit, besides experiencing the solemnity of the ancient shrine, I also enjoyed the natural mix of tourists and local residents. Whether you're praying, taking photos, or simply sitting down and taking in the rhythm of Kyoto, it all feels very relaxing. It's a place you shouldn't miss when visiting Kyoto.

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Details

Name in Japanese
八坂神社
Postal Code
605-0073
Address
625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone
075-561-6155
Closed on
Open year-round
Hours
Shrine grounds open 24 hours
Admission
Free admission to the shrine grounds
Access
1) 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Oto Line
2) 8-minute walk from Kyoto-kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line
3) From JR Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus Route 206 to the Gion bus stop; the shrine is a short walk away
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa