Yoshida-jinja
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TEL :075-771-3788 Address :30 Yoshidakaguraokacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto Access :JR Kyoto Station > ( city bus) > Kyōdai seimonmae bus stop > 5 minutes walk Parking :There is a parking lot |
Introduction to Yoshida-jinja shrine
It was founded in 859 on Yoshida Mountain as a shrine to protect Kyoto.
The First and Second Shrines offer protection against misfortune. The third shrine is said to bring good fortune in academic pursuits. The Fourth Shrine protects women. Furthermore, the deities enshrined in the third and fourth shrines are a married couple. For this reason, it is said to bring good fortune in finding a partner and to help couples get along well.
Highlights of the shrine grounds
Kaso Shrine : Shrine of Sweets
The grounds of Yoshida Shrine are very large and contain many subsidiary shrines and smaller shrines. Among them, the most unusual is the Kaso Shrine, which enshrines the deities of sweets. Many confectioners visit this shrine.
Yamakage Shrine : Cooking Shrine
Yamakage Shrine is dedicated to the deity of cooking. Every year on May 8th, a ceremony is held in which fish are prepared using only a knife and chopsticks, without using one’s hands.
Saijhosho-Daigengu : Sacred site of Yoshida Shinto
The Saijhosho-Daigengu Shrine was once the center of Yoshida Shinto. Yoshida Shinto was a powerful force until the 19th century, but it is now reduced to just one of the subsidiary shrines.
The shrine has a unique shape, consisting of an octagonal building with a hexagonal roof. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
Normally, you can view it from outside the gate, but on the 1st of every month from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, you can enter for free.
Deer statue
There were deer at Yoshida Shrine for a while starting in 1957. There are no real deer there now, but statues of deer have been erected. Deer are considered messengers of the deity.
Setsubun Festival in early February
In Japan, Setsubun is celebrated at the boundary between winter and spring. On this day, people throw beans at demons to ward off evil spirits.
At Yoshida-jinja Shrine, the Setsubun festival is celebrated with great fanfare, and many people come to pay their respects.
