Yasaka-jinja

TEL :075-561-6155 Address :Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto Access :Keihan Main Line Gion Shijo Station > 5 minutes walk

Introduction to Yasaka-jinja shrine

Yasaka Shrine is an ancient shrine that dates back to before 794, when the city of Kyoto was founded. It is the head shrine of the approximately 2,300 Yasaka shrines in Japan.

Susanoo is enshrined in the main hall. This god is known for the story of defeating Yamata no Orochi. This god is known for the story of his slaying Yamata no Orochi, a giant snake with eight heads. It is also said to have the power to ward off epidemics.

The main hall is the largest of its kind among shrine buildings and is designated a national treasure.

Two popular sub-shrines

Yasaka Shrine has two popular sub-shrines.

Many people come to Okuninushi Shrine to pray for love. There are statues of a god and a rabbit here. It is said that this rabbit predicted the god’s meeting with the goddess.

Three beautiful goddesses are enshrined at Utsukushigozensha Shrine. There is spring water here, and it is said that applying it to the skin will make you beautiful.

Gion Festival in July

The Gion Festival is considered one of the three major festivals in Japan. This festival takes place every July and lasts for a month, with various religious ceremonies taking place.

One of them is the Yoimiya Festival. This is a ceremony in which the shrine grounds are plunged into complete darkness and the god is transferred to a portable shrine. The photo below shows after the ceremony, when the lights were turned on and the priests came out.

When I went out into the city, I saw festival music being played everywhere. There were also many floats lit up with lanterns.

Map