Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto

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Yasaka Shrine is considered to be the guardian shrine of Gion. This colorful shrine is a popular spot on special occasions such as New Year's Eve. If you have some time after strolling the streets of Gion, you can also visit Yasaka Shrine for a change. The admission is free and it is always open.

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the Yasaka Shrine is a pefect example of a place you visit because it's there -- you're in Gion, you see a colorful temple/shrine like complex and you naturally gravitate towards it. I've been to kyoto three rimes and been near the Yasaka Shrine. Each time, I curiously decided to enter the grounds, even without knowing what the place was about. It was beautiful, espcially around sunset. it was spiritual. it was peaceful. and it definitely was worth a visit. I just didn't know why at the time.
Now I know that initial construction began in 656 and it came under the wing of the Imperial Court in the early Heian period, right after Kyoto became the capital. After the Meiji restoration, it was put in the highest ranking category of government shrines until Shinto was distestablished by the American occupation government in 1946.

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This Shrine which is also called Gion Shrine, is a Shinto Shrine where the famous Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival) usually held.
In 869 the mikoshi (portable shrines) of Gion Shrine were paraded through the streets of Kyoto to ward off an epidemic that had hit the city. This was the beginning of the Gion Matsuri, an annual festival which has become world famous.

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Yasaka Shrine, a k a Gion Shrine, is famous for one of Japan's largest festivals, the Gion Matsuri. It's located at the end of Shijo-dori and is one of the city's most popular shrines. It makes a great visit after dark when all the lanterns on the stage are lit (see pic).

Admission: free.

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Yasaka Shrine was originally called Gion Shrine. The Gods there are said to protect against sickness. In July, this shrine is where the religious ceremonies of the Gion Matsuri are held. it is also very popular in early January, when many people make it their 'first shrine visit' (hatsu-mode), of the New year. The shrine was first established in 656.

This colourful shrine is just down the hill from Maruyama-koen. It is considered the guardian shrine of Gion and is particularly popular as a spot for hatsu-mode (the first shrine visit of the new year).
It also sponsors Kyoto's biggest festival, Gion Matsuri on 17th July.
This is also a nice place at night when all the paper lanterns are lighted.
Entrance is free

Go for a walk in the Yasaka Shrine area of the Gion District in Kyoto, and stay for the evening when it is all lit up with thousands of lanterns.

In July the famous month-long Gion Matsuri festival is held here. It has everything you could want- lots of food, musicians, and parades with huge floats.

This is probably the most visited shrine in Kyoto. Because of its proximity to Gion, it is also referred to as Gion Shrine. The main building of the shrine was built in 1654.
Yasaka Shrine is famous for its central role in the Gion Matsuri (Festival), held annually around mid-July. The streets are packed during this time as floats line the streets leading around Gion & Shijo Street.
There are many many lanterns decorating the shrine's entrances & stage that are lit after dark. The names on the lanterns display the names of their Kyoto business sponsors.