Yasaka-jinja Shrine, Kyoto
At the eastern edge of Gion's main street looms a towering vermilion gate that practically begs to be photographed. And judging by the steady stream of visitors posing on its steps for countless snapshots, it surely gets its wish.
Passing through, you鈥檙e in for a sensory parade: food stalls sizzling away, tempting you with every imaginable treat as they lead you toward the heart of the scene鈥擸asaka Shrine. A triple row of lanterns, casting a glow, transforms it into a fairy tale come to life.
Each July, Yasaka Shrine takes center stage as the proud host of the renowned Gion Festival, a lively spectacle drawing throngs of revelers with its array of side events and delectable food offerings. At this time, the area bursts to life with floats, fanfare, and enough street snacks to feed a small army of festivalgoers.
The festival's roots trace back to the year 869. Back then, during a particularly rough epidemic, portable shrines were paraded around town in a divine plea for mercy. Centuries since, it has blossomed into an annual event, yet Yasaka Shrine remains a captivating destination year-round, beyond the festival fervor. Still, nowadays, most of the crowds here are for the energy, the lanterns, and yes, the Instagram shots.
Take a moment to admire the Main Hall, elegantly capped with a cypress bark roof that鈥檚 been standing strong since 1654. The grounds are dotted with smaller shrines dedicated to gods from across Japan鈥攕ome famous, some niche, and one especially popular with geishas, thanks to its focus on beauty.
Tip:
Adjacent lies Maruyama Park. Designed during the Meiji era (between 1868 and 1912), its borrowed waters from Lake Biwa feed scenic carp ponds and arching bridges that deliver peak postcard material, imbuing the surroundings with an unmistakably Japanese ambiance. Springtime is wild with cherry blossoms, but for a quieter moment, come at night鈥攚hen the lantern glow from Yasaka spills into the park like a soft whisper from the past...
Passing through, you鈥檙e in for a sensory parade: food stalls sizzling away, tempting you with every imaginable treat as they lead you toward the heart of the scene鈥擸asaka Shrine. A triple row of lanterns, casting a glow, transforms it into a fairy tale come to life.
Each July, Yasaka Shrine takes center stage as the proud host of the renowned Gion Festival, a lively spectacle drawing throngs of revelers with its array of side events and delectable food offerings. At this time, the area bursts to life with floats, fanfare, and enough street snacks to feed a small army of festivalgoers.
The festival's roots trace back to the year 869. Back then, during a particularly rough epidemic, portable shrines were paraded around town in a divine plea for mercy. Centuries since, it has blossomed into an annual event, yet Yasaka Shrine remains a captivating destination year-round, beyond the festival fervor. Still, nowadays, most of the crowds here are for the energy, the lanterns, and yes, the Instagram shots.
Take a moment to admire the Main Hall, elegantly capped with a cypress bark roof that鈥檚 been standing strong since 1654. The grounds are dotted with smaller shrines dedicated to gods from across Japan鈥攕ome famous, some niche, and one especially popular with geishas, thanks to its focus on beauty.
Tip:
Adjacent lies Maruyama Park. Designed during the Meiji era (between 1868 and 1912), its borrowed waters from Lake Biwa feed scenic carp ponds and arching bridges that deliver peak postcard material, imbuing the surroundings with an unmistakably Japanese ambiance. Springtime is wild with cherry blossoms, but for a quieter moment, come at night鈥攚hen the lantern glow from Yasaka spills into the park like a soft whisper from the past...
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kyoto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Yasaka-jinja Shrine on Map
Sight Name: Yasaka-jinja Shrine
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Kyoto, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Kyoto
Creating your own self-guided walk in Kyoto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Walk on Philosopher's Path
Looking for a scenic walk with a side of existential pondering in Kyoto, you're inevitably bound to end up on the Philosopher鈥檚 Path. Winding its way for about two kilometers along the leafy canal that carries water from Lake Biwa to the foothills, this picturesque walking trail once served as the thinking route of Nishida Kitaro. Back in the first half of the 20th century, the famed... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Arashiyama and Bamboo Grove Walking Tour
The Arashiyama district of Kyoto is slightly out of the way for tourists, but that means you can enjoy it more comfortably.
Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction here is the iconic Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing forest of towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This serene setting is a must-visit for travelers seeking tranquility amidst... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction here is the iconic Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing forest of towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This serene setting is a must-visit for travelers seeking tranquility amidst... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Kyoto Shopping and Food Tour
The cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is just as famous as a shopper鈥檚 paradise and, without a doubt, the best place in the country to buy traditional and modern Japanese goods. Souvenirs, food, bargains, and various 鈥渙ne-of-a-kind items鈥� are all up for grabs here.
In addition to its shopping scene, Kyoto boasts a rich culinary heritage, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
In addition to its shopping scene, Kyoto boasts a rich culinary heritage, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Imperial Kyoto Walking Tour
Kyoto served as Japan鈥檚 imperial capital for over 1,000 years, from 794 to 1869, beginning with Emperor Kanmu鈥檚 relocation of his court to Heian-ky艒 (which is Kyoto鈥檚 former name). Though political power eventually shifted to the shogunate and later to Tokyo, Kyoto remained the cultural and symbolic heart of Japan. Its long association with the imperial court helped shape it into a refined... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Higashiyama Walking Tour
It'd be fair to say that Kyoto is a theme park for lovers of history, religion, and all things deeply, unmistakably Japanese. If so, Higashiyama Ward, with its long lines, can easily be recognized as its star attraction. Tucked along the city鈥檚 eastern edge鈥攈ence its poetic name translated as 鈥淓astern Mountain鈥濃�攖his district is where Kyoto flaunts its heritage like a geisha in full... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Gion District Walking Tour
Gion, one of Kyoto鈥檚 most captivating districts, is deeply rooted in Japan鈥檚 cultural heritage. Located in the Higashiyama (the so-called 鈥淓astern Mountain鈥�) neighborhood, its history dates back to the Sengoku period, when it began as a hospitality area for pilgrims visiting Yasaka Shrine. By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it had evolved into a renowned entertainment quarter,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
18 Japanese Products To Bring Home from Kyoto
The old capital of Japan, the city of Kyoto has once again been the talk of the world lately, thanks to the bestselling "Memoirs of a Geisha" book and the namesake Hollywood blockbuster movie. Renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship, Japan has so much to amaze a foreign eye with. Many of...