Yasaka shrine: history, festivals, and visitor information

  • Published on : 24/09/2023
  • by : Japan Experience

Overview and history of Yasaka shrine

The brightly painted Yasaka-jinja Shrine is one of the city's best known and most popular landmarks, especially the two-story vermilion entrance gate at the end of Shijo-dori Avenue.

Architecture and notable features

The shrine's main hall combines the honden (inner sanctuary) and haiden (offering hall) into a single building. In front of it stands a dance stage with hundreds of lanterns that get lit in the evenings. Each lantern bears the name of a local business in return for a donation.

The main hall stands 15 meters tall and has a roof made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) bark. The architectural style of the building is unique because the roof covers the front shrine as well as the main hall, and this design has become known as Gion-zukuri (Gion construction style).

Other notable features include:

  • The Nishiromon Gate, a towering gate serving as the shrine's iconic landmark. It was rebuilt in 1497 and is designated as an important national cultural property.
  • The Minami-romon Gate, the main entrance on the southern side. The stone torii gate in front is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
  • Two wooden koma-inu (lion dog guardians) in the shrine said to have been carved by the celebrated sculptor Unkei in the 13th century.
  • The many lanterns advertising the sponsors of the Gion Matsuri hang from shrine buildings and make for a beautiful sight, especially at night.
Lanternes du temple Yasaka-jinja en pleine nuit

©ayumi kubo, Unsplash

Temple Yasaka-jinja de nuit

©ayumi kubo, Unsplash

Temple Yasaka-jinja de nuit

©ayumi kubo, Unsplash


Address, timetable & access

Yasaka Shrine

  • Address

    625 Kitagawa, Gionmachi, Higashiyama

    605-0073

    Japan

  • Phone

    075 561 6155
  • Timetable

    Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
  • Price

    Free
  • Access

    Yasaka Jinja is a 5-10-minute walk from Shijo Keihan Station. From Kyoto Station, take the #206 or #207 bus to the Gion bus stop.
  • Website

    http://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/

Our houses in Kyoto

Gion, Kyoto

  • 20m²
  • 2 travelers
  • WIFI

Demachiyanagi, Kyoto

  • 51m²
  • 3 travelers
  • WIFI

Nijo Castle, Kyoto

  • 51m²
  • 4 travelers
  • WIFI

Gion, Kyoto

  • 31m²
  • 3 travelers
  • WIFI

Demachiyanagi, Kyoto

  • 51m²
  • 3 travelers
  • WIFI

Gojo, Kyoto

  • 25m²
  • 2 travelers
  • WIFI
Discover our Houses in Kyoto (33)

Our activities in Kyoto

  • Duration : 3 hours
  • Location : Kyoto
  • Duration : 1 hour
  • Location : Kyoto
  • Duration : 8 hours
  • Location : Kyoto
  • Duration : 4 hours
  • Location : Kyoto
  • Duration : 1 hour
  • Location : Kyoto
  • Duration : 45 minutes
  • Location : Kyoto
Discover all our activities in Kyoto (177)

Our tours in Kyoto

  • Duration : 9 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto
  • Duration : 13 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima
See all our other Tours (2)

Latest Articles

Japan Visitor - sanzen-in-2017-2.jpg

Sanzen-in Temple Ohara: A serene oasis of history and beauty

Nestled in the picturesque village of Ohara, just an hour north of Kyoto, lies the enchanting Sanzen-in Temple.

Kokedera Temple

Saihoji / Kokedera: the Temple of Mosses

Saihoji Temple, better known as Kokedera or Moss Temple, is an emblematic UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto.

Japan Visitor - otagi-nembutsuji-4.jpg

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple: A Hidden Gem of Whimsical Buddhist Art in Kyoto

Nestled in the tranquil hills of Arashiyama, Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple stands as a testament to artistic creativity and spiritual resilience.