Yasaka Shrine

One of the places you can’t help but go to on a Kyoto trip in central Kyoto is the Yasaka Shrine located at the eastern end of Shijo Street in the Gion area. Just to the south of it is Maruyama Park, and a bit further north is Chion-in (a famous Amidist temple) and, to the south, Kiyomizu Temple. It is easily discernable thanks to a two-story vermillion gate above the eastern end of Shijo-dori.

The Yasaka Shrine (Yasaka jinja) was formerly called the Gion Shrine (Gion jinja). It is a shinto shrine from 656, thereby predating the Heian Era (794 – 1185). It was under imperial patronage in the early Heian era and Emperor Murakami (926 – 967) used to have messengers report events to the guardian kami of the shrine. During the Meiji era through 1946, it was designated in the first rank of government supported shrines.

The shrine includes several buildings, including gates, a main hall, and a stage. In the northern part of the shrine there is the Honden (main hall), a Rō-mon (two storied gate), and an Ishi-torii (stone gate). The shrine features many other structures, many built in the 17^th century.

The shrine sponsors the Gion Festival. The Gion Festival had its start in 869, when the shrine’s deities were paraded through the streets to stop an epidemic. Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival) takes place in July.

Other major events include New Year’s Day when thousands come to pray for health and prosperity, and in early April in Maruyama Park is celebrated for cherry blossom viewing.

Nearby is the famous Gion area. Gion is one of Kyoto’s five geisha areas (hanamachi or flower district). Gion is the largest of the geisha areas. It grew out of stalls set up around the Yasaka Shrine. The shrine was a popular destination for pilgrims who came to pray for good health and prosperity. It was well supported by the local merchants as well.