Yasaka Shrine, located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, is said to have begun when Irishi, who came from Goryeo in the second year of the reign of Empress Saimei (656), enshrined Susanoo, who was seated on Mount Gozu in Silla, here. Nowadays, it is affectionately known as "Gion-san" and is said to bring good luck in warding off evil, driving away epidemics, and bringing prosperity to business. In particular, the Gion Festival, held every July, is a grand festival that has continued since the Heian period, and the Yamahoko Junko and Mikoshi Togyo attract many tourists from both Japan and abroad.

The main hall is a national treasure built in the unique architectural style of "Gion-zukuri," and its vermilion-painted beauty is a masterpiece. There are many things to see, such as the Nishi-romon, Minami-romon, and Maiden, and at night, lanterns are lit, creating a fantastic atmosphere that is different from the daytime. The grounds are dotted with various shrines that are said to bring good fortune, such as Umigozensha, which enshrines the god of beauty, and Okuninushisha, which is said to bring good fortune in marriage. The shrine is crowded with people who come to pray with their wishes.

The Gion streetscape remains on Hanamikoji, which is located south of nearby Shijo-dori.

Yasaka Shrine is accessible by a 10-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station. Hanamikoji is on the way, so it is a good idea to see the Gion streetscape along with Yasaka Shrine.

[Trivia]
It is said that, mysteriously, spider webs do not form in the Nishi-romon gate of Yasaka Shrine. There is also a well called Ryuketsu under the main hall, and there is a legend that it is connected to Ryugu-jo Castle. The Gion Festival is one of the three major festivals in Japan with a history of over 1,000 years, and is the festival of Yasaka Shrine.

[Hidden gem]
"Utsukushi Gozensha," quietly located to the east of the main hall, enshrines the three Munakata goddesses and is a popular power spot for women praying for beauty. In addition, "Okuninushisha," located at the back of the temple grounds, is known as the god of matchmaking associated with the legend of the white rabbit of Inaba, and has a cute statue of a "wishing rabbit."