Yasaka Shrine

Shrine where Gion Festivalーone of Japan's three biggest festivals take place

Shrine where Gion Festivalーone of Japan's three biggest festivals take place

The shrine was built on the current site 794 years before the capital was moved to Kyoto from Nara. When an epidemic broke out in 869, an event was held to pray to the God of Yasaka Shrine, hoping to end the unfortunate situation. This later become one of Japan’s three biggest festivals – the Gion Festival. The month-long Gion Festival is held at Yasaka Shrine in July annually, the highlight of the festival is the Yamahoko-Junko parade (also known as a”moving museum”) held on the 17th and 24th.

Information

Address
625 Kitagawa, Gion machi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-City, Kyoto, 605-0073
Access
2-minute walk from Gion bus stop(Kyoto City Bus)
5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan).
8-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu).
Phone
075-561-6155
Hours
Open 24 Hours
Holidays
None
Admission
Free
Website
http://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/en/