Yasaka Jinja is one of Kyoto's most famous shrines, well-known for the Gion Matsuri (summer festival) taking place every year in July.
Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社) is a Shinto Shrine with a history dating back to 656.
Opening times and admission
Open 24/7
Entry is free
How to get there
From Kyoto Station take the 86 or 206 City Bus to Gion Stop (20 minutes, 10 stops, ) then walk for about 5 minutes to reach Yasaka Shrine.
Other places within walking distance from Yasaka Shrine:
Kiyomizu-Dera - a 15-20 minute walk
Maruyama Park is a very short walk away (2-3 minutes)
Nanzenji Temple - a 30-minute walk
Kaege Incline - a 20-minute walk
Heian Shrine - a 20-minute walk
Address: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
The Gion Matsuri takes place during the whole month of July. The first festival took place in 869; since then it has become one of Japan's most famous festivals.
I've not managed to be in Kyoto during this wonderful festival, so now, it too has been added to my 'to-do list' next time I happen to be in Japan.
How long does a visit to Yasaka Shrine take?
If you're not there for the Gion Matsuri, visiting Yasaka Jinja takes roughly 30-45 minutes.
I paired my most recent visit to this shrine with one to Kiyomizu-Dera and a brief visit to Maruyama Park.
If you visit Yasaka Jinja after seeing Kiyomizu-Dera, it can seem a bit underwhelming, but it is an interesting Shrine with an interesting story and, for me, it was certainly worth a visit.
Have you ever been there? If so, I would love to hear about your visit there, in the comments below.
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I hope life is treating you well.
Take care.
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