Yasaka Shrine

Until May 30, 1868, this shrine was called “Kanshin-in” or “Gion-sha.” On that day, the government ordered the name to be changed to Yasaka Shrine. Many people in Kyoto still call it “Gion-san,” its old name.

There are several stories about its beginning. It is said that the shrine stood here even before the capital moved to Kyoto in 794. In the Heian period, it was counted as one of the “Twenty-Two Shrines.” The Imperial Court respected it greatly, and ordinary people also worshipped here deeply. Its fame spread across Japan.

It is the head shrine of more than 3,000 Yasaka Shrines across the country, all of which enshrine Susanoo-no-Mikoto. It has more than 1,100 years of history. It is also known for the Gion Festival, which lasts the whole month of July.