Temples & religious sites
Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine , once called Gion Shrine , is a Shinto shrine in the Gion District of Kyoto, Japan. Situated at the east end of Shijō-dōri, the shrine includes several buildings, including gates, a main hall and a stage. The Yasaka shrine is dedicated to Susanoo in the tradition of the Gion faith as its chief kami, with his consort Kushinadahime on the east, and eight offspring deities on the west. The yahashira no mikogami include Yashimajinumi no kami, Itakeru no kami, Ōyatsuhime no kami, Tsumatsuhime no kami, Ōtoshi no kami, Ukanomitama no kami, Ōyatsuhiko no kami, and Suseribime no mikoto.
What it is
Yasaka Shrine sits at the east end of Shijō-dōri, marking the boundary between the Gion district and the wooded slope up to Maruyama Park. It's a Shinto shrine dedicated to Susanoo, with his consort Kushinadahime and eight offspring deities also enshrined here. The grounds include a prominent stage hall hung with lanterns, a main hall, and several gates, and the shrine is closely tied to Kyoto's Gion Matsuri festival. It's a working place of worship rather than a museum piece, so expect visitors offering prayers alongside sightseers.
Getting there
From central Kyoto Station, it's roughly a 15-20 minute bus or taxi ride, or about a 20-minute walk from the Gion area. The shrine's west gate opens directly onto Shijō-dōri, making it an easy stop if you're already walking through Gion.
How much time to allow
Most people spend 30-45 minutes walking the main grounds. If you continue up into Maruyama Park behind the shrine, add another 30 minutes or more.
When to go
Shijō-dōri and the shrine's main approach get busy during the day, especially on weekends and holidays. Early morning is quieter. The shrine is illuminated at night, which draws a different crowd than the daytime foot traffic from Gion.
What to combine it with
Gion (0.3km) is right at the shrine's doorstep, making the two a natural pairing for a single outing. Chion-in Temple (0.5km) is a short walk away and worth combining if you have time for another religious site. Sanjō Ōhashi Bridge (0.9km) and the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (1km) are both within walking distance for those extending the visit further.
Sources: open data from Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap · Updated August 5, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
