Yasaka Shrine, A holy place to pray for Marriage

Yasaka Shrine also known as Gion Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto and a holy place to pray for marriage, the largest festival center in Japan. Founded over 1350 years ago, the shrine is located between the popular Gion District and Higashiyama District.

The shrine’s main hall combines the honden (inner sanctuary) and haiden (offering hall) into a single building. In front of it stands a dance stage with hundreds of lanterns that get lit in the evenings. Each lantern bears the name of a local business in return for a donation.

The Honden (spirit hall) is the most important building and is always packed with worshipers. The single-story building has a wooden shingle roof that is half-hipped/half gabled, very similar to other Shrines architecture. Worshipers pray before the altar with a rattle of the bells at the front of the building.

There’s a busy area manned by Miko (shrine maidens) for fortune-telling, and buying omamori (charms).

It is said that for women who come here to worship, not only their appearance but also their personality will be greatly improved. If you are lucky, you can also get some beauty in the pool when you come here. It is said that only two or three drops can play a big role.

The shrine is free of charge and a great place to spend a few minutes wandering around. However, we were able to enjoy the experience and take good pictures.

Hours and Fees

Address                  : 625 Gion-machi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku

Opening Hours     : 24 hours

Admission             : Free

Getting there

Yasaka Shrine can be reached by bus from Kyoto Station in about 20 minutes. Take number 100 or 206 and get off at Gion bus stop. The closest train stations are Gion Shijo Station on the Keihan Line and Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line.