Yasaka Koshindo(Kongo-ji) Temple in Kyoto: Highlights & How To Visit.

2024-04-122024-04-23

Yasaka Koshin-do is a well-known tourist spot, and in recent years it has become a very popular photo spot for women and couples wearing kimono, and the temple is crowded with people even on weekdays.
This temple is gaining popularity on social media, especially among young women.

This article will guide you on how to reach Yasaka Koshindo(Kongo-ji) Temple from Kyoto station and share the highlights of the temple, along with some personal photographs.

Getting to Yasaka Koshindo(Kongo-ji) Temple from Kyoto Station

Yasaka Koshindo is located on the east side of Kyoto city, about 15 minutes from Kyoto Station.

The most convenient way to reach Yasaka Koshindo(Kongo-ji) Temple is by bus from Kyoto Station, as there is nearby bus stop.

STEP

Board bus number 86 or 206 from D2 bus stop at Kyoto Station Bus Terminal.

The terminal is located right next to the central exit of Kyoto Station on the north side.

Look for the pillar marked D2.

STEP

Disembark at “Kiyomizu-michi” bus stop.

It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to get here from Kyoto Station.
The price is 230 yen for adults, 120 yen for children aged 6-11 years.

STEP

From the bus stop, walk about 220 meters.

It takes about 3 minutes to reach Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka Path Path on foot.

Highlights of Yasaka Koshindo (Kongo-ji) Temple

This is a splendid temple that is said to be the first in Japan to begin the uniquely Japanese “Koshin faith,” which is a mixture of Chinese and Japanese faiths.
It is one of the three Koshindo temples, along with Shitennoji Temple in Osaka and Sensoji Temple in Tokyo.

Yasaka Koshindo Temple is a popular photo spot where many colorful amulets called “Kukurizaru” are hung.
Kukurizaru in the background makes for a photogenic photo.
You can see sights that cannot be seen at other temples.

At Yasaka Koshindo, it is said that your wishes will come true if you “abandon your desires” instead of holding on to them.
An amulet called “Kukurizaru” is used to get rid of that desire.
It is shaped like a monkey with its arms and legs tied together, and its body is made of colorful fabric.

The monkey is said to be a symbol of human desire, and it is said that if you can suppress your desires, your wishes will come true.
It is said that if you write your wish that you want to come true with a pen and hang it up, your wish will come true.
Therefore, every “kukurizaru” that looks like a bean bag at first glance has a wish written on it.

Kyoto has many old buildings, and when you walk around the town, you can see many calm colors.
Under such circumstances, this colorful and gorgeous place is a valuable spot.

Facility details of Yasaka Koshindo (Kongo-ji) Temple

Web Site	Official web site (Japanese only)
Opening hours	9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission fees	Free
Address	390 Kinencho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0828
Phone number	+81-75-541-2565

Tourist spots around Yasaka Koshin-do include Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
If you are interested, please refer to the article below.