Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto: Highlights & How To Visit.

2024-01-072024-03-08

Yasaka Shrine is located in the central area of Kyoto City, and has a history of 1350 years.
It is said to bring good luck and good health, and is a popular shrine that attracts as many as 1 million worshipers during the New Year.

This article will guide you on how to reach Yasaka Shrine from Kyoto station and share the highlights of the shrine, along with some personal photographs.

Geting to Yasaka Shrine from Kyoto Station

The most convenient way to reach Yasaka Shrine from Kyoto Station is by bus, which does not require transfers.
The bus takes about 20 minutes from Kyoto Station Bus Terminal to Yasaka Shrine.

STEP

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

You can go to the terminal by following the signs in the photo below that are located throughout the station.

Look for the pillar marked D2.
The bus number is 206.
Be careful not to board a bus with a different number.

STEP

Disembark at Gion bus stop.

It takes approximately 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 100 meters to the left.

The bus stop is conveniently located near Yasaka Shrine.
It can be seen as soon as you disembark at the bus stop.

Highlights of Yasaka Shrine

At the entrance, there is a gate called Nishiroumon, which was rebuilt in 1497 and is the oldest building on the grounds.
It is a well-known symbol of Yasaka Shrine, and its bright vermilion gate is very photogenic.

After passing through the gate, the first thing you’ll see is a holy fountain.
It is a place for washing your hands and mouth when visiting shrines.
It was beautifully decorated for the New Year and made me feel at ease.

A short walk leads to the main shrine, which has a large roof covered with layers of cypress bark, approximately 15 meters high and 1,300 square meters.
It is said to be one of the largest shrines in Japan.

According to legend, a large water vein and pond exist under this building and are said to be connected to Shinsen-en Garden and To-ji Temple.

Yasaka Shrine has multiple smaller shrines under its management.
It is said to be a power spot where gods gather.

Among the many shrines in the area, the most famous one is “Bigozensha”, which is popular as a beauty power spot.
The spring water flows out in front of the shrine, which is said to make your skin and mind beautiful when you wash your hands and face.
So many young women, including apprentice geisha from Gion, come to pray.

There is also a statue of the god of prosperity on the ground, one of the seven gods of good fortune, called Ebisu.
Many people come to pray for business prosperity.
Touching this statue after praying is said to receive good luck.
The smile on the Ebisu statue is so cute.

Facility details of Yasaka Shrine

Web Site	Official web site
Business hours	24 hours
Entrance fee	Free
Phone number	+81-75-561-6155

Suvenior shop nearby Yasaka Shrine

I stopped by a souvenir shop called “Tsujiri Tea House” near Yasaka Shrine.
It is located about 5 minutes walk from Yasaka Shrine.
Tsujiri Tea House has a rich menu centered around matcha, and is popular among peple from other countries as well.

The first floor is a souvenir shop, and the second floor is a cafe.
By enjoying matcha at Tsujiri Tea House, you can enjoy delicious sweets while enjoying traditional Japanese tea culture.

According to the store staff, matcha powder is the most popular souvenir among people from other countries.
In addition to matcha powder, they also have sweets, such as chocolate and raw chocolate, which is also popular.

**Tsujiri Tea House, Gion Main Shop**
Web site	Official Web site
Business hours	AM 10:30 – PM 8:00
Regular holiday	No regular holidays
Phone number	+81-75-561-2257