The Yasaka Shrine, which also goes by the names Yasaka Jinja and Gion Shrine, is among Kyoto’s most popular shrines that date back hundreds and thousands of years ago. This particular shrine is believed to have been founded during the 7th century, at least. It is located between the districts of Higashiyama and Gion, making it a perfect side trip for tourists going to and from either district.
Things to Expect at the Yasaka Shrine
The main hall of the Yasaka Shrine includes both the haiden (the offering hall) and the honden (the inner sanctuary). Right in front of the building, visitors can find a dance stage embellished by hundreds of lanterns meant to wonderfully illuminate the area come evening. These lanterns represent the donations of local companies and consequently bear the company names.
Every year, the shrine hosts a popular summer festival known as the Gion Matsuri. This festival is typically held during the entire month of July and is reportedly the most celebrated event in Japan. The highlights of the Gion Matsuri include its massive floats and equally grand parade.
The Yasaka Shrine also gets quite busy during the months of January and April when visitors flock to the complex for Japanese New Year traditions and cherry blossom viewing (hanami), respectively.
Map & Access to the Yasaka Shrine
Tourists can easily reach the Yasaka Shrine from the Kyoto Station by taking either bus number 100 or 206. Both buses include the Gion Bus Stop in their routes and take about twenty minutes of travel time to reach it.
Alternatively, tourists can also choose to walk to the Yasaka Shrine from the Hankyu Line’s Kawaramachi Station or the Keihan Line’s Gion Shijo Station. There is also a 20-minute walking route that goes through the Higashiyama District, which is highly recommended for those coming from Kiyomizudera.
A Guide to Exploring Other Places in Kyoto, Japan Near Yasaka Shrine
Given the convenient location of the Yasaka Shrine between the Gion District and Higashiyama District, there are plenty of options for tourists to choose from for a quick side trip or two.
The list of nearby tourist attractions below doubles as a short guide for tourists to get an overview of what each place has to offer:
Kiyomizudera Temple
The Kiyomizudera Temple, which is also known as the Temple of Pure Water, dates back to the year 780. It can be found in Eastern Kyoto, in the same wooded hills that house the Otowa Waterfall.
Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM, daily
Admission Fee: 400 yen per person
Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyamaku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 605-0862
Ginkakuji
Ginkakuji, or the Silver Pavilion, is modeled after the popular Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion). It initially served as the retirement villa of Ashikaga Yoshimasa before being transformed into a Zen Temple in 1490, after the shogun’s death.
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, daily
Admission Fee: 500 yen per person
Address: 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 606-8402
Higashiyama District
The Higashiyama District is composed of several well-preserved historic districts that stretch along the slopes of Eastern Kyoto’s mountains. Its narrow streets are lined with traditional Japanese merchant shops and wooden buildings, all of which effortlessly bring tourists back in time to ancient Japan.
Sanjusangendo Temple
The Sanjusangendo Temple was originally built in 1164 but unfortunately got destroyed by a fire several years after. It was rebuilt in 1264, give or take a few years, a bit smaller than its original size but remains the longest wooden structure in Japan, measuring a total length of 120 meters.
Besides its architectural design, tourists also visit the temple for the 1001 statues of Kannon it houses.
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily
Admission Fee: 600 yen per person
Address: 657 Sanjusangendo Mawaricho, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 605-0941
Kyoto National Museum
The Kyoto National Museum opened its doors to the public during the year 1897. It is considered to be the oldest museum in Japan and stands alongside the Kyushu National Museum, Nara National Museum, and Tokyo National Museum as the country’s most distinguished.
Its permanent collection consists of archaeological relics, costumes, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and sculptures, among other cultural properties.
Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, from Tuesdays to Sundays
Admission Fee: 520 yen per person (For the permanent collection); 1,500 yen per person (For special exhibits)
Address: 527 Chayamachi, Higashiyamaku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 605-0931
Nanzenji Temple
The Nanzenji Temple can be found at the foot of the Higashiyama mountains. It serves as the head temple of the Rinzai Sect of Japanese Buddhism and consists of several other smaller temples.
Some interesting structures within the massive complex include the Sanmon Gate, the Hojo, the brick aqueduct, the Konchi-in Temple, and the Tenjuan Temple.
Address: 86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 606-8435
Gion District
The Gion District stands as the most popular geisha district of Kyoto, Japan. It can be found right between the Kamo River and the Yasaka Shrine. The charming district features various restaurants, shops, and teahouses for tourists to enjoy and witness geisha and maiko (apprentices) performances.
Philosopher’s Path
The Philosopher’s Path, or known as Tetsugaku no Michi by the locals, is basically a stone path lined with cherry trees. It follows a relatively narrow canal and offers tourists with a pleasant walking route that stretches for about two kilometers from the Nanzenji area to the Ginkakuji Temple.
Kodaiji Temple
The Kodaiji Temple was built in 1606 as a tribute to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a highly significant figure in Japanese history. It is under the jurisdiction of the Rinzai Sect of Japanese Buddhism and features several Zen gardens across its massive vicinity.
Other points of interest within the complex include a mausoleum, a couple of tea houses, a museum, and various subtemples.
Address: 526 Kodaiji Shimo Kawaramachi, Higashiyamaku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Maruyama Park
The Maruyama Park is situated in the Higashiyama District, right next to the Yasaka Shrine. It serves as the most popular hanami and koyo viewing site in all of Kyoto, Japan.
Address: 473 Maruyamacho, Higashiyamaku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Shorenin Temple
The Shorenin Temple belongs to the Tendai Sect of Japanese Buddhism. It can be found at the base of the Higashiyama mountains and is composed of several temple buildings and gardens. According to record materials, its head priests are or were members of the Imperial Family.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily
Admission Fee: 500 yen per person; 800 yen per person (During Spring and Autumn)
Address: 69-1 Awataguchi Sanjobocho, Higashiyamaku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 605-0035
Heian Shrine
The Heian Shrine is a relatively new temple that was established in 1895 as a means of commemorating the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto’s foundation as the capital city. As such, it also serves as a tribute to the spirits of the emperors who ruled Japan from the city of Heian, the former name of Kyoto.
Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM, daily
Admission Fee: No admission fee
Address: 97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 606-8341
Chionin Temple
The Chionin Temple serves as the Jodo Sect of Japanese Buddhism’s head temple. It is among the most popular temples in Kyoto and features an incredibly spacious complex filled with large buildings and stunning gardens.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, daily
Admission Fee: N/A
Address: 400 Rinkacho, Higashiyamaku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 605-8686
Eikando Temple
The Eikando Temple, which is also referred to as the Zenrinji Temple, dates back to the Heian Period when it initially served as a villa of a court noble. It was then donated to a Buddhist priest who transformed it into a temple under the Shingon Sect of Japanese Buddhism.
Over the years, the temple has gone from one sect to another and is now in the hands of the Jodo Sect of Japanese Buddhism. During the fall season, the complex gets incredibly busy with hundreds and thousands of tourists looking to see its stunning autumn colors (koyo) and evening illuminations.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily
Admission Fee: 600 yen per person (During winter, summer, and spring); 1,000 yen per person (During autumn, daytime); 600 yen per person (During autumn, nighttime)
Address: 48 Eikandocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 606-8445
Shinnyodo Temple
The Shinnyodo Temple belongs to the Tendai Sect of Japanese Buddhism. It was initially built in 984 and rebuilt in 1693 after the majority of its buildings were destroyed during the 1467 Onin War.
Despite the breathtaking autumn colors it offers every November, the temple complex experiences smaller crowds compared to the other temples of Kyoto, Japan. As such, visiting it is highly recommended for those who prefer quieter environments.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, daily
Admission Fee: 500 yen per person
Address: 82 Jodoji Shinnyocho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 606-8414
Related Things: Yasaka Dam, Yasaka Shears, and Yasaka Table Tennis
Yasaka Dam
The Yasaka Dam is located in Hiroshima, Japan. Its construction works started in 1971 and were completed in 1990. The gravity dam remains in use today as a hydroelectric plant/dam, a flood-control dam, a freshwater dam, and an industrial and irrigation water dam.
Yasaka Shears
Yasaka Shears is among the oldest kind of Japanese scissors. It features a traditional handle design and is available In 4.5-inch, 5-inch, 5.5-inch, and 6-inch sizes. Compared to other shears, the Yasaka Shears is quite lightweight, given its stainless steel blades (440-C) and alloy steel handle.
Yasaka Table Tennis
Yasaka Table Tennis, or YASAKA Co. Ltd., was established in 1947 by Mr. Sakamoto and Mr. Yaoiya, a couple of table tennis enthusiasts. Since then, the company has grown quite rapidly and now provides various tennis table products to all parts of the world.
Accommodation Options Near Yasaka Shrine
Although the entire Yasaka Shrine can be explored within a day, visiting the many interesting places in the Gion District and Higashiyama District requires at least a couple more days. Fortunately, these districts also house various accommodation options that range from budget hotels to traditional Japanese inns (ryokan).
The best of the best places to stay the night include:
Stay Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya (Apartments)
Rating: 10 out of 10
Access: 2.6 kilometers away from Yasaka Shrine; 3-minute walk away from the Omiya Station and Shijo Omiya Station
Address: 188 Shioyacho, Shimogyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 600-8382
Juegiya (Home)
Rating: 10 out of 10
Access: 400 meters away from Yasaka Shrine; 400 meters away from the Sanjo Keihan Station and Gion Shijo Station
Address: 246 Shinmonzendori Nakanocho, Higasiyamaku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 605-0082
Fushimi-Inari Town House (Apartment)
Rating: 10 out of 10
Access: 3.9 kilometers away from Yasaka Shrine; 500 meters away from the Fushimi Inari Station
Address: 28 Fukakusa Nishigawaracho, Fushimiku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 612-0009
Sakura Suite (Hotel)
Rating: 9.9 out of 10
Access: 600 meters away from Yasaka Shrine
Address: 161-6 Higashiyamaku, Tokiwacho, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 605-0079
Aya Inn Karasuma Gojo (Home)
Rating: 9.9 out of 10
Access: 1.9 kilometers away from Yasaka Shrine; 1-minute walk away from the Gojo Station
Address: 460-1 Kamihiranocho, Shimogyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 600-8171
Far East Miyagawa (Home)
Rating: 9.8 out of 10
Access: 1 kilometer away from Yasaka Shrine; 10-minute walk away from the Gion District; 12-minute bus ride away from the JR Kyoto Station
Address: 482-3 Nishikawaracho, Higashiyamaku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 605-0838
Kyonoyado Senkaku Bettei (Home)
Rating: 9.8 out of 10
Access: 800 meters away from Yasaka Shrine; 1.3 kilometers away from the Gion Shijo Station; 2.7 kilometers away from the Kyoto Station
Address: 5-2 Seikanji Ryozancho, Higashiyamaku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 605-0861
Kyomachiya Suite Rikyu (Home)
Rating: 9.8 out of 10
Access: 400 meters away from Yasaka Shrine; 15-minute taxi ride away from the JR Kyoto Station
Address: 61-4 Shimobentencho, Higashiyamaku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 605-0823
Guesthouse Kamekicho (Home)
Rating: 9.8 out of 10
Access: 3.7 kilometers away from Yasaka Shrine; 1.3 kilometers away from the Nijojo-mae Station and the Nijo Station
Address: 218-4 Kamekicho, Kamigyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 602-8272
Guesthouse Engawa (Dormitory-Type Inn)
Rating: 9.8 out of 10
Access: 1 kilometer away from Yasaka Shrine; 1.2 kilometers away from the Gion Shijo Station; 2.2 kilometers away from the Kyoto Station
Address: 6-510-25 Gojobashihigashi, Higashiyamaku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 605-0846
Yado Nishikiyamachi Bukkoji Agaru (Home)
Rating: 9.8 out of 10
Access: 900 meters away from Yasaka Shrine; 300 meters away from the Kawaramachi Station; 400 meters away from the Gion Shijo Station
Address: 260-19 Ichinocho, Shimogyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 600-8018
Kazenoya Sara (Home)
Rating: 9.8 out of 10
Access: 2.7 kilometers away from Yasaka Shrine; 500 meters away from the Kyoto Station; 800 meters away from the Gojo Station
Address: 250-5 Daikokucho, Simogyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 600-8223
Kyoto Yoko and Akira Guesthouse (Hotel)
Rating: 9.7 out of 10
Access: 3.6 kilometers away from Yasaka Shrine; 700 meters away from the Nijo Station; 1-kilometer away from the Nijojo-mae Station
Address: 8-8 Higashimachi Jurakumawari, Nakagyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 604-8404
Kyonoyado Gekkoan (Home)
Rating: 9.7 out of 10
Access: 3.8 kilometers away from Yasaka Shrine; 500 meters away from the Nijo Station; 1.2 kilometers away from the Nijojo-mae Station
Address: 18-20 Nishinokyo Nishigekkocho, Nakagyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 604-8423
Kabuki Ann (Home)
Rating: 9.7 out of 10
Access: 1.7 kilometers away from Yasaka Shrine; 15-minute walk away from the Jingumarutamachi Station; 40-minute bus ride away from the JR Kyoto Station
Address: 13 Okazaki Tennoucho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 606-0835
Tofukuji Machiya Inn Sakura & Tsuki (Home)
Rating: 9.7 out of 10
Access: 2.9 kilometers away from Yasaka Shrine; 4-minute walk away from the Keihan Tofukuji Station and the JR Tofukuji Station
Address: 16-305 Honmachi, Higashiyamaku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 605-0981
Mitsuki Kyoto (Ryokan)
Rating: 9.7 out of 10
Access: 2.3 kilometers away from Yasaka Shrine; 100 meters away from the Marutamachi Station; 600 meters away from the Karasuma Oike Station
Address: 142 Kameyacho, Nakagyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 604-0865
Mugen (Ryokan)
Rating: 9.7 out of 10
Access: 3.4 kilometers away from Yasaka Shrine; 1.2 kilometers away from the Imadegawa Station and Marutamachi Station
Address: 548-1 Kamichojamachi Kitakodaimoncho, Kamigyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 602-8252
Yadoya Manjiro (Ryokan)
Rating: 9.7 out of 10
Access: 800 meters away from Yasaka Shrine; 10-minute taxi ride away from the JR Kyoto Station; 1.1 kilometers away from the Gion Shijo Station
Address: 2-208-17 Kiyomizu, Higashiyamaku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 605-0862
Japaning Hotel Fushimiinari (Aparthotel)
Rating: 9.7 out of 10
Access: 4.1 kilometers away from Yasaka Shrine; 10-minute walk away from the Inari Station; 2 kilometers away from the Kyoto Station
Address: 16-22 Fukakusa Shimogawaracho, Fushimiku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 612-8401