Exploring Eastern Kyoto: The Yasaka Shrine and Nearby Places

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

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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

Martin Falbisoner [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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

ccfarmer [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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

By 河川一等兵 (河川一等兵's file) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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