Yasaka Shrine

八坂神社

Yasaka Shrine is a Shinto shrine whose history may go back as far as 656. Local people affectionately call it "Gion-san", and the Gion area grew up as a town near its gate. Its main deity is Susanoo-no-mikoto. The main hall, built in a unique style called Gion-zukuri, was designated a National Treasure in 2020. The shrine holds the Gion Matsuri, a festival that began in 869 to ward off epidemics and now continues for the whole month of July, with 34 decorated floats pulled through the streets of Kyoto.

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Visitor information

Opening hours: The shrine grounds are open 24 hours. The shrine office is open 9:00–17:00.
Getting there: Keihan Gion-Shijo Station, about 5 minutes on foot; Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, about 8 minutes. From JR Kyoto Station, City Bus 100 or 206 to the "Gion" stop, right in front.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

There is no parking at the shrine.
Some facilities move during the New Year and the Gion Festival (July).

Tips for Muslim visitors

The shrine grounds are open at all times, so you can walk through early in the morning.
The buildings and lanterns are lit after dark, which JNTO recommends seeing.
Shinto shrines are open to everyone. Bowing, clapping and washing at the purification basin are optional; you can simply look around.
Shrines are usually busiest at New Year and during festivals. Early morning is often the calmest time to visit.
Charms, fortune slips and votive tablets are religious items. You do not need to buy or use them.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kyoto and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.