Highlights of Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine stands at the eastern edge of Kyoto’s Gion district. Until the Meiji period, it was known as Gion Shrine and is closely connected with the place name Gion. Gion Matsuri, counted among Japan’s three major festivals, originated as a ritual praying for epidemics to be brought under control.
Nishirōmon Gate
The vermilion West Rōmon Gate, standing prominently at the head of Shijō Street, is a beloved symbol of Yasaka Shrine. After being destroyed in the Ōnin War, it was rebuilt in 1497 and is the oldest structure on the shrine grounds. The official main entrance, however, is the South Rōmon Gate in front of the main sanctuary.
Heading east along Shijō Street from the Gion district, the West Rōmon Gate comes into view directly ahead.
The Main Hall and Gion Faith
Image: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0, cropped and resized)The National Treasure main hall enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushinada-hime-no-Mikoto, and the eight divine sons. The present main hall was rebuilt during the Edo period and features a distinctive structure known as “gion-zukuri”, in which a single roof covers both the main hall and the worship hall. The grounds also contain many subordinate shrines, and diverse traditions of faith continue here, including prayers for protection from misfortune, business prosperity, and good fortune in love.
The Shrine Grounds at Night
From the shrine grounds at night, Shijō Street is seen beyond the West Gate. The gate’s vermilion color and the city lights blend into the rainy scene.
At night, the lanterns and large lanterns around the dance pavilion in the shrine grounds are lit, creating an atmosphere that differs from the daytime.
Gion
Gion developed as a gateway district extending west of Yasaka Shrine. Shijō Street leads to the West Gate, and during the Gion Festival, ceremonies and festivities unfold at both the shrine and throughout the town.
If you plan to explore the area around Yasaka Shrine on foot, see our article on the streetscapes of Gion, including Hanamikoji Street and the banks of the Shirakawa River.
Essential information about Yasaka Shrine
The information below was checked against official sources on September 29, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- Check the latest information on visiting the shrine, highlights within the grounds, and festivals.
八坂神社八坂神社は全国にある祇園社の総本社で、京都市東山区にあります。祇園さんと親しまれてきた八坂神社には、素戔嗚尊（すさのおのみこと）や縁結びや美の神様などが祀られております。日本三大祭、京都三大祭である祇園祭もご紹介します。www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp
- 📍 Address
- 625, Gionmachi North Side, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
- 🕒 Visiting hours
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- Shrine grounds: open 24 hours a day
- Shrine office: 9:00–17:00
- Prayer reception: 9:00–16:00
- 💶 Admission
- Free
- ⏱ Suggested visit duration
- Allow approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour to see the West Gate, main sanctuary, dance pavilion, and principal auxiliary shrines. The official website also features a 60-minute suggested route around the grounds. ⚠️ The time required varies depending on festivals, prayer ceremonies, and crowd levels.
Getting to Yasaka Shrine
Railway
It is about 5 minutes on foot from Gion-Shijō Station on the Keihan Main Line and about 8 minutes on foot from Kyōto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyū Kyoto Line.
Route buses
It is just steps from the “Gion” stop on the Kyoto City Bus network.
By car
There is no parking on the shrine grounds. Use a paid parking lot nearby or visit by public transportation.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Kyoto: A guide to attractions, food, transportation, and suggested itineraries”.
