A shrine traditionally said to have been founded in the Gankei era (877–885) with Prince Koretaka, eldest son of Emperor Montoku, as its enshrined deity. Named after the Black Tortoise (Genbu), guardian of the north in the Heian capital, it has fulfilled the role of protecting the royal city. The Genbu Yasurai Festival held each April is counted among Kyoto\'s three great unusual festivals, togeth…

The shrine is traditionally said to have been founded during the Gankei era (877–885) with Prince Koretaka, the eldest son of Emperor Montoku, as its enshrined deity. Its name derives from the Genbu (Black Tortoise), one of the Four Symbols guarding the north of the Heian capital, and the shrine has…