Yasaka Shrine
京都府
Head of Gion Matsuri — Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine of warding and matchmaking
Founded
656
Type
Shrine
Visited
Want to go
Access
5 min walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station
625 Gion-machi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
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Info
Shrine
Founded 656
1370 years
Enshrined Deity
素戔嗚尊
Overview
The head shrine of approximately 2,300 Yasaka and Gion shrines nationwide, said to have been founded in 656 when Iri Fune, an envoy from Goguryeo, enshrined Gozu Tenno at the foot of Gion Hill. Enshrining Susanoo no Mikoto as its principal deity alongside his consort Kushinadahime and eight divine children, the shrine is revered for blessings of warding off pestilence and for good relationships. I…
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Origins
According to tradition, Yasaka was founded in 656 when Iri Fune of Goguryeo enshrined Gozu Tenno at the foot of Gion Hill; another account dates the founding to 876 when the monk Ennyo built Kankei-ji and the Gion deity descended. The goryo-e rite for pestilence relief was held at Shinsen-en in 869 …
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Divine Benefits
Matchmaking
Warding Off Evil
Safe Travel
Finding a partner, romantic success, marital harmony. Famed at Izumo Taisha, Jishu-jinja, and Kawagoe Hikawa.
祭Festivals & Events— 1
祭
7月
1
Gion Matsuri
This month
The annual festival of Yasaka Shrine and one of Japan's three great festivals. Running throughout July, the Yamaboko Junko float processions on July 17 and 24 are the highlights. A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage with over 1,100 years of history.
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Susanoo-no-Mikoto: The Storm God of Japanese Mythology
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Visiting Information
Hours
The shrine grounds are open for worship 24 hours a day (the main gate is never closed). Shamusho (shrine office) reception hours are 9:00–17:00.
Admission
Free admission to the shrine grounds.
As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.
Official Links
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