God of Prosperous Business

Yasaka shrine is known for the name of “Gion-san” in general and called “Gion-sha” (the “sha” means shrine in Japanese) in acient. This is HQ of shrine in Japan and it is said that it was established in 876 to pray for the recovery from epidemic after the priest Ennyo invited the Emperor Ushizu to Kyoto, and peoples in Kyoto tried to enshrine this shrine and escape from such epidemic. Base on such history, Gion committee was started and the parade of decorated floats were conducted from the middle of Heian period and Gion committee has been held magnificently in July every year as the traditional festival of Yasaka Shrine. This shrine is famous for the prosperous business and charm against evil.

Gion Festival

Speaking of Yasaka shrine, it is Gion festival. Speaking of Gion festival, it is Yasaka shrine. The portable shrine festival on July 17th is qualified to be called as best in Japan. I strongly recommend you to see this festival, and I am sure that you love it.

Tadamori Garden Lantern

At the end of Heian period, Shirakawain loved a lady with name of Gion Onago.
One night with early summer rain, he was just walking through Yasaka shrine together with Tadamori Taira as a bodyguard on the way to Gion Onago’s house. At that time, Shirakawain saw bugaboo and ordered Tadamori to clean up it. But he was composed to his order and confirmed it was an old woman priest. (It is said that the Tadamori garden lantern was that one in this story) Shirakawain was so impressed with Tadamori’s carefulness and gave Gion Onago to him as a reward. At that time, Onago was already pregnant and bore a man baby. Shirakawain heard that this baby cried in the night so often and send a song that “Yonaki-su-to Tadamori-tateyo Sueno-yo-ni Kiyoku-sakafuru Kotomo-are” (it means that even he cries in the night and bothering people, we wish he contribute bravely to the world after becoming adult) Based on this dong, he was named “Kiyomori” who became a shogun later.

Gion Shinsui

The Gion Shinsui (it means the water of god) is called the Rikisui, and it is said that any ladies are able to become a beauty after drinking this water and visit the shrine with a name of Utsushi Gozensya

Michelin Green Guide

Yasaka Shrine has one star rating.