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Read the English + Japanese version｜英語＋日本語版はこちら
- Introduction｜はじめに
- A Shrine Known as Gion-sha｜かつて祇園社と呼ばれた神社
- The Main Hall and Gion-zukuri｜国宝・本殿と祇園造
- A Festival Born from Prayer｜祈りから始まった祇園祭
- Floats and Sacred Mikoshi｜山鉾と神輿の違い
- Beauty Water｜美しさを願う美容水
- Daikoku-sama and the White Rabbit｜大黒様のそばに白兎がいるのはなぜ？
- The Lantern-Lined Dance Stage｜提灯が並ぶ舞殿
- 🗺 Google Map
- 🗺 Explore More Kyoto Areas
Introduction｜はじめに
A bright vermilion gate.
Lanterns hanging around a dance stage.
And quiet prayers in the heart of Gion.
Yasaka Shrine has long been
a place where people pray
for protection from illness
and peaceful everyday life.
But how did these prayers
become the famous Gion Festival
celebrated in Kyoto today?
A Shrine Known as Gion-sha｜かつて祇園社と呼ばれた神社
Yasaka Shrine has a history
stretching back more than 1,300 years.
For centuries, it was widely known
as Gion-sha, or Gion Shrine.
When epidemics threatened the city,
people turned to the shrine
to pray for protection
and the return of peaceful days.
■ Memo｜The Name “Yasaka Shrine”
The name Yasaka Shrine
was officially adopted in 1868,
during the Meiji period.
The Main Hall and Gion-zukuri｜国宝・本殿と祇園造
At the heart of the shrine
stands its National Treasure Main Hall.
Its broad roof is one of
the building’s distinctive features.
The main sanctuary and worship area
are brought together
beneath one large roof.
This style is known as Gion-zukuri.
The building reminds us
how deeply the shrine’s traditions
are rooted in Kyoto.
become a festival celebrated
throughout Kyoto?
A Festival Born from Prayer｜祈りから始まった祇園祭
Today, the Gion Festival
is famous for its magnificent floats
and lively streets in July.
Its origins, however,
are connected to an epidemic
that spread in 869.
A ritual called Goryoe was held
to pray for the end of the epidemic
and peace across the land.
Over many centuries,
these prayers developed
into the Gion Festival
we know today.
■ Memo｜66 Halberds
Tradition tells of 66 spears
raised during the early ritual,
representing Japan’s provinces
at the time.
Floats and Sacred Mikoshi｜山鉾と神輿の違い
The festival has two important traditions:
the grand procession of floats
and the procession of sacred mikoshi.
The floats help purify the streets
as part of the festival rituals.
The mikoshi carry the deities
through the community.
Though their roles differ,
both express the hopes
and traditions of Kyoto’s people.
what little discoveries can we find
inside the shrine grounds?
Beauty Water｜美しさを願う美容水
Near Utsukushigozensha Shrine,
visitors will find a small spring
known as Beauty Water.
People traditionally place
a few drops on their skin
while praying for beauty.
The water is not for drinking.
Daikoku-sama and the White Rabbit｜大黒様のそばに白兎がいるのはなぜ？
A small white rabbit
rests beside Daikoku-sama.
Why is a rabbit here?
The rabbit recalls the legend
of the White Rabbit of Inaba,
who was helped by Okuninushi,
a deity linked to Daikoku-sama.
Knowing this story makes
the little statue feel like
a discovery from an old tale.
■ Memo｜The White Rabbit of Inaba
The White Rabbit of Inaba
appears in the Kojiki,
an early Japanese chronicle.
The Lantern-Lined Dance Stage｜提灯が並ぶ舞殿
In the center of the grounds
stands the Dance Stage,
surrounded by rows of lanterns.
Ceremonies and traditional offerings
are held here at various times
throughout the year.
The lanterns create
one of the shrine’s most
memorable scenes.
■ Photo Tip｜Dance Stage & Lanterns in One Shot
Try photographing the stage
from a slight angle
to capture its roof
and the rows of lanterns together.
🟫 CAT MEMO 🐾
“Did I turn it on, nya?”
🗺 Google Map
Official Website｜八坂神社 公式ホームページ
Please check the official website for the latest information before your visit.
Yasaka Shrine is more than
a famous landmark in Gion.
It is a place where prayers
have been passed down for centuries.
From the origins of the Gion Festival
to the small stories hidden
around the shrine grounds,
there is much to discover.
Perhaps knowing these stories
will make your visit
a little more memorable.
Thank you
for visiting
Yasaka Shrine.
May your time here
bring you peace
and beautiful memories.
And may your journey
through Kyoto
be a wonderful one. 🐾
🗺 Explore More Kyoto Areas
Kyoto is divided into several unique areas,
each offering different attractions and experiences.
