Yasaka Shrine (with kids)

This was one of our favorite shrines in Kyoto! The architecture here is stunning and the colors are vibrant, especially the main vermillion gate. This shrine can get a bit crowded but we never felt overwhelmed by any means. Aside from the wonderful architecture, we loved the street food offerings found inside the shrine. While wandering throughout the shrine, you’ll also find smaller shrines and a...

Yasaka Shrine is historically significant and quite photogenic, but the experience was underwhelming due to the overwhelming crowds. It felt more like a tourist marketplace than a peaceful spiritual site. There were too many food stalls and souvenir vendors, most of them overpriced. It’s worth a quick visit if you're already in the area, but don’t expect a serene shrine experience

Such a majestic and calming place amidst throngs of tourists. Just taking slow, mindless walks that will lead you to fabulous temples and altars and mini gardens and tori gates. This was the only Shrine I visited during my short, short trip to Kyoto but this place still evokes the essence and tranquillity as well as the old charm of Kyoto!

A visit to Yasaka Shrine in the early morning set a peaceful tone before the Gion Matsuri began. The shrine, a key part of the festival’s spiritual roots, offered a serene atmosphere with its bright vermilion gates and lanterns, providing a glimpse into the rich traditions behind the event. By 9 am, the streets near Shijo-dori and Karasuma-dori filled with the lively energy of the Gion Matsuri. T...

A must-visit when you’re in Kyoto! Located at the heart of Gion, Yasaka Shrine is one of the most iconic Shinto shrines in Japan, known for its bright vermillion gate and elegant thatched-roof main hall. Founded over 1,350 years ago, it’s home to the famous Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s biggest festivals. The shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a deity believed to ward off evil and bring goo...