Hi friends! This week I am talking about one of the stops I made on one of my last days in Kyoto. One of my new friends and I met up at Yasaka Shrine to check it out before heading to Sannenzaka Path and Yasaka Koshin-do.
Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine (also known as Gion Shrine) is located in Kyoto. It’s history is said to go back as far as 656. This shrine has a main shrine and several auxiliary shrines both on the grounds and in other areas.
In the main shrine, three deities are enshrined: Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushi-inadahime-no-Mikoto, and Yahashira-miko-no-Mikoto. Here is the mythology shared on the Yasaka Shrine’s website.
Susanoo-no-Mikoto (the God of seas and storms) was banished from heaven because of his default on reign of the sea and his act of outrage. After he went down into Izumo on Earth, he met an old couple and their daughter, Kushi-inadahime-no-Mikoto. She was to be a sacrifice to the eight-headed serpent, Yamata-no-orochi (which represents disasters). Susanoo-no-Mikoto defeated the serpent to relieve Kushi-inadahime-no-Mikoto and took her to wife. In this way, Susanoo-no-Mikoto became famous as a heroic deity.
In the main sanctuary, Kushi-inadahime-no-Mikoto and eight children of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Yahashira-no-Mikoto, are enshrined with Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
Yasaka Shrine is most famous for it’s festival in July called Gion Matsuri. It originated in 869 as a way to appease the gods during an epidemic.
This info is from my experiences, as well as the website for the shrine and Japan Guide. Credit where credit is due.
Accessibility of Yasaka Shrine
Parking
There was no parking here. You can get here by bus, trail or taxi. I chose to take a taxi since I needed to get there quickly and didn’t feel up to walking.
Bathrooms
There were no bathrooms here. Make sure you plan accordingly.
My Experience
Yasaka Shrine is a busy place, which makes sense given it’s the head shrine. The area is fairly open and the walkways wide, so it didn’t end up being too crowded. My friend and I met at the main gate, which is right by the road. There are a lot of stairs to climb at this entrance, however, they aren’t steep. I was able to navigate them with little to no shortness of breath. There is another entrance that doesn’t have stairs, if I am remembering correctly.
The walkways here were made of stone bricks, with pebbles bordering the walkways. Which seems to be a theme at the shrines and temples. Everything was flat and easy to navigate, so as long as you’re good with those terrains, you should be good to go.
My favorite part of this shrine was that there is so much to see here. Auxiliary shrines, lanterns, monuments and statues, colors and architecture…so pretty. I would definitely check it out if you have time.
My rating
If I had to put a rating on this activity, I would say it fall into the easy category. There is a good amount of walking, some of which can include stairs. However, it is pretty flat and I believe there is an entrance without stairs if it’s needed. The walkways are wide and easy to navigate. Maneuvering them shouldn’t be an issue, unless those terrains aren’t for you. It will have to be something you’re mindful of when planning.
Unfortunately, Cardybear did not come on the Japan adventures. I wanted to bring him, but he takes up my whole backpack. He was definitely there in spirit though.
Be safe out there and remember your passport! Seeyalaterbye <3
Also, if you feel called to help a sista out with her travels, check this out!
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