Yasaka Shrine, lovingly nicknamed "Gion-san" in Kyoto, is visited by many people from all over the world. It is also known as Higashiyama's biggest tourist destination. But are you familiar with the intriguing power spots in the area related to beauty and marriage? Join along as we walk around the shrines lining the foot of the mountain, and come to a relaxing garden, Maruyama Park.

Shijo-Dori is one of the main streets that connect the east and west, cutting through the urban area of Kyoto. The Yasaka Shrine located at this eastern point is the National Headquarters of the approximately 2,300 Yasaka and Susanoo-no-mikoto Shrines. In the old days, it was known as Gion Kanjin'in or Gionsha, and also given the name of one of the 'hanamachi' or 'flower towns,' originating from when it prospered as a front gate town.

There are various theories about the creation of Yasaka Shrine. According to some reports, it is even older than Heian-kyo. It is said that worship began at this place in year 656 (Saimei 2) when an envoy from the Korean Peninsula enshrined the mountain god Gozu of Korean Mythology. In another theory, in year 876 (Jogan 18), Ennyo, a monk of Nanto (Nara), began to enshrine statues of the Medicine Buddha around the temples.

Once you climb the stone steps and go through the Nishi-Romon Gate, you will cleanse your hands and mouth at the 'temizuya,' to the left of the gate. Once you have purified your body, you can finally approach the shrine located straight ahead when you enter through Nishi-Romon. It is called Eki-jinja, or "plague shrine," and as its name suggests, it is a shrine to help eliminate disease.

The tradition states that Somin Shorai who is enshrined here received a ring of reeds from Gozu-Tenno in order to prevent the plague. It is believed that Somin Shorai protects from disease. At the famous Gion Festival, you can get amulets, such as chimaki, said to ward off illness, on which the phrase "Somin Shorai Shison Nari" is written. This phrase roughly translates to “I am of Somin Shorai (so protect me from disease).”

Head right from the Eki-jinja and go along the road, pass Ota-sha, Ebisu-sha, Ookuninushi-sha, and the shrine office, and exit the front of the honden, or main shrine. 

There are many mysterious legends surrounding the Yasaka Shrine, and the main shrine holds one of them. One of the stories told by the people of the city is that there is a pond underneath whose underground streams continue toward Shinsenen and Minami-no-Toji, located west of Heian-kyo.

This pond has become known as the "dragon hole" where the blue dragon lives, and a place where the energy of the earth gathers. It is said to have been protecting the capital since long, long ago.

In private folklore, it is said that this is the only place where you can hear it loudly echo when you face west and strongly clap you hands in prayer under the east pillar of the main hall. This is because the wooden carving of the dragon "Ryuboe" on the pillar cries in response to your prayer.

Various festivals are held throughout the year at the Kagura Hall in front of the Main Hall. 

In front of the Main Shrine and Kagura Hall there is a south gate. Through the torii and heading south is the road that leads to Kodaiji and Kiyomizudera. 

Tadamori is the father of Taira no Kiyomori from the Tale of the Heike. When the emperor passed through in the rain one day, a monster-like shadow crosses his path. He was ordered to kill the accompanying Tadamori, however, Tadamori was able to reveal the identity of the monster as that of an old monk. As he was about to kill the monk, the emperor was able to calmly judge his loyalty and they escaped harm. It is said that this honor was what lead to the success and prosperity of the Heike.

On the north side of this lantern is Akuojisha Shrine.

Worshipped at this shrine are three beautiful goddesses, who are honored for their beauty: Tagiribime-no-mikoto, Tagitsuhime-no-mikoto, and Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto.　Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto in particular, said to be a prominent beauty, who was worshipped as Benzaiten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Moreover, overlapping with another goddess of beauty, Kisshoten, she has also been believed to be a goddess of fortune and performance as well.

Going north from the east of the Main Shrine, I head to Nishi-Romon gate, and return to Ebisu-sha, where we passed in the beginning.

Enshrined here is Kotoshironushi-no-kami, who is also regarded as one of the Seven Lucky Gods, Hiruko-no-kami, a god of the sea and business. This shrine is an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Following the legend of the Hare of Inaba and Okuninushi, there are items representing marriage here in the shape of rabbits. Many pray here for love and a successful marriage! 

Not only are there lucky talismans and amulets, but there are also items that are great not just for yourself, but as gifts and souvenirs, such as Bigozensha beauty amulets, and oil blot papers for the face.

Address

625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu

Phone Number

+81-75-561-6155

Free entry

*Office open from 9:00AM~7:00PM

The area where the park now stands has been known as a scenic spot since the Heian Period, however after entering the Meiji Period, much of the area where the shrines were built was taken as public land, and the development of the park began. Once opened, hundreds of cherry blossoms were planted, and Japanese garden landscaping was done by garden architect Ogawa Jihei VII (Ueji).

The cherry blossom trees that are there today are second generation, and giant, outstanding trees at 12 meters high, 2.8 meters around the trunk, with branches up to 10 meters. It is said the first tree planted here is about 220 years old, in this park which has been beloved by people since long ago.

A pedestrian road stretches around the garden and the gourd pond, and is visited by many people, from early morning until evening. 

If you continue along the east side of the park to Higashiyama, there is an observatory only about 5 minutes away on foot from which you can get a view of Kyoto looking through the trees.

Address

Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu

Phone Number

+81-75-561-1350

Free entry

+81-75-561-1350 (Urban Greenery Association of Kyoto City Foundation)

Yasaka Shrine, which has long been respected by the people of Kyoto, is a treasure trove of wonderful and interesting power spots. And Maruyama Park is a place where the rich nature protected by faith remains present while the downtown area waits nearby. The foot of Higashiyama is indeed the perfect place to experience the depth of the history of Kyoto.
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