Yasaka Shrine
八坂神社 · 히가시야마구
Shinto shrine in Kyoto, Japan
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Yasaka Shrine2:05
Welcome to Yasaka-jinja, affectionately known by locals as 'Gion-san.' Standing at the gateway between the bustling entertainment district of Gion and the verdant slopes of Maruyama Park, this shrine is one of the most…
Listen in the app2The West Tower Gate — The Iconic Face of Gion1:54
The West Tower Gate, or 'Nishiro-mon,' is the structure most visitors recognize as the entrance to Yasaka Shrine. Standing at the T-junction where Shijo-dori ends, its brilliant orange-red pillars and complex gabled roof serve as…
Listen in the app3The South Gate and Stone Torii — The Formal Entrance1:40
To find the true formal entrance to Yasaka Shrine, one must walk to the South Gate. This path aligns directly with the main sanctuary, reflecting the traditional layout of Shinto architecture where the approach should be linear. …
Listen in the app4The Main Hall — Built Over the Dragon’s Lair1:36
The 'Honden' or Main Hall of Yasaka Shrine is a masterpiece of the 'Gion-zukuri' architectural style, where the main sanctuary and the hall of worship are covered by a single, massive roof. This current structure dates to 1654…
Listen in the app5The Maiden — The Stage of a Thousand Lanterns1:36
In the center of the shrine courtyard stands the 'Maidono' or dance stage. This is perhaps the most photogenic spot on the grounds, especially after sunset. …
Listen in the app6Bigozensha and the Beauty Water1:31
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of the grounds is a smaller sub-shrine called 'Bigozensha.' This shrine is dedicated to the three beautiful goddesses of Munakata, daughters of Susanoo-no-Mikoto. Because of its association…
Listen in the app7Tadamori’s Lantern and the Night Cry Stone1:46
As we move deeper into the northern part of the shrine, we encounter artifacts that are steeped in legend. The first is 'Tadamori’s Lantern.' According to the story, on a rainy night in the 12th century, the retired Emperor…
Listen in the app8Closing1:30
As we conclude our journey through Yasaka Shrine, it is worth reflecting on why this site has remained so central to Kyoto’s identity for over a millennium. It is a place that has seen the city through its darkest…
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What is Yasaka Shrine?
Yasaka Shrine is a place in 히가시야마구 with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | 히가시야마구 |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Total length | 13 min 38 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 35.0036, 135.7785 |
| Last updated |
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