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Yasaka Shrine 八坂神社

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · 1 post since 2013

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Visiting Yasaka Shrine today

  • What it is: Gion's main shrine, with its vermilion west gate at the east end of Shijo-dori. It is one of Kyoto's busiest places for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the new year.
  • Getting there: About 5 minutes' walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station, or 8 minutes from Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi. City buses 100 and 206 from Kyoto Station stop at Gion.
  • Hours: The grounds are open 24 hours. The shrine office is open 9:00-17:00.
  • Admission: Free.
  • Tip: For Okera Mairi (about 19:30 on 31 December to 5:00 on 1 January), visitors carry sacred fire home on a rope. About a million people visit over New Year; go after 3 January for space.
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Hatsumode crowds over New Year; Gion Matsuri in July

Checked against: Yasaka Jinja (Discover Kyoto) · Yasaka Jinja hatsumode guide (Weathernews). Check opening times and prices before you go.

Yasaka Shrine on Shibuya246

Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.

Culture

Yasaka Jinja

I visited a number of Temples and Shrines on New Years Day just to have a walk around and see the crowds. I started in the center of Kyoto and walked to…