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Shrine · Kyoto · Kansai

Yasaka Jinja Shrine

八坂神社

A Kyoto shrine tracing its origins to 656, dedicated to Susanoo-no-mikoto and his consort, with its main hall designated a National Treasure in 2020.

Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine © User: Bgabel at wikivoyage shared, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Links
Official websiteEnglish · Japanese
Access
625, Giommachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto
〒 605-0073
How to get there
Nearest stationGion-Shijo Station
祇園四条
Hankyu Kyoto Main Line · Keihan Main Line10 min walk from the station
Nearest bus stop祇園2 min walk from the bus stop

According to the shrine's historical records, the origins of Yasaka Jinja Shrine can be traced back to the year 656 during the Asuka Era, which was the second year of Empress Saimei's reign. It is said that the spirit of Susanoo-no-mikoto was brought to this location by Irishi, an envoy from Korea.

Additionally, in the Jogan Era of 876, a Buddhist priest named Ennyo, hailing from Nara Prefecture, constructed a temple in the area and enshrined Susanoo-no-mikoto as the guardian deity of the region. Within the main sanctuary of Yasaka Jinja Shrine, the central deity is Susanoo-no-mikoto, renowned for his heroic feat of defeating the eight-headed serpent, Yamata-no-orochi. Furthermore, the main sanctuary also enshrines Kushiinadahime-no-mikoto, the wife of Susanoo-no-mikoto, along with their children Yahashira-no-mikoto.

In a significant development on December 23, 2020, the main hall of the shrine was designated as a National Treasure.

Getting There

Map: Getting to Yasaka Jinja Shrine. Legend: Keihan Main Line; Hankyu Kyoto Main Line; Osaka Loop Line; JR Tozai Line; Katamachi Line; Keihan Oto Line; Shinkansen. Labelled stations: Kyoto, Osaka, Yamashina, Kizu, Shin-Osaka, Rokujizo, Yodoyabashi, Gion-Shijo, Sanjo.

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