Yasaka Shrine, Shinto shrine in Gion district, Kyoto, Japan
Yasaka is a shrine complex in the eastern part of the city, close to the streets of Gion, with several smaller buildings arranged around a central courtyard. The architecture joins roof and hall into a single form with no visible gap between them, which is not the case at most other shrines.
The shrine began in the seventh century when religious envoys from the mainland introduced the worship of a protective deity. Later rulers rebuilt the structures several times, with the current main hall dating from the 17th century.
The shrine carries the name of a deity who watches over protection and health, so visitors often pray here before starting important journeys or seeking recovery from illness. Many people purchase small wooden tablets, write their wishes on them, and hang them on special racks, so hundreds of these tablets sway in the breeze.
The shrine can be reached on foot from the two nearest train stations in about ten minutes, with the route passing through the old streets of the district. The grounds remain accessible around the clock, and the entrances have no doors that close.
Every lantern on the stage displays the name of a local business that contributed to the upkeep of the shrine, so the rows of lanterns also represent a visible link to the neighborhood. Some of these businesses continue the tradition across generations and renew their lanterns at regular intervals.
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