Yasaka Jinja

Yasaka Jinja, affectionately known as 'Gion-san,' is an ancient shrine representative of Kyoto, celebrated for the Gion Festival which has continued since the Heian period. It enshrines Susanoo no Mikoto. Founded in 656, it has long been revered as the deity of plague prevention. The Gion Festival in particular is one of Japan's three major festivals, held over the course of July with grand celebrations that have become a summer symbol of Kyoto known throughout the nation. Located adjacent to the Gion geisha district, it offers charming worship in an atmosphere quintessentially Kyoto. The 'Omae Mizu' (beauty water) fountain is also famous, popular among those praying for beauty.