The Yasaka Shrine, also known as the Gion Shrine, is a shrine (神社, Jinja) whose grounds often serve as a connection between the Gion and Higashiyama Districts. The temple was first founded in 656, and worships Susanoo (須佐之男), the Shinto god of the sea, storms, fields, the harvest, marriage, and love. Today, the temple plays host to the Gion Matsuri every summer, Japan’s largest traditional matsuri (祭り, Festival), with large floats and hundreds of participants.
We recommend entering via the main gate on the Gion side, walking through the back of the shrine to Maruyama Park, a beautiful park with streams meandering through it, and out the south exit to head towards the Higashiyama district. Maruyama Park is also especially popular in Spring (春, Haru, Apr to May) as a hanami (花見, Sakura Viewing) spot.
