The Beloved Gion San — Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto's Gion District

The deity being enshrined at the Yasaka-jinja Shrine is Susanoo as its kami, amongst others. Kami refers to a deity or a supernatural power that is revered as god and inhabits in nature. The Yasaka-jinja Shrine was originally named Gion Shrine, dedicated to Shinto, which is considered a native faith in Japan.

Shinto is polytheistic and animistic. Worshippers practice the principles of purity, as shown in their cleaning rituals. Other rituals include dance, rites of passage and kami festivals. Followers of the faith will offer food and drinks to the deities, and priests officiated some of the shrines as well.

In Kyoto, the Gion Shrine was a beloved site for the locals. They call it Gion San, as an endearing name for the shrine. The site is very crowded during the New Years. Every year, the shrine holds the Migoshi Togyo, meaning the procession of the portable shrine, as the celebration of the Gion Festival. It takes place on the nights of July 17 and 24. On July 17, 3 Migoshi’s (the portable shrines) will be taken for display at Otabisho in downtown Kyoto. It is believed that these shrines carry the deities with them and will bless everyone on the way of the parade. After sitting in Otabisho for a week, the portable shrines return to Yasaka-jinja Shrine on July 24.

Perhaps what caught my attention at the Yasaka-jinja Shrine is a whole section of the shrine dedicated to romantic relationships (with matchmaking prayers). Daikoku-sha is where the faithful gather to pray for a good relationship with their loved ones.




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Post by Helen Yu (Chestnut Journal) | Feb 25, 2025