Enjoy Yasaka Shrine even more by renting a kimono! We also introduce the highlights and popular sightseeing spots in the area.
The Yasaka Shrine, a highly popular tourist spot in Kyoto, attracts a large number of visitors daily. Among them, you’ll often see people dressed in kimono, a testament to its popularity. If it’s such a popular spot, it’s definitely worth a visit.
In this article, we’ll provide information on how to access Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto when you plan to rent a kimono. We’ll also share recommendations for nearby attractions, highlights of Yasaka Shrine, and photo spots. Additionally, we’ll explain the advantages of renting a kimono near Yasaka Shrine. With this article, you can enjoy sightseeing at Yasaka Shrine without any confusion once you arrive in Kyoto.
Supervised by: Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kyoto
- 1. Access to Yasaka Shrine
- 2. Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Gion Store: A Recommended Choice for Visiting Yasaka Shrine
- 3. Why is Yasaka Shrine Popular? What Are Its Highlights?
- 4. Yasaka Shrine’s Gion Matsuri Festival – Particularly Famous
- 5. Instagram-Worthy Spots in and Around Yasaka Shrine
- 6. Cafes and Rest Spots Around Yasaka Shrine
- 7. Yasaka Shrine – A Recommended Spot for Those Who Rent Kimono in Kyoto
Access to Yasaka Shrine
Access to Yasaka Shrine by City Bus
To access Yasaka Shrine by city bus from Kyoto Station, follow these steps:
- From Bus Stop D1, take Kyoto City Bus Route 100 to “Gion” and disembark there.
- From Bus Stop D2, take Kyoto City Bus Route 206 to “Gion” and disembark there.
Generally, taking a bus is recommended for access to Yasaka Shrine from Kyoto Station. However, if the buses are overly crowded, you may consider taking a train as an alternative.
In that case, you can take the Nara Line train bound for Nara (Platform 8) from Kyoto Station. Then, transfer to the Keihan Main Line train bound for Demachiyanagi (Platform 1) at Tofukuji Station. From there, head towards Gion-Shijo Station.
Access to Yasaka Shrine by Train
Access to Yasaka Shrine by train includes the following options:
- If you use the Hankyu Line, you can get off at “Kawaramachi Station” and walk for about 10 minutes.
- If you use the Keihan Line, you can get off at “Gion-Shijo Station” and walk for about 8 minutes.
If you choose to use the Hankyu Line, after getting off at Kawaramachi Station, if you don’t mind a 10-minute walk, you can follow Shijo Street straight ahead, and you’ll soon see Yasaka Shrine.
If you prefer to reduce your walking distance, you can take the Kyoto City Bus Route 46 from the bus stop “Shijo-Kawaramachi” and get off at “Gion.” From there, you’ll arrive at Yasaka Shrine.
Similarly, if you choose to use the Keihan Line and get off at Gion-Shijo Station, walking straight along Shijo Street for about 8 minutes will lead you to Yasaka Shrine.
If you decide to use the bus, you can take Route 46 from the bus stop “Shijo-Keihanmae” and get off at “Gion.”
Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Stores near Yasaka Shrine
Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Gion Store
2 minutes’ walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station, 4 minutes’ walk to Yasaka Shrine
Address: 〒605-0802 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Yamatocho 7-1 Gion Moriya Building 3rd Floor
Popular plans at Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Gion Store include the Kyoto Kimono Couple Plan and the Kyoto Kimono with Hair Set Student Discount Plan!
These plans come with hair sets and offer discounts, making them quite popular!
If You’re Going to Yasaka Shrine, Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Gion Store Is Recommended
The kimono dressing service provided by Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kyoto is done very securely, so unless you make big movements or run continuously, there’s no need to worry about your kimono coming undone. However, it’s still reassuring to have a shorter travel distance to reduce the chances of any mishaps.
Moreover, while many tourists at Yasaka Shrine are renting kimonos, Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kyoto offers professional hair styling services that can make you stand out from others.
They even allow you to bring your own hair accessories, so it’s perfect for those who want to express their individuality and look extra cute! ♪
Why is Yasaka Shrine So Popular? What Are Its Highlights?
Among the many shrines in Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine is particularly popular among young female tourists who rent kimonos.
The reason lies in the keywords “beauty and love power spot.” Let’s now introduce some must-visit spots at Yasaka Shrine.
Okuninushi Shrine – Deity of Matchmaking
First, let’s introduce the Okuninushi Shrine, marked by a ribbon-shaped Yasaka emblem under a sign that says “Deity of Matchmaking,” along with the statue of Daikokusan and a rabbit.
Here, the famous deity Okuninushi-no-mikoto, also known as “Daikoku-san,” the god of fortune and matchmaking, is enshrined. Pay attention to the adorable prayer rabbits here. You can name one of these rabbits and write your wish on a piece of paper, then seal it with a sticker. After that, you can offer it at the prayer area of Okuninushi Shrine.
Aside from the rabbits, there are also heart-shaped ema (prayer plaques) that are incredibly cute. If you wish for romantic success, make sure to stop by here before visiting the main hall of Yasaka Shrine! ♡
Utsukushii Gozen Shrine – Deity of Beauty
Utsukushii Gozen Shrine (美御前社) located within the precincts of Yasaka Shrine is known for its fluttering banners and beauty water that springs up beside the torii gate.
Literally dedicated to beauty and virtue, this shrine attracts not only local maiko and geiko but also beauty professionals and celebrities from across the country.
Despite the large number of tourists who visit daily, the main attraction here is undoubtedly the beauty water.
As it says, “beautiful both inside and out,” it is believed that applying this water to your skin, about 2 to 3 times, not only improves your complexion but also enhances your inner beauty.
If you want to enhance both your physical and mental beauty, be sure to visit at least once!
Yasaka Shrine’s Gion Festival, Especially Famous
The Gion Festival is a festival held in the center of Kyoto city, and among them, the festival at Yasaka Shrine is especially famous. The Gion Festival takes place from July 1st to July 31st, but Yasaka Shrine’s festival is primarily held on July 17th and July 24th.
During Yasaka Shrine’s festival, beautifully decorated floats called “Yama” and “Yoiyama” parade through the streets, and portable shrines are carried, creating a lively atmosphere with a large gathering of people. At night, lanterns and illuminations light up the area, creating a magical ambiance.
Yasaka Shrine’s festival attracts not only visitors from within Kyoto but also tourists from all over Japan, making it very lively. During the festival period, numerous food stalls and souvenir shops open up, allowing you to enjoy the festival atmosphere.
Instagram-Worthy Spots at Yasaka Shrine and Its Surroundings
When it comes to Instagram-worthy spots at Yasaka Shrine, the West Gate (Seirou-mon) is undoubtedly one of the highlights.
The area in front of the West Gate is always bustling with people taking photos.
When you capture a photo with the striking red West Gate in the background, your rental kimono will look stunning and your picture will be incredibly beautiful.
Of course, the main hall is also a great place to take photos, and the path leading to it, surrounded by many small subsidiary shrines, is also a wonderful spot for photos.
Additionally, around Yasaka Shrine, there are many other popular places that are perfect for Instagram photos. Some representative Kyoto tourist spots around Yasaka Shrine include:
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- Hanami-koji (about 5 minutes on foot from Yasaka Shrine)
- Kodai-ji Temple (about 7 minutes on foot from Yasaka Shrine)
- Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda) (about 11 minutes on foot from Yasaka Shrine)
- Yasaka Koshindo Temple (about 11 minutes on foot from Yasaka Shrine)
- Ninen-zaka (about 12 minutes on foot from Yasaka Shrine)
- Hanami-koji (about 5 minutes on foot from Yasaka Shrine)
Cafes and Resting Spots Around Yasaka Shrine
When you rent a kimono at Yasaka Shrine and walk around, you may find yourself feeling tired more quickly than usual due to the unfamiliar zori sandals or geta shoes. That’s why it’s important to research places where you can take a break in advance. After all, if you’ve rented a beautiful kimono, you’ll probably want to visit a stylish cafe, too.
So, here are some recommended cafes and relaxation spots around Yasaka Shrine:
First, right next to Yasaka Shrine, you’ll find Maruyama Park, an ideal place to take a break and rest your tired feet. There are also restrooms in the park. You can sit on one of the benches surrounded by nature and take a break.
If you want to capture photos with nature as your backdrop, Maruyama Park is perfect, and you can even take some pictures while resting. The park is often visited by stray cats, so just watching them can be soothing.
One recommended cafe is the recently opened “Itoh Kyuemon Gion Store.” Located about a 6-minute walk from Yasaka Shrine, Itoh Kyuemon is known for its delicious Uji matcha. The first floor serves as a souvenir corner, while the second and third floors are designated as cafe spaces where you can relax at ease.
At the Gion store, you can enjoy a variety of sweets, including the special parfait exclusive to this location, as well as meals made with matcha. Whether you need a short break or want to satisfy your hunger, it’s an excellent choice. The cafe’s atmosphere perfectly complements the rental kimono’s style. ♪
Yasaka Shrine is a Recommended Spot for Those Who Rent Kimonos in Kyoto
Kyoto has many tourist spots, and visiting them while renting a kimono can elevate your experience compared to your regular attire. Even when taking Instagram-worthy photos, wearing a rental kimono will make you look even more stunning!
Yasaka Shrine, a popular spot for those who rent kimonos, offers not only Instagram-worthy locations but also places associated with beauty and matchmaking. Be sure to visit it at least once.
Around Yasaka Shrine, you’ll find many other photogenic spots like Yasaka Koshindo Temple and Kodai-ji Temple. There are also numerous cafes and souvenir shops, so you can enjoy a full day of exploration! ♪
At Narihana Kimono Rental Gion Store, professional kimono dressers will ensure that your kimono stays securely in place, so you don’t have to worry about it coming undone while you’re out and about.
Professional hair and makeup artists will also create a hairstyle that complements your rental kimono, incorporating the latest trends. You’ll look cuter than anyone else! ♡
With excellent access to Yasaka Shrine, be sure to use their services when you visit Kyoto!
Author of this article
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku operates four kimono rental shops in Kyoto city, including locations in Arashiyama, Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, and in front of Kyoto Station. In 2023, they served over 230,000 customers in the Kyoto area!
They offer affordable plans, with a kimono dressing plan starting from 3,500 yen, and a hair setting plan from 5,500 yen.
Close to popular tourist spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Koshindo, and Yasaka Shrine!
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Gion Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Arashiyama Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kyoto Station Front Store
