Yasaka Shrine

The Yasaka Shrine (八 坂 神社jap, Yasaka -jinja ), formerly known as Gion Shrine, is a Shinto shrine in the Gion district of the district Higashiyama -ku Kyoto in Japan. Located at the eastern end of Shijo -dori, it was built in 656 and is Susano - o- no- mikoto consecrated as the main Kami and his wife Inada -hime -no- mikoto. It is built in a contemporary style and relatively complicated region - zukuri (祇 园 造) and is one of the largest shrines in Japan, as well as the most important shrine for Susano - o- no- mikoto.

In the year 869 the omikoshi ( portable shrines ) of Gion Shrine were paraded through the streets of Kyoto, to combat a plague that had infested the city. This was the beginning of the Gion Matsuri, an annual festival that became world famous. In the mikoshi the Mitama of the kami Susano - o- no- mikoto, Yasaka -no- sume -no- kami (also Gion -san ) and Inada -hime -no- mikoto is enshrined.

Currently called the Shrine, in addition to his role as host of the Gion Matsuri, every year thousands of people to welcome the New Year which there take place the traditional New Year rites and celebrations -. In April, he is on the way numerous visitors to the Maruyama Park, a known site of the traditional Hanami ( cherry blossom viewing ).