Attraction

Храм Ясака

The Gion district is the center of the annual Gion Matsuri festival, held in July on the grounds of Yasaka Shrine, located next to Maruyama Park (one of Kyoto’s most famous cherry‑blossom viewing spots). The festival, which has been held since 869, features a parade of elaborately decorated floats (yama and hoko) through the streets. These floats are adorned with handcrafted goods, textiles and sculptures, and the festival’s aim is to appease angry deities. Yasaka Shrine is one of Kyoto’s main attractions. Its red stone torii gates rise about ten metres high, date from 1645, and are guarded by two lion‑dog statues that were likely created in the 13th century.