, , ,

Must Visit Shrine in Downtown Kyoto, Japan

Leave a Comment

Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Yasaka Shrine: A 1,350-Year-Old Sanctuary

We visited a must-see shrine in Kyoto, renowned as one of the most beautiful and famous sacred sites. It offers a genuinely unique experience that showcases Japan's vibrant cultural heritage. Let’s go!



"This site contains Affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases of a product/service at no added cost to you." ^_^

Travel Tips
  • For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
  • For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.


Train Travel From Tokyo To Kyoto 

We took a Bullet Train via Klook from Tokyo to Kyoto on October 19, and we spent four amazing days Discovering the sights of Kyoto. We also set aside one day to explore Dotonbori: The "Vegas of Osaka". When we arrived at Kyoto Station, we just walked to our hotel. 



How to Avoid the Crowds at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Where to Stay in Kyoto

  • Check-in: Seiki Kyoto Station Hotel
  • Also called Hotel Seiki Kyoto Station
  • Address: 24-5 Higashikujo Kitakarasumacho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8017, Japan
  • 5 days 4 nights
  • Price: 520 USD / 75,411 JPY (VAT included) for 1 unit with 2 bedrooms, accommodating 4 adults and 1 toddler.
  • Take note: All guests staying in Kyoto City will be charged an accommodation tax of 200 JPY per person per night.


Pros

  • Great for Budget Travelers
  • Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families
  • Just a 6-minute walk from Kyoto Station
  • Within walking distance of two major shopping malls
  • Experience traditional Japanese-style rooms with Tatami mat flooring
  • Bonus: Washer-dryer combo inside the room
  • Close proximity to most Kyoto attractions


I absolutely love the traditional Japanese-style rooms at Seiki Kyoto Hotel. The use of tatami mat flooring in the bedrooms enhances the authentic Japanese experience even more.

Read more: Budget-Friendly Place to Stay in Kyoto for Families - In this post, I will highlight our accommodation in Kyoto, along with nearby dining options, shopping spots, attractions, and much more.


How to get to the Pokemon Center from Kyoto Station

How to get from the Pokémon Center to Yasaka Shrine (Gion District)

  • After discovering the Most Traditional Pokémon Center in Japan, we head to Yasaka Shrine.
  • Across the street from the Pokémon Center or SUINA Mall, 5 minutes away from the Shijo Station.
  • Take bus 207 to the Gion District. 
  • Get off when you see Nishiromon Gate.


Yasaka Shrine or Gion Shrine

  • Address: Yasaka Jinja Nishiromon Gate (Western Tower Gate), 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
  • Free Admission


Yasaka Shrine is also referred to as "Gion Shrine." This historical site boasts an impressive age of over 1,350 years.

The Yasaka Shrine is famous for the Gion Matsuri, a big and historic summer festival in Japan. We had a great time there, as the place makes you feel like you're in old Japan, where life was simple, and people enjoyed nature more. 




The Nishiromon Gate

Also referred to as the Vermilion Gate or Western Tower Gate.

The gate was truly enchanting—it stood tall, vibrant red, and utterly captivating. As we ascended its stone steps, it felt as though we were stepping back in time.

Upon our arrival, we discovered a small food kiosk, allowing us to sample some local snacks before exploring further. Please remember, it's not advisable to walk around while eating, as this can be seen as disrespectful. Instead, try to enjoy your snacks while seated, near the food stall, or in a designated area.



The Main Hall (Honden): Official National Treasure of Japan

This was constructed in the unique Gion-zukuri style and is designated as an official National Treasure of Japan for its unique design and historical significance.

The Main Hall is behind me, a big, striking red building that is both grand and sacred. Saul firmly asked me not to take photos of the Main Hall or any shrines during our time in Japan, as a respectful gesture. While it's usually okay to take pictures of the Main Hall from the outside, photography is not allowed inside or directly at the sacred altars. However, you can take photos in the shrine's open areas, courtyards, and the famous dance stage adorned with lanterns.


Discover Kyoto's Vibrant Culture with Klook

Explore Kyoto's rich culture with tours, activities, and must-see attractions. Check out Klook for a wide range of affordable and reliable options. On this platform, we’ve purchased a few vouchers: 



How to get to the Pokemon Center from Kyoto Station

The Lantern Dance Stage

In the main courtyard, the dance pavilion is adorned with hundreds of hanging paper lanterns, each displaying the name of a local business. We also purchased our souvenirs near the dance stage.


 Unique Souvenirs

  • Life Fortune
  • Amulets/Charms
  • 10 USD


They sell a variety of omamori amulets, each dedicated to themes such as love, matchmaking, health, victory, and general fortune.

We bought two charms: one for my husband’s parents and for our car, which we affectionately call “Nemo,” since his lucky fin hasn’t been holding up well. Hopefully, this will lift his car's spirit.



Torii Gate: Avoid Walking in the Center

Saul keeps reminding us about the Tori gates marks as holy ground. We need to learn about them, so here's what you need to know as a tourist.


Shrines vs Temples: Basic Information

Shrines

  • Built for Shinto tradition
  • Marked by a torii gate at the entrance


Temples

  • Built for the Buddhist tradition
  • Marked by a sanmon gate at the entrance.


What To Do When Entering Shrines: Proper Etiquette

  • Bow once before walking under the gate and once more when leaving. Not too strict with this for tourists.
  • Walk a bit to the left or right when passing through the gate, not in the center.


Why Avoid the Center Path?

  • Avoid walking through the center of a torii gate, as it's a sacred path for the gods.
  • The gate represents the boundary between the regular world and holy ground.


Before entering: Steps for Purification at the Shrine

If a shrine or temple features a temizuya, a traditional water purification area located at the entrance, you can use it to cleanse your hands and mouth.

  • Scoop water with a ladle using your right hand; pour over the left hand.
  • Switch hands; pour water over the right hand.
  • With the same scoop, pour water into your left hand, rinse your mouth, and spit beside the fountain.
  • Avoid touching the ladle to your mouth.


When praying: Steps for Prayer at Shrines

  • Throw a coin
  • Ring the bell
  • Bow twice
  • Clap twice
  • Pray
  • Bow again


Temple Etiquette: Must-Do


Before entering

  • When a temizuya is available, cleanse your hands and mouth in the same manner as you would at a shrine.


When entering

  • Be quiet
  • Follow photo restrictions
  • Wear socks
  • Remove shoes in temple buildings
  • Use shelves or bags for shoes


When praying

  • Be calm and respectful
  • Light incense, pray silently
  • Put out the flame by waving your hand
  • Don’t clap


Demonstrate the Highest Level of Respect

They say you should wave the smoke towards yourself because it has healing properties. Even as tourists, we should demonstrate the highest level of respect; ignorance can be quite disrespectful. If you’re not willing to show this respect, it may be best to consider avoiding the location altogether. Take a moment to observe the locals or read the signs before participating in any activities within these sacred spaces.



Maruyama Park: Kyoto's Top Destination for Cherry Blossom

After we went through the torii gates, we saw a black and white cat. It was interesting and entertaining to watch them play until they said goodbye.

Just behind the shrine, we kept walking and found Maruyama Park. It had a big pond with ducks and a stone bridge that looked like something out of a postcard. We spotted a girl in a kimono standing still, gazing at the waters. The scene transported me into the world of anime, where everything burst into vibrant color in my mind. 


After a long walk, we needed a break, and this was the most tranquil spot we had encountered in Kyoto so far.



Evening Vibe

The shrine grounds transform into a mystical setting after sunset. We spent a lot of time in front of the lantern dance stage when the lanterns lit up the area, serving as beacons of light amidst the darkness.


Interesting Find: Poké Lids or Pokémon manhole covers

As we walked at sunset, we saw a Pokémon-themed sewer cover, also called Pokéfuta or Poké Lids—basically, Pokémon manhole covers. It was our first time seeing one, and it was really cute to find it unexpectedly. Pokéfuta or Poké Lids are illustrations of Pokémon characters. They were first installed in 2018 and can be found in numerous locations across the country.

The one we saw at Yasaka Shrine is right next to Maruyama Park and features the Pokémons: Pichu, Cleffa, and Igglypuff.


Shijo Street: Kyoto's Historic Gion District

On the other side of the shrine, the tall, red Vermillion Gate leads to Shijō-dōri or Shijō Street, which is Kyoto's historic Gion district. We didn't stay long here; we found our bus stop and headed back to the hotel.


To Return to the Hotel



We also got the chance to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and took the alternative route to avoid the crowds. We enjoyed the Matcha Tea Making for 400 JPY, and had the opportunity to prepare matcha traditionally.

The previous day, we watched the Jidai Festival at the Imperial Palace (former residence of the Emperor of Japan) and went to Kyoto's Nishiki Market or "Kyoto's Kitchen", for a spectacular food adventure!


Travel Packing Checklist for couples

Bonus Tip: Use a Travel Packing Checklist

This is my ultimate secret to making travel hassle-free: I use a Travel Packing Checklist. This ensures I don’t forget essential items and prevents those frantic last-minute shopping trips for things I already own but left behind. I didn’t realize how much I needed this notebook; it truly keeps my journeys organized and stress-free. Check out Flying Starfish Studios for unique journals, notebooks, and planners.

Here's another special Packing checklist designed for families. It includes packing lists for babies and kids to ensure nothing is overlooked!

Have fun and be safe ^__^


Do you want more adventure in Japan?

Tokyo Travel Tips

  • Pokémon Center Tokyo DX: Largest Pokémon store, with a Pokémon Café.
  • Tokyo Station: Must-visit for Amazing Ramen, Anime, & Manga Stores
  • Shibuya: Easy Itinerary, World's Busiest Pedestrian Crossing & Pokémon Centre
  • Ueno: Simple Itinerary, Things To-Do and Delicious Eats at Ameyoko Market


Explore Kawaguchiko "Best Mt. Fuji Views"



  Explore Kyoto



Explore Osaka


Travel Visa for Filipinos

Where am I going next?

  • For our next adventure, we're looking forward to Discovering the Beautiful Island of Hokkaido in Japan. I can't wait for this trip!

SHARE:

No comments

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)