Yasaka Jinja Temple

Yasaka Jinja Temple was built in the 7th century in honor of the Buddhist saint Gozu Tenno, and according to the locals, the temple brings happiness and helps to cope with diseases of the mind and body.

The temple received its special status in the 9th century, when a plague epidemic broke out in Japan. According to one version, during this epidemic, the emperor went to this temple to learn how to defeat the disease. The monks of the temple passed through Kyoto with mikoshi, after which the plague began to recede. In honor of this event, the Gion Matsuri festivals are held in the temple.

Now the temple and the adjacent park adorn many different lanterns, each lantern has its own name. In the evening and at night, these lights highlight the beauty of the place.