Yasaka Jinja

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Yasaka Jinja is one of the most well known shrines in the Kyoto area standing at the east end of Shijo Street in the Gion District. Shrine legend states that the shrine was founded some 150 years prior to the founding of the Imperial Capital of Heian-kyô. Famously known as the site of the Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival) which occurs throughout the month of July, it pays tribute to the many gods enshrined at Yasaka, both greater and lesser. Some of the most noted gods enshrined are Susano'o-no-mikoto (God of Storms and Seas), Kushi’inadahime-no-mikoto (Susano’o’s wife, a Goddess of Rice, she was a princess he saved from Orochi, the eight-headed snake), and Yahashira-no-mikogami (the honorable eight god children of Susano’o and Kushi’inadahime).

For the casual: 9. For the educated: 9.

Yasaka Jinja is a sight all should go see. Unfortunately that does mean that you should expect lots and lots of tourists. Gion is already a very famous area of Kyoto because it is the geisha district, and by far the most famous geisha district in Japan. For those who do not know, geisha, meaning "art person," are female performers who specialize in party entertainment of varying sizes while also performing grand theater pieces. Most of Gion has changed into a modern city, but some of the streets are still traditional city houses, some of which are the okiya or homes of geisha. Because of their strong international appeal, many people flock to Gion in hopes of catching a glimpse of a geisha on their way to a party. As a result, it's almost impossible to imagine Gion when it isn't bustling full of people. The draw also means that tourists can rent kimono or yukata for a day of photos around Kyoto, and with Yasaka Jinja near by, the shrine is a very popular location for visitors. It is because of these crowds that I'm hesitant to mark this shrine as a 10, but I recognize that the shrine is beautiful even compared to other shrines, and the masses of people does make a visit enjoyable if people watching is your kind of thing. 

The center of the shrine.

Back side of the front gate.

Heian Jingû

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Originally constructed in 1895, Heian Jingû was built as a scaled-down version of the original Imperial Palace in Kyoto built in 794. Because of the Meiji Emperor and his quest to return Japan to a nation of Imperial power, many monuments like Heian Jingû were constructed to glorify the return of Imperial political power. Heian Jingû was built to commemorate the 1,100th year anniversary of the construction of the capital of Heian-kyô where the Emperor resided until Emperor Meiji moved the capital to the samurai capital of Edo, renaming the city Tokyo in the process. Enshrined are two emperors, Emperor Kanmu who founded the capital of Heian-kyô and Emperor Komei, the father of the Meiji Emperor and the last emperor to permanently reside in the Heian-kyô capital.

For the casual: 8. For the educated: 8.

Heian Jingû is one of the least shrine-like shrines that I visited simply because of how ostentatious it is. Usually, shrines have a very strong natural element and this applies to even to shrines that were in the center of metropolitan areas. Now that being said, this is not a criticism of Heian Jingû. The shrine may not have the same kind of natural balance that the other shrines do, but it does have a garden around the side and the back. The garden is the only part of the shrine that requires a ticket. I really felt that Heian Jingû was really beautiful for the shrine that it is and what it represents.  

The south gate to Heian Jingû.

Panorama of the center courtyard.

Heian Jingû is also known for its massive tori gates which are 24.2 meters (79.4 ft.) tall.

 

Kamakura-gû

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Kamakura-gû is actually a fairly new shrine being founded in 1869 following the Meiji Restoration, when the Emperor of Japan regained political power for the first major period since the Heian period which ended in the late 12th century. Kamakura-gû is dedicated to the Imperial Prince Morinaga who fought in 1333 in the siege of Kamakura by the forces of Emperor Go Daigo. Morinaga however was killed by his own men in the confusion of battle and became a tragic tale of the Imperial family. Kamakura-gû is known for two figurines that ward off evil: a red wooden head of a lion and a simple white statue of a samurai.

For the casual: 6. For the educated: 7.

As a fan of the Kamakura bakufu ("tent" government) and a dislike of Emperor Go Daigo who ended it, I laughed at the stories of Morinaga. I know it's very dark to think such things, but I can't help but think that there could have been a different scenario that led to his death besides "being killed in the confusion". Either way, the shrine is a cool place to visit. Off the beaten path from much of Kamakura, Kamakura-gû is a quaint little shrine with lots of beautiful bamboo, trees, and flowering plants. Kamakura-gû is the only place where I saw a good luck practice of smashing small ceramic cups against stone; it was so much fun because it's not everyday you get to break things for luck. 

The front tori to Kamakura-gû

 

Ushima Jinja

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Ushima Jinja, also referred to as Ushijima Jinja, is a small shrine on the north end of Sumida Park in Asakusa. It was founded in 860 and is noted for surviving the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the fire bombs of WWII.

For the casual: 7. For the educated: 6. 

Ushima Jinja is a really cool shrine with some really cool things. The shrine has a a stone statue of a cow which is a source of good luck by rubbing the cow where you would like to be healed. Sumida Park is a great little break from the city with wonderful winding paths, and the shrine is definitely a great addition to the park. To the south are the headquarters of Asahi Brewing (what I will say is that they chose the wrong architect for that building). To the east is Tokyo Skytree Tower, the tallest tower in the world (not to be confused with tallest building). The only issue is the highway overpass which follows the west side of the park. 

The statue of the healing cow is under the small overhang.

Tokyo Skytree anyone?

 

Asakusa Jinja

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Asakusa Jinja was built in the Kamakura period around the turn of the 13th century by the townsfolk. The shrine is dedicated to the three individuals who founded Sensôji, the temple only about 50 feet to the left of the shrine. Since it was the founding of the temple which essentially started the city of Asakusa, the three individuals,  Hajinomatsuti (the local lord), Hamanari, and Takenari (the two fishermen who found the statue of Kannon) and thereby considered founders of the city. Every spring is the Sanja Matsuri, considered one of the three Great Festivals of Edo (Tokyo), which closes down the streets of Asakusa as people crowd the streets and religious sites.

For the casual: 9. For the educated: 9.

This quaint little shrine is a fun place to visit. Right next to Sensôji, Asakusa Jinja is connected to all of the same sorts of activities that visitors can take advantage of as Sensôji. Craft shops, yukata stores, and so much more are within walking distance of the shrine gates.

Mikoshi, palanquins that transport enshrined gods, make their way to Asakusa Jinja during the Sanja Matsuri.

The Sanja Matsuri is such a big event that they close down even the big streets for mikoshi and visitors to travel.

Shrine Maidens before performing for the Sanja Matsuri.

 

Tomioka Hachimangû

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Founded in 1627, Tomioka Hachimangû is the largest Hachimangû shrine in Edo (Tokyo). Like Kanda Jinja and Hikawa Jinja, Tomioka Hachimangû is one of the great shrines which forms a circle around the Tokyo city center; the old Edo Castle center. Tomioka Hachimangû is also known for having one of the 3 great matsuri (festival) in Tokyo as well as its mikoshi (portable golden shrine used in matsuri) and Grand Champion Sumo Wrestler Stone. 

For the casual: 8. For the educated: 7.

Centered in a really cool area of Koto ward, Tomioka Hachimangû is a beautiful shrine to visit. Mostly I would say go for the restaurants next door, but the shrine is also a really cool place to visit with a great old main hall, well kept grounds, and no tall buildings to block the warm sun.