Yasaka jinja

Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto is the head shrine of all Yasaka Shrines nationwide, and is affectionately known as "Gion-san."
Before the Meiji period's order separating Shinto and Buddhism, it was known as "Gion Shrine," "Gion-sha," or "Gion Kanjin-in," and was later renamed to "Yasaka Shrine."
The origins of Yasaka Shrine are not certain due to various theories, but traditionally the deities enshrined are Gozu Tennō and the syncretized Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
During the Heian period, it was highly revered by the imperial court as the guardian deity of the area.

Yasaka Shrine is well-known for its Important Cultural Property-designated tower gate on the west side, but the main entrance is actually on the south side, marked by a stone torii gate built in 1646, beyond which stands a similar tower gate.

The tower gate facing Shijō Street is known as the West Tower Gate. Its gabled roof structure, built in 1497, remains an Important Cultural Property.
The vivid red and white walls of the shrine, combined with its open layout, attract many visitors.

There are many auxiliary and subsidiary shrines within the grounds, totaling nearly 30. Among them, the Ebisu Shrine dedicated to Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto is affectionately known as "Gion's Ebessan."
The shrine building, painted in bright red and white, was constructed in 1646.

The main hall, designated as an Important Cultural Property, is known for its unique architectural style called "Gion-zukuri."
Originally, the worship hall and the main hall were separate buildings, but they were covered under one roof, as documented in Heian period literature.
This style is thought to have been established between 935 and 986. After being rebuilt in 1492, it was destroyed in 1646 and newly completed in 1654.
The main hall is enclosed by a sacred fence, making it an iconic structure of Yasaka Shrine.