Yasaka Koshindo

Yasaka Koshindo, located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, formally Daikokuzan Enmei-in Kongoji, is a Tendai-sect temple counted as one of the "three great Koshin sites of Japan," alongside the Shitennoji Koshindo in Osaka and the Iriya Koshindo in Tokyo. The colorful round amulets called kukurizaru that fill the grounds are striking, and from this charming, photogenic scene it has in recent years become a hugely popular power spot on social media. The principal image is Shomen Kongo.

Highlights

• Kukurizaru: Amulets shaped like a monkey with its hands and feet bound. Representing the restraint of human desire so it cannot move, it is said that wishes come true if you give up one desire while making your wish.
• Colorful Photo Spot: The sight of red, yellow, blue, and other colorful kukurizaru hung densely is an ideal photo spot with the Yasaka Pagoda (Hokanji) in the background. Worship in kimono is also popular.
• Three Monkey Carvings: The motif of the three monkeys, "see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil," can be seen here and there, a highlight unique to Koshin faith.

Enjoying the Seasons

Set within the atmospheric streets of Higashiyama, worship and photography can be enjoyed in any season. During the cherry blossoms of spring and the foliage of autumn, it bustles with people visiting along with a stroll around the area. It is popular with tourists strolling in rented kimono, and for photogenic shots a sunny morning is recommended. On the days of the Koshin cycle, a rite is held in which eating three monkey-shaped pieces of konjac facing north in silence is said to bless good health.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 390 Kinen-cho, Shimogawara-dori Yasaka-torii-mae Sagaru, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
• Access: About a 7-minute walk from the Kiyomizu-michi city bus stop, or about a 15 to 20-minute walk from Gion-shijo or Kiyomizu-Gojo Station on the Keihan line
• Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
• Admission: Free (receiving a kukurizaru charges a fee, about 500 yen each)
• Phone: 075-541-2565
• Sect: Tendai; the principal image is Shomen Kongo

Practical Travel Notes

• Receiving a kukurizaru: A kukurizaru can be received for about 500 yen each. You write down your wish along with one desire you will give up, then tie it in the grounds as an offering.
• Photography tips: To capture the colorful kukurizaru and the Yasaka Pagoda in one shot, a sunny morning, when the light tends to fall from behind you, is recommended. As the small grounds are popular, aim for right after opening to avoid crowds.
• Etiquette: Popular as a photo spot, it is nonetheless a place of faith. Take turns and be considerate so as not to disturb other worshippers.
• Nearby sights: The Yasaka Pagoda, the Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka slopes, Kiyomizu-dera, and Yasaka Shrine are all within walking distance. Set in the heart of the Higashiyama sightseeing area of stone-paved slopes, it is a perfect base for a distinctly Kyoto-like town walk.
• Access guide: By bus, the Kiyomizu-michi stop is closest, about a 7-minute walk. As the area has many slopes, wear comfortable shoes.

A Quick Tip

When writing your wish on a kukurizaru, the key is to decide on one desire to give up along with the wish you want granted. Popular as a photo spot, it is also a place of faith, so take turns and be considerate when you visit. As Higashiyama sights such as the Yasaka Pagoda and the Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka slopes are within walking distance, touring it together with a distinctly Kyoto-like town walk is the standard plan.

📚 Sources

This article is based on publicly available sources such as Yasaka Koshindo, formally Kongoji, and tourism information published by the Kyoto City Tourism Association, along with on-site history boards and signage. Its standing as one of the Three Great Koshin of Japan, and the descriptions of the kukurizaru charms and the three-monkey carvings, are based on such public information. Viewing hours and the offering fee for the kukurizaru charms may change, so please confirm with the official information from Yasaka Koshindo before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: The grounds are compact, and about 15 to 20 minutes covers worship and photos. It is easy to drop by during a walk around Higashiyama.
• What to bring: The kukurizaru charms are offered for around 500 yen each, so bring small change. As the area has many slopes, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• If you enjoy photography: To capture the colorful kukurizaru with the Yasaka Pagoda in one frame, a clear morning with front lighting is best. To avoid crowds, aim for right after opening.
• Suggested route: Worship at the principal image, decide on one desire to hold back and write it on a kukurizaru charm, then tie it in the grounds as an offering. As this is a place of faith, share space considerately when taking photos.
• Nearby: The Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, Kiyomizu-dera, and Yasaka Shrine are within walking distance, in the heart of the Higashiyama sightseeing area with its stone-paved slopes.