Yasui Konpiragu

Yasui Konpiragu, located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, is a power spot nationally renowned for blessings of severing bad ties and forging good ones. Its enshrined deities include Emperor Sutoku. Most famous of all is the "stone monument for cutting and forging ties," covered pure white with countless paper slips. A steady stream of worshippers come from across the country wishing to sever bad bonds and forge good ones.

Highlights

- Stone Monument for Cutting and Forging Ties: A stone monument about 1.5 meters high; you make your wish by crawling through the hole in its center. Crawling through from the front cuts bad ties, and crawling back from the rear forges good ones. - Katashiro (Paper Figures): The proper practice is to write your wish on a katashiro paper and stick it to the monument. The densely pasted slips speak to people's earnest wishes. - Votive Plaques: Many votive plaques bearing thoughts about relationships are dedicated, creating a distinctive atmosphere.

Enjoying the Seasons

Being in the city, it is easy to visit year-round, and many come regardless of the season. In spring, strolling along with the cherry blossoms of the nearby Gion and Higashiyama areas is recommended, and in autumn with the foliage. On weekends and in the tourist season, lines may form before the monument, so weekdays or mornings allow for more relaxed worship.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: 70 Shimo-bentencho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - Access: About a 10-minute walk from Gion-shijo Station on the Keihan line, or about a 3-minute walk from the "Higashiyama Yasui" city bus stop - Hours: Grounds open freely (the monument all day; the charm office during the day) - Admission: Free

A Quick Tip

"Cutting ties" is said to work not only on relationships but also on bad habits you want to break, such as illness, alcohol, or tobacco. First write your wish on a katashiro paper, then crawl through the monument with heartfelt sincerity. The order matters: cut bad ties first, then forge good ones. The location is easy to drop by during a stroll through Gion.