Yasaka Koshindo Temple is famous for its colorful amulet, the “Kukurizaru,” and is especially popular as a photo spot among women and couples. When I visited, I even saw people taking wedding photos here.
This article will share the highlights of Yasaka Koshindo Temple, along with some personal photographs.
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Getting to Yasaka Koshindo(Kongo-ji) Temple from Kyoto Station
The most convenient way to reach Yasaka Koshindo(Kongo-ji) Temple is by bus from Kyoto Station.
STEP
From the D2 bus stop at Kyoto Station’s bus terminal, take the city bus number 206.
STEP
Disembark at “Kiyomizu-michi” bus stop.
It takes about 15-20 minutes from Kyoto Station.
STEP
From the bus stop, walk about 300 meters, which takes about 5 minutes .
Highlights of Yasaka Koshindo (Kongo-ji) Temple
Yasaka Koshindo is known for being the first temple in Japan to introduce the unique “Koshin belief,” which blends Chinese and Japanese faiths. It is also recognized as one of the “Three Koshin Temples” in Japan, alongside Osaka’s Shitennoji Temple and Tokyo’s Sensoji Temple.
As you pass through the vibrant vermilion gate, you are greeted by a unique sight of colorful round objects hanging, offering a view not commonly seen at other temples.
Here, it is said that the secret to fulfilling your wishes is to forgo one of your own desires. The amulet used for this purpose is the “Kukurizaru,” made of colorful fabric. The monkey symbol, with its arms and legs tied, represents the suppression of desires.
Each “Kukurizaru,” which may initially look like a bean bag, has a wish written on it. When you write down your wish and hang it up, it might be a good idea to decide to suppress one of your own desires. When I hung up my “Kukurizaru,” I chose to suppress my desire for food (laughs).
With so many old buildings in Kyoto, this colorful and vibrant place is a rare and precious spot.
Information of Yasaka Koshindo (Kongo-ji) Temple
Web Site Official web site (Japanese only)Opening hours 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Phone number +81-75-541-2565
Please check the official website for the latest information. Nearby tourist spots include Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, and Kenninji Temple. If you’re interested, please check out the articles below.
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