You may not have heard of Yasaka Koshindo Temple, but chances are you may have seen it on your instagram feed, as it is on of Kyoto’s most beloved photo spots!
With Kyoto having somewhere around 3,000 temples, they certainly come in all shapes and sizes with each having their own personality. With this one really dipping itself into all the colors of the rainbow, it is undoubtedly bolder and louder than what you expect from a spiritual place. And this is precisely why it is so loved by many…
Yasaka Koshindo Temple – 八坂庚申堂
Often just referred to as “Kongo-ji”, Daikoku-san Kongo-ji Koshin-do (大黒山金剛寺庚申堂) is a very small temple located in the Higashiyama district in the very center of traditional Kyoto.
As you walk towards the famous Yasaka Pagoda, you may almost miss it, if it was not for the clusters of people in front of its tiny gate. The temple is best-known for its monkeys. Which are dedicated to the Shomen Kongo and it is said that they have the ability to relieve people from pain and illnesses.
Kukurizaru – Let’s Make a Wish
As it is often custom to make a wish or prayer by writing it down on an “Ema”, a small plaque of wood, this temple is slightly different. And if you have not yet guessed, yes, the tiny colorful balls are what you write your wish on!
The “Kukurizaru” (くくり猿), which means “bound monkeys” are the equivalent of the above mentioned Ema. And with a lot of imagination you can see the resemblance, as the little stuffed monkeys are haging from the branches and beams.
So as you transfer your worldly wishes onto the Kukurizaru, the monkey will then do its best to help it come true. So why not add your own?
One More Picture Please
So make sure your camera is charged and you got plenty of space on your phone because this is any photographer’s dream come true!
It is almost impossible not to get a great photo. Only bring some time, as Yasaka Koshindo Temple is extremely popular, especially with Kimono wearing visitors and you can see why. As the colors just pop and the traditional fabrics blend in with the background, this is one Kyoto picture you do not want to miss. My tip is, if you do consider renting a Kimono in Kyoto, this should be on your list to visit.
So make sure to bookmarkt his for your Kyoto visit, as it is one mus-see place and with its amazing location there is really no excuse…
Some Last Facts
How to get here?
Located on the way to Kyomizu-dera it is about a 20min walk from both, Gion Shijio Station or Kyomisu Gojo Station on the Keihan Main Line. Or you can take the bus (No.206) from Kyoto station to Shimizudo and from there it is 7 min on foot.
It is open from 9 am to 7 pm and really worth visiting any time of the day.
How much time to spend?
You can just visit this on the way to Yasaka Pagoda and Kyomizu-dera. Pop in for a quick picture or stay for some time it is really up to you. If you walk through, it takes as little as 10min.
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