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South Tower Gate: A Portal to Yasaka Shrine

Discover the spiritual beauty of Kyoto at Yasaka Shrine's South Tower Gate, a vibrant entrance to a world of tradition and tranquility in Gion.

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The South Tower Gate (Minami-romon) is a striking vermilion entrance to Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine, a Shinto shrine with over 1350 years of history. Located in the Gion district, the gate welcomes visitors into a serene space of tradition and cultural richness.

A brief summary to South Tower Gate

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience a more peaceful atmosphere.
  • Explore the Gion district surrounding the shrine for tea houses, traditional wooden buildings, and a glimpse into geisha culture.
  • If visiting in July, experience the Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's most famous festivals, with its vibrant processions and cultural events.
  • Take a photo of the South Tower Gate from below to capture its vibrant vermilion color and impressive architecture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Line) or Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Line), walk approximately 10 minutes east through the Gion district to reach Yasaka Shrine. The South Tower Gate will be visible as you approach the main entrance of the shrine.

  • Public Transport

    From Kyoto Station, take bus number 206 and get off at the Gion bus stop. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes and costs ¥230. From the Gion bus stop, it is a short walk to the South Tower Gate.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Kyoto. A taxi from Kyoto Station to Yasaka Shrine takes approximately 6 minutes and costs between ¥1800 and ¥2300. Be sure to have the shrine's address in Japanese to show the driver: 〒605-0073 京都市東山区祇園町北側625.

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Discover more about South Tower Gate

The South Tower Gate, or Minami-romon, serves as a majestic entrance to the renowned Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. This vibrant vermilion gate stands as a cultural and spiritual landmark in the historic Gion district. The gate leads visitors into a tranquil realm of meticulously maintained grounds, where the sounds of rustling leaves and seasonal flowers create a peaceful escape from the city. Founded over 1350 years ago, Yasaka Shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto and other deities. The shrine has been believed to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings of good health, love, and beauty. The South Tower Gate, rebuilt in 1879 after a fire, is the main entrance to the shrine and a popular photo spot. The stone torii gate in front of it is the largest existing stone torii gate in Japan and is designated as an important cultural property. Visitors can participate in traditional rituals, explore the surrounding Gion district, and immerse themselves in Kyoto's rich heritage. The shrine is especially lively during festivals like the Gion Matsuri in July, one of Japan's most famous festivals.

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