Yasaka Koshindo Temple in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

The small Yasaka Koshindo Temple, also known as Daikoku-san Kongo-ji Koshin-do, within the Higashiyama district in Kyoto, is known for its unique decoration of colorful balls made of cloth. The talisman, called Kukurizaru, represents a monkey with tied hands and feet to the back. This symbolizes self-control and the tradition says that to fulfill a wish, one must give up to another desire. If you buy a Kukurizaru make sure to put a little note inside and the temple’s deity Koshin will help you:) Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > At the temple grounds people, followers of the Koshin faith, worship Shomen Kongo (nickname Koshin-san), a Buddhist guardian warrior with healing power, and the three wise monkeys. Maybe you have already seen the - not hearing, not seeing and not talking - wooden monkey carvings/pictures at other temple grounds. Monkeys belong to the Koshin faith and it is said that their spirit is protecting people and their homes from bad influences. Because of the multi-colored talisman, the temple became a very popular tourist spot to take Instagrammable pictures. Six times a year the - Day of Koshin - occurs and visitors get treated with a monkey-shaped konjac, which symbolizes protection against evil.

• Yasaka Koshindo:
• Opening Hours - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (daily)
• Admission Fee - free

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 2 - 8 hours. For more details check out this page >

History

Yasaka Koshindo Temple was built during the Heian period (794 - 1185). It is one of the few remaining temples of Koshin-do in Japan. Koshin-do belongs to the Shinto religion with Taoist influences, in which the monkey plays a very important part.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Yasaka Koshindo Temple grounds - Enjoy the colorful decoration and the statue of Shomen Kongo.

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamigamo Shrine. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

Obon Festival at Higashi Honganji Temple (30th - 31st)
The annual summer Obon Festival honors the spirit of our ancestors. You can enjoy there tea ceremony demonstrations, games, flower market, delicious food, Bon Odori Dancing and much more.

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.