Yoshida Shrine

Yoshida Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, and is especially famous for its lively Setsubun celebrations. According to tradition, it was founded in 859 when Fujiwara no Yamakage invited the deity of Kasuga in Nara and established the shrine as a guardian of Heian-kyō (ancient Kyoto). Later, during the Bunmei era (1469–1487), Yoshida Kanetomo founded Yoshida Shintō and positioned Yoshida Shrine as the pinnacle of all Shinto. This doctrine, called Yuiitsu Shintō ("Unique Shintō"), proclaimed that visiting Yoshida Shrine would bring the same blessings as visiting every shrine in Japan, which greatly increased the number of followers. The main sanctuary stands on the southern foot of Mt. Yoshida, and the grounds include structures such as a dance pavilion and ceremonial halls. Instead of the usual guardian lion-dogs, seated sacred deer statues are enshrined. The annual Setsubun Festival, held from February 2 to 4 at both the main shrine and the Ōmotomiya, is a major event that preserves faith and traditions dating back to the Muromachi period. It draws around 500,000 visitors and features roughly 800 food stalls. The shrine is located just west of Kyoto University and is about a 5-minute walk from the city bus stop "Kyodai Seimon-mae."