Photo Spot · Higashiyama

Yasaka Koshindo 八坂庚申堂

A tiny temple below the Yasaka Pagoda hung with thousands of colourful cloth monkey balls, kukurizaru, that became one of Kyoto's most Instagrammed scenes.

About

Yasaka Koshindo, officially Kongo-ji, enshrines Shomen Kongo, a deity of the Koshin faith, whose messenger is the monkey. Worshippers buy kukurizaru, cloth monkeys bound by the hands and feet, representing the restraint of a desire, write a wish on them and hang them in the precinct. The resulting curtains of red, pink, purple and yellow balls have made it one of the most photographed spots in Kyoto, especially with kimono-clad visitors and the pagoda in the background. There are also statues of the three wise monkeys. It is free to enter, and a few minutes from the Yasaka Pagoda.

Highlights

• Thousands of colourful kukurizaru monkey charms
• Three wise monkeys statues
• Pagoda in the background
• Kimono photo shoots
• Free entry

Tips

• Buy a kukurizaru and give up one desire to have your wish granted.
• Early morning for photos without crowds.
• Be quick and considerate; the space is small.
• Combine with the Yasaka Pagoda shot.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• % Arabica Kyoto HigashiyamaCafé & Sweets · 50 m away
• Yasaka Pagoda from Yasaka-doriPhoto Spot · 60 m away
• Camellia Tea Ceremony (Flower Teahouse)Activities & Experiences · 140 m away
• Ishibe-koji LanePhoto Spot · 140 m away
• Donguri Republic NinenzakaPokémon & Character Store · 170 m away
• Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka ChayaCafé & Sweets · 170 m away
• Sannenzaka and NinenzakaShopping Street · 180 m away
• The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto KiyomizuStay · 180 m away