Shrine · Yoshida / Kyoto University
Yoshida Shrine 吉田神社
A wooded hillside shrine beside Kyoto University, famous for its Setsubun festival and the unusual octagonal Daigengu hall.
PriceFree
Getting thereCity bus to Kyodai-seimon-mae, 5 min walk; Demachiyanagi Station (Keihan), about 20 min walk
Time needed45 min
Best timeSetsubun festival in early February; autumn
Address30 Yoshida Kaguraoka-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8311
Websiteyoshidajinja.com
About
Yoshida Shrine was founded in 859 on Mount Yoshida to protect the capital, and became the centre of Yoshida Shinto. Its Daigengu hall, octagonal with a thatched roof, is said to enshrine all the gods of Japan. The shrine is busiest at Setsubun, when stalls fill the approach and a huge bonfire burns old charms. The rest of the year the forest paths are calm, with Takenaka Inari's torii tunnel just up the hill.
Highlights
- Octagonal Daigengu hall
- Setsubun festival with bonfire
- Forest paths on Mount Yoshida
- Takenaka Inari Shrine torii nearby
Tips
- Combine with Shinnyo-do and Kurodani a short walk east
- Setsubun (2-3 February) is very crowded
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-10
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Open in the appNearby
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