Yasaka-jinja Shrine, Kyoto

At the eastern edge of Gion's main street looms a magnificent vermilion gate, the steps leading to it serving as a popular backdrop for countless snapshots. Beyond lies a pathway lined with tempting food stalls, guiding the way to Yasaka Shrine. Amidst this spectacle sits a stage with a triple row of lanterns, casting a glow that transforms the scene into a fairy tale come to life.

Yasaka Shrine takes center stage as the proud host of the renowned Gion Festival each July, a lively spectacle drawing throngs of revelers with its array of side events and delectable food offerings. The festival's roots trace back to the year 869, a time of dire epidemic, when portable shrines paraded through the streets in a plea for relief. Since then, it has blossomed into an annual tradition, yet Yasaka Shrine remains a captivating destination year-round, beyond the festival fervor.

Marvel at the Main Building's cypress bark roof, last rebuilt in 1654, while exploring the precincts teeming with sub-shrines honoring revered "kami" (gods) from across the nation. Unsurprisingly, a sub-shrine devoted to beauty often sees the presence of geishas.

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Adjacent lies Maruyama Park, whose Meiji-era designer artfully harnessed the waters of Lake Biwa to breathe life into its landscape. Here, picturesque arched bridges span tranquil carp ponds, imbuing the surroundings with an unmistakably Japanese ambiance. While cherry blossom season draws crowds, evenings in the park offer a serene retreat, seamlessly blending with the shrine's lantern-lit allure.