Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine, Kyoto

Among the plethora of love shrines scattered across Japan, this one stands out for its unique feature鈥攁 rock to climb through. But it's not just any rock; it's a symbolic tool for both shedding old relationships and welcoming new ones, making it a hit among the young.

Here's the drill: scribble your name and heart's desire on a piece of paper, then squeeze yourself through a hole in the peculiarly shaped rock, bidding farewell to past romantic entanglements. Once on the other side, it's all about embracing a fresh start and manifesting a new love story. The paper bearing your heartfelt wishes is then affixed to the rock, joining the ranks of countless others.

Legend has it that the shrine dates back to the 7th century, initially Buddhist before embracing Shintoism in 1868 during the separation mandated by the Meiji government. Now nestled in the southeastern outskirts of Gion, it's ironically flanked by love hotels. Like other shrines, visitors jot down their desires on wooden plaques called "ema", hanging them up for the gods to peruse.

Yasui Konpira-gu is also famed for its Kushi Matsuri, a celebration honoring hair ornaments for their loyal service. Geisha grace the occasion, mindful of the saying "hair is a woman's life". The highlight? A procession showcasing the evolution of women's intricate hairstyles over a millennium鈥攁 testament to the enduring ties that bind the Japanese to their ancestral customs.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kyoto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Gion District Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Kyoto, Japan

Create Your Own Walk in Kyoto

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kyoto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Gion District Walking Tour

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Among its notable landmarks is the Minamiza Kabuki Theater, a venue where... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

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Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction here is the iconic Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing forest of towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This serene setting is a must-visit for travelers seeking tranquility amidst... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

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The cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is just as famous as a shopper鈥檚 paradise and, without a doubt, the best place in the country to buy traditional and modern Japanese goods. Souvenirs, food, bargains, and various 鈥渙ne-of-a-kind items鈥� are all up for grabs here.

In addition to its shopping scene, Kyoto boasts a rich culinary heritage, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

View all walking tours in Kyoto, Japan

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