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Yasaka Koshindo

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Yasaka Koshindo

Familiarized by locals as the "Koshin-san of Yasaka," the "Kukuri Monkey" made of colorful cloth is popular.

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A temple built in a famous tourists spot in Kyoto called Higashiyama, where other famous sights such as the Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine are located. The official name of the temple is "Daikokusan Kongoji Koshindo,” but is well-known as "Yasaka Koshin-san" in the local area. It is said that this was where the Koshin faith, which derived from Chinese Taoism, first started in Japan, and is also one of the three Koshin in Japan.

What stands out inside the temple grounds is the "Kukuri Monkey" made of colorful cloth, which has become a hot topic on SNS in recent years. It is a talisman in the form of a monkey whose limbs are tied up and cannot move, portraying control over the restless heart that constantly moves around like a monkey. If you write a wish on the “kukuri monkey” and give up one greed, it is said that wish will come true. Write your wish, date, and name on each handmade “kukuri monkey,” and hang them before you go home.

”Shomen Kongo '' is enshrined as the principle object of worship. It was originally the guardian deity of a powerful family in Kyoto named Hata, Yasaka Koshindo was established in the year 960 in an attempt to have commoners visit and worship Shomen Kongo as well. In the Koshin faith, monkeys are considered to be messengers of the gods, and the three wise monkeys who are also the followers of the Shomen Kongo, “see no more, hear no more, and say no more," are displayed throughout the precincts.

On the “Day of Koshin” held six times a year, monkey-shaped konjac is served to visitors.
In addition to the “Kukuri monkey,” there are many talismans with designs of monkeys with adorable facial expressions. Each talisman is handmade and has a different facial expression, so please go and find your favorite one.

Highlights

  • The colorful talisman "Kukuri Monkey" is a hot topic on SNS.
  • It is said that by giving up one greed, one wish would be granted.
  • One of the three Koshin in Japan, and is the birthplace of the Koshin faith in Japan.
  • The three wise monkeys of "see no more, hear no more, say no more" are seen in many places on the temple grounds.
  • Many talismans with the monkey motif.

Photos

  • The colorful "kukuri monkey" where wishes are written and tied.

    The colorful "kukuri monkey" where wishes are written and tied.

  • The three monkeys could be seen in many places on the temple grounds.

    The three monkeys could be seen in many places on the temple grounds.

Reviews

2

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • WANG
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    Whenever you're strolling through Kyoto's Higashiyama district and come across a small, colorful temple filled with a playful and prayerful atmosphere, you'll know you've arrived at Yasaka Koshindo, a hugely popular photo spot in recent years! As soon as you reach the entrance, your eyes are immediately drawn to the strings packed with brightly colored ball-shaped cloth charms.

    This temple, formally named Kongoji, is one of the birthplaces of Japan's Koshin faith. The most eye-catching things upon entering the grounds are the colorful, cute cloth figures shaped like monkeys with their hands and feet bound. These are local prayer charms called kukurizaru. It is said that if you write your wish on one and give up one of your desires, your wish will come true. With countless colorful figures hanging together, they not only look great in photos but also create a soothing and distinctive sense of prayer and ritual.

    Although the temple grounds aren't very large, it's conveniently located near Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda), making it an easy stop while walking around the area. The rustic wooden main hall, paired with the multicolored prayer charms, gives this historic temple an entirely different sense of lively energy.

    I highly recommend adding Yasaka Koshindo to your itinerary for photos and prayers while exploring Kyoto's Higashiyama district. Not only can you take home a cute prayer monkey charm, but you can also add colorful and unique memories to your trip to the ancient capital!

  • BobbyJenny
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    Although Yasaka Koshindo is not very large, it is full of traditional Kyoto charm. The colorful kukurizaru wish dolls inside the temple are very eye-catching, filling the entire space with warmth and energy. Writing down a wish by hand and praying for peace and good fortune also adds a sense of ceremony to the trip. Stopping by while strolling through the streets of Higashiyama lets you not only enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient capital, but also take beautiful photos with a distinctly Kyoto feel!

Details

Name in Japanese
八坂庚申堂
Postal Code
605-0828
Address
390 Kinencho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Telephone
075-541-2565
Holiday
Open every day
Hours
9:00am - 5:00pm
Admission
Free
Directions
Ride the City Bus from various lines' Kyoto Station to Higashiyama-Yasui Bus Stop, then walk 6 minutes.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa