All Reviews of Yasaka Koshindo

When visiting the Kiyomizu-dera area, you definitely shouldn’t miss Yasaka Koshindo, a temple filled with Kyoto charm! I first learned about it from a TV program and specifically added it to my itinerary. It certainly didn’t disappoint.

As I entered the temple grounds, the first thing I saw was row after row of colorful “kukurizaru” monkeys hanging in a mix of red, yellow, blue, and pink, like vibrant waterfalls of wishes. They look beautiful from every angle! Many Japanese women come to pray dressed in elegant kimono, which complement the adorable monkeys. Every casual snapshot captures the atmosphere of the ancient capital.

The way you make a wish here is also interesting. You can choose a cloth ball you like, write your wish on it, and hang it at the temple. The kukurizaru represents a monkey with its hands and feet bound, reminding people that to make a wish come true, they must not only pray for divine blessings but also learn to control their desires, try to let go of one obsession, and take action toward fulfilling their wish.

I visited in early spring, just as the plum blossoms on the branches were about to bloom. The delicate pink flowers created a charming contrast with the rustic temple and colorful kukurizaru, adding a gentle, poetic touch to the whole scene.

When traveling in Kyoto, you definitely shouldn’t miss the unique photo spot Yasaka Koshindo! It’s best known for the colorful balls hanging throughout the temple. From a distance, they create a bright, colorful, and charming scene. Almost any photo you take has that distinctly Japanese travel feel, making this one of Kyoto’s popular must-visit photo spots.

These brightly colored balls are actually called “kukurizaru.” They are monkey-shaped prayer charms made of cloth with their hands and feet tied together, symbolizing the restraint of one’s desires in order to make a wish come true. Each one is a different color, and together they create a beautiful sight that gives the entire temple its distinctive character. I originally thought they were simply decorations, but after learning about their meaning, I discovered the fascinating cultural story behind them!

After walking from Kiyomizu-dera, I highly recommend stopping by this charming and colorful little shrine, Yasaka Koshindo!
Although the grounds aren’t very large, as soon as you step inside, you’ll be drawn to the many colorful kukurizaru monkey charms. These adorable little monkey-shaped charms can be hung up after you write your wish on them to pray for good fortune, or you can take one home as a special souvenir of your trip to Kyoto.
Because this place is so colorful and atmospheric, if you’re lucky, you may even see newlyweds in gorgeous kimonos taking wedding photos here. It’s a very beautiful and romantic sight. It’s a wonderful place to stop by for photos while also experiencing a traditional cultural atmosphere!

A cute little shrine that's perfect for a quick stop while exploring Kiyomizu-dera! The most eye-catching feature of Yasaka Koshindo is the colorful “wish monkeys” hanging all around the grounds. The individual colorful cloth balls are so bright and cute that you can't help taking photo after photo just standing beside them.

This place also attracts many visitors in kimono who come specifically to take pictures, making the whole scene feel very Kyoto. But whether or not you're wearing a kimono, the colorful balls make a great backdrop for photos. Because it's so popular, the crowds are truly unbelievably huge! If you want a more complete, unobstructed shot, you may need to wait patiently for a while.

When walking around the Kiyomizu-dera area, don't forget to stop by this colorful little spot and take a few cute photos with a Kyoto feel!

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!

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!