Yasaka Koshindo | Review by Gina C

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Yasaka Koshindo

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

16 Sep 2026 See More

While visiting Kyoto’s Higashiyama area, I found Yasaka Koshindo to be a small and very distinctive attraction. The most eye-catching feature is the colorful kukurizaru hanging all around the temple. Clustered together like little ornaments, they’re bright and adorable, and every casual photo captures the atmosphere of Kyoto.

The temple’s official name is Kongoji Yasaka Koshindo. Although it isn’t large, it has a very special atmosphere. The colorful kukurizaru symbolize binding one’s desires and also carry the wish that prayers will come true. Seeing so many of them hanging together really makes you want to stay a little longer.

The surrounding area is part of Higashiyama’s popular walking route, with attractions such as Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Kiyomizu-dera nearby, so they can all be included in the same itinerary. Walking along the traditional streets in a kimono and taking photos with the colorful kukurizaru creates a scene that feels very characteristic of Kyoto.

What I liked most about Yasaka Koshindo was its compact, colorful atmosphere. Although it isn’t a large temple, it leaves a vivid impression. It’s a great place to stop by for photos and experience Kyoto’s traditional culture, and it’s well worth a visit while walking around Higashiyama.

Other Reviews by Gina C

Hakone Ropeway

From Sounzan to Togendai Station, a ropeway runs about 4km. You can ride in a gondola and look over the lush nature of Hakone mountains, Lake Ashinoko, Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay. Enjoy a skywalk for about 24 minutes.
- Hakone
- Ropeway
16 Sep 2026 See More

The Hakone Ropeway is a part of traveling around Hakone that’s well worth experiencing, especially the ride from Sounzan to Owakudani, where the scenery along the way is truly beautiful. As the gondola slowly rises, you can look down over Hakone’s mountain scenery, and when the weather is good, you may even see Mt. Fuji. The views are very expansive.

As you approach Owakudani, the scenery becomes quite distinctive. You can see white smoke constantly rising from the valley and even smell a faint scent of sulfur, making it very different from the scenery on a typical ropeway. The mountains, forests, and volcanic terrain overlap along the way, and it’s also great for taking photos.

I think the Hakone Ropeway is more than just transportation—it’s an interesting travel experience in itself. If you plan it together with Owakudani, Togendai, and Lake Ashi, your whole Hakone itinerary will be even more varied. In particular, slowly crossing the valleys inside the gondola really gives you the feeling of traveling.
Rinku Premium Outlets

This outlet mall is in the Rinku Town across the bay from Kansai International Airport and many tourists from other countries visit here. In August of 2020, in commemoration of its 20th anniversary, the mall was expanded for the 5th time into the largest outlet in western Japan.
- Kishiwada, Kansai Airport, Senshu
- Commercial Buildings
16 Sep 2026 See More

Rinku Premium Outlets in Osaka is a great place to include in your itinerary for shopping. It’s also very convenient to get to from Kansai Airport, making it especially suitable for stocking up before heading home. The outlet complex is huge, and the streets are designed to look like an American town, making it very pleasant to walk around and browse.

There’s a wide variety of brands here, offering everything from sportswear, clothing, and shoes to household goods. When there are sales, it’s really easy to keep shopping nonstop. I personally think it’s a good place to take your time comparing prices. Some items are much cheaper than their original prices after discounts, and when I see something I like, I can’t resist buying it.

Besides shopping, the grounds are also great for taking photos. The buildings and streets have an international feel, and when you get tired, you can take a break at a restaurant or café. When the weather is nice, it’s relaxing to stroll around and look at the stores.

If your itinerary takes you near Kansai Airport, I highly recommend adding Rinku Premium Outlets. Not only can you find discounted items from many brands, but you can also make it the last stop of your trip and browse at your own pace. If you enjoy shopping, it’s really worth setting aside half a day to make the most of your final shopping time in Japan!
Fushimi Inari Taisha

It is the head shrine of about 30,000 Inari shrines which are traditionally familiar throughout Japan and the god is worshiped for bountiful harvests of grain, business prosperity, the safety of households, recovery from illness, and wish fulfillment. This shrine was established in 711 AD.
- Fushimi, Rakunan
- Shrines & Temples
16 Sep 2026 See More

When I came to Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, what I looked forward to most was seeing the famous “Senbon Torii” in person. As soon as you enter the shrine, you can see rows of bright red torii gates stretching into the mountain. The sheer number is astonishing, and actually walking through them is even more impressive than it looks in photos.

As you follow the torii gates up the mountain, there are orange-red gates almost everywhere on both sides. Sunlight filters through the gaps, creating a mysterious and solemn feeling as you walk. Along the way, you’ll also see many fox-shaped ema plaques and amulets. Since foxes are regarded as messengers of the Inari deity, the entire shrine is filled with distinctive elements of Japanese culture.

This isn’t just a place for taking photos. Once you enter the Senbon Torii, you can also feel the peaceful atmosphere of a traditional Kyoto shrine. Although the climb becomes more physically demanding as you go higher, the scenery keeps changing along the way, making the walk feel very worthwhile.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most iconic attractions in my opinion, and the Senbon Torii is especially memorable. If it’s your first time in Kyoto, you should definitely walk through it yourself to truly experience the impressive sight of one torii gate after another stretching into the mountain forest.