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Yasaka Shrine Otabisho (Gion Matsuri,location,history)
Yasaka Shrine Otabisho, Gion Matsuri
The information about Yasaka Shrine Otabisho is presented here. At Yasaka Shrine Otabisho, three mikoshi (Nakagoza Mikoshi, Higashigoza Mikoshi, and Nishigoza Mikoshi) are enshrined from Shinko-sai of Gion Matsuri held on July 17th to Kanko-sai of Gion Matsuri held on July 24th each year.
【Yasaka Shrine Otabisho Location Map & Directions】
Address: Teiannaeno-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Access (How to get there): Shijo Kawaramachi bus stop (about 3 minutes on foot), Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station (about 3 minutes on foot), Keihan Gion Shijo Station (about 8 minutes on foot), Sabway Shijo Station (about 15 minutes on foot)
【Opening Hours & Closed (confirmation required)】
Opening Hours: Free
Closed: open year round
Shijo Center Otabi Kyoto (11:00-18:00, closed on Tuesdays)
【Entrance Fees & Tickets (confirmation required)】
Individual: Free
【Yasaka Shrine Otabisho History】
Yasaka Shrine Otabisho (八坂神社御旅所) is also called “Otabisho (御旅所)”, “Shijo Otabisho (四条御旅所)”, “Gion Otabisho (祇園御旅所)” and so on. Yasaka Shrine Otabisho is where three mikoshi (Nakagoza Mikoshi, Higashigoza Mikoshi, and Nishigoza Mikoshi) are temporarily enshrined from Shinko-sai (Oide) of Gion Matsuri held on July 17th to Kanko-sai (Okaeri) of Gion Matsuri held on July 24th each year. By the way, Nakagoza Mikoshi carries the divine spirit of Susano-no-mikoto, the main deity of Yasaka Shrine, Higashigoza Mikoshi carries the divine spirit of Kushiinadahime-no-mikoto, the wife of Susano-no-mikoto, and Nishigoza Mikoshi carries the divine spirits of Yahashira-no-mikogami, the eight children of Susano-no-mikoto. Yasaka Shrine Otabisho was founded at its present location in 1591 during the Momoyama period (1591-1600), when Toyotomi Hideyoshi consolidated Omandokoro Otabisho (大政所御旅所) and Shoshoi Otabisho (少将井御旅所). Yasaka Shrine Otabisho took on its current appearance in 1912 when Shijo-dori was widened. Outside of Gion Matsuri Festival period (July 1st-31st), the portable shrine warehouse operates as the Shijo Center Otabi Kyoto, which sells Kyoto souvenirs and other items.
●Omandokoro Otabisho used to be a place where Omandokoro Mikoshi (Susano-no-mikoto) and Hachioji Mikoshi (Yahashira-no-mikogami, eight children of Susano-no-mikoto) were enshrined. At Omandokoro Otabisho, a small shrine is now built here. By the way, in 974, Hata no Sukemasa, who lived in Higashinotoin Takatsuji, received an oracle from Yasaka no Okami, who said, “Make your house a place of appearance, and report to the imperial court immediately”, and the 64th Emperor Enyu had the same dream, and Hata no Sukemasa’s house became Omandokoro Otabisho.
●Shoshoi Otabisho used to be a place where Shoshoi Mikoshi (Kushiinadahime-no-mikoto, wife of Susano-no-mikoto) was enshrined. The small shrine has now been moved to the grounds of Munakata Shrine in the Kyoto Gyoen. By the way, the origin of Shoshoi Otabisho is not clear. According to “Kanekuni Hyakushuwakasho” by Yoshida Kanekuni (Urabe Kanekuni), who is the Shintoist of the Muromachi period (1336-1573),Shoshoi Mikoshi was enshrined at the well of Shojyoi to prevent the spread of epidemic diseases.
*reference・・・Yasaka Shrine Otabisho website
【Yasaka Shrine Otabisho Highlights (May be undisclosed)】
★The West Shrine (Important Cultural Property) of Yasaka Shrine Otabisho was built in 1901. The West Shrine enshrines Susano-no-mikoto and Kushiinadahime-no-mikoto (wife of Susano-no-mikoto), and is said to bring good luck in marriage.
★The East Shrine (Important Cultural Property) of Yasaka Shrine Otabisho was built in 1837. The East Shrine enshrines Yahashira-no-mikogami (eight children of Susano-no-mikoto), and is said to bring blessings for safe childbirth.
【Events (confirmation required)】
★Mugon Mairi (無言詣) of Gion Matsuri is held from Shinko-sai (神幸祭・おいで) held on July 17th to Kanko-sai (還幸祭・おかえり) held on July 24th, when three mikoshi (Nakagoza Mikoshi, Higashigoza Mikoshi, and Nishigoza Mikoshi) are enshrined at Yasaka Shrine Otabisho. It is said that if you visit Yasaka Shrine Otabisho from Shijo Ohashi Bridge every night for 8 days without talking to anyone and pray, your wish will come true. It is said that Mugon Mairi originated from maiko and geiko (geisha) in the Hanamachi district who would pray for success in love after the parlor. Mugon Mairi is also described in the novel “Koto” by Nobel Prize winner Yasunari Kawabata.
●Gion Matsuri Festival 2024 will start on July 1st, 2024 and end on July 31st, 2024.
Gion Matsuri Festival Schedule (July 1st-31st)
【Telephone (Please refrain from making phone calls.)】
Tel: +81-75-231-5732
【Recommended Walking Route】
The recommended walking route from Yasaka Shrine Otabisho is to walk east on Shijo-dori to Yasaka Shrine. There are also Ponto-cho, Gion, Kennin-ji Temple, and Tatsumi Daimyojin along the way, so we recommend making a detour to see them. Near Yasaka Shrine Otabisho are Nishiki Ichi Market, Shin Kyogoku-dori, and Teramachi-dori, where you can take a walk while shopping.
【Remarks(access, parking, disclaimer, etc)】
If you plan to visit Yasaka Shrine Otabisho, be sure to check the latest information.