Yasaka Shrine

Dedicated to Susanoo, his consort Kushinadahime and their eight children, construction began in 656. It received imperial patronage in 869 when the emperor called for special rituals to appease evil spirits thought to have caused a plague.

The shrine is an important part of Gion's culture, and has long been a patron of the arts.

Also included a white bird, more cherry blossoms, a delicious piece of cake, and Ichiriki Chaya Gion. This tea house is one of the most exclusive in Japan, invitation only, on par with elite private clubs.

It's historically significant, as it's associated with Oishi Kuranosuke Yoshio, one of the leaders of the Ako Vendetta (1701-1703), in which a group samurai sought to avenge the death of their colleague who was forced to kill himself after wounding an obnoxious court official. The forty-seven samurai (turned rogue so therefore called ronin) did defeat and kill the official and many of his retainers. When caught by officials, they were granted the right to commit ritual suicide, rather than be treated as criminals. It's an interesting story, told many times in movies, plays, etc. It's also one of the teahouses featured in Memoirs of a Geisha.Read more