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Photo spots

Where are the best photos at Yasaka Shrine?

The West Gate from Shijo-dori by day, and the Dance Hall lanterns after dark.

For photos without crowds, come early: by our estimate it stays at 40 or lower out of 100 before 10:00 every day. The lanterns need the dark, and the grounds are open all night.

Five spots, and when to go

  1. 1. West Gate (Nishi-romon), from Shijo-dori

    The vermilion gate at the east end of Shijo-dori, rebuilt in 1497: the oldest building in the grounds and the shrine's best-known view.

    When: Fewest people before 10:00. After dark the gate is a classic night shot.

  2. 2. Dance Hall (Maidono) lanterns

    Rows of paper lanterns given by teahouses of the geisha districts and nearby restaurants. The hall stands in front of the Main Hall.

    When: After dark, when the lanterns are lit (every night).

  3. 3. About 100 stone lanterns

    Given mostly by shops around Gion and lit at night. The shrine photographs them on the north approach.

    When: After dark.

  4. 4. South Gate (Minami-romon) and the stone torii

    The main gate on the main approach, with the stone torii in front of it. Gion Matsuri mikoshi leave through this gate.

    When: Fewest people before 10:00.

  5. 5. Main Hall (Honden)

    A National Treasure since December 2020: the main hall and the worship hall stand under one roof, a style found only here.

    When: Fewest people before 10:00 or late in the evening.

Sources: highlights of the grounds (Japanese), buildings (Japanese). Checked 19 October 2026. Crowd times are our own estimate.

Visiting at nightQuiet hours for every day

Can you take photos everywhere?

  1. 1No drones. Drones and other remote-controlled aircraft are banned in the whole grounds and during all ceremonies and events, including the Gion Matsuri.
  2. 2No commercial shoots. Commercial shoots by professional photographers are not allowed in the grounds, except by the shrine’s partner studios. School groups wanting a group photo should contact the shrine office in advance.

Source: the shrine's visiting guidance (Japanese). Checked 20 October 2026.

Shrine etiquette

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