Tras visitar el pabellon plateado, el dia 1 de mayo, volvimos a coger el bus hacia Gion. Ademas de recorrer de nuevo sus calles y mercados, dedicamos las últimas horas de la mañana a visitar el Santuario de Yasaka (entrada gratuita). Seguia haciendo un dia esplendido, con un brillante sol primaveral y práctica ausencia de nubes.
El santuario de Yasaka (八坂神社, Yasaka-jinja) tambien llamado Santuario de Gion, es un santuario Shinto en el distrito de Gion en Kyoto. Situado en el extremo occidental de Shijo-dori, fue construido en el año 656. Se compone de diversos edificios, incluyendo Puertas y una entrada principal.
Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社, Yasaka-jinja?), once called Gion Shrine, is a Shinto shrine in the Gion District of Kyoto. Situated at the east end of Shijō-dōri (Fourth Avenue), it was built originally in 656. The shrine includes several buildings, including gates, a main hall and a stage.
In 869 the mikoshi (portable shrines) of Gion Shrine were paraded through the streets of Kyoto to ward off an epidemic that had hit the city. This was the beginning of the Gion Matsuri, an annual festival which has become world famous. Today, in addition to hosting the Gion Matsuri, Yasaka Shrine welcomes thousands of people every New Year, for traditional Japanese New Year rituals and celebrations. In April, the crowds pass through the temple on their way to Maruyama Park, a popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) site. Lanterns decorate the stage with the names of festival sponsors. 
