Yasaka Shrine (Yasaka-jinja), once called Gion Shrine (Gion-jinja), is a Shinto shrine founded over 1350 years ago.

Initial construction on the Shrine began in 656. The Shrine became the object of Imperial patronage during the early Heian period. In 994, Emperor Ichijō ordered that Imperial messengers be sent to report important events to the guardian kami of Japan and these heihaku were presented to 21 shrines including Gion Shrine.

The shrine's main hall combines the honden (inner sanctuary) and haiden (offering hall) into a single building. In front of it stands a dance stage with hundreds of lanterns that get lit in the evenings. Each lantern bears the name of a local business in return for a donation.