How do you visit and pray at Yasaka Shrine?

Arriving

1. 1Bow once before you pass under a torii, and turn and bow once after you leave.
2. 2The middle of the approach is said to be the path of the deity; walk along the sides.
3. 3No dress code; neat clothes are appreciated.

At the purification fountain

1. 1Rinse your left hand.
2. 2Rinse your right hand.
3. 3Pour water into your left hand and rinse your mouth.
4. 4Rinse your left hand again.
5. 5Tip the ladle up so the water rinses the handle.

At the Main Hall

1. 1Put an offering in the box and ring the bell (the rope is tied up at night).
2. 2Bow twice.
3. 3Clap twice.
4. 4Make your prayer.
5. 5Bow once.

The bell rope is tied up from about 17:00 to about 6:00 for visitors' safety; pray the same way without ringing it. Goshuin and amulets are usually received after you have prayed.

House rules

1. 1Not allowed in the grounds: littering, pets, smoking, drones, bicycles.
2. 2Drones and other remote-controlled aircraft are banned in the whole grounds and during all ceremonies and events, including the Gion Matsuri.
3. 3Commercial 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.
4. 4Wheelchair users can enter from the Tokiwa Shinden car park, through the shrine office, into the grounds.

Sources: the shrine's visiting guidance, bell rope notice (Japanese). Checked 20 October 2026.

Questions

How do you pray at Yasaka Shrine?

Put an offering in the box and ring the bell, bow twice, clap twice, make your prayer, then bow once. The shrine says there is no strict rule: anyone may pray, in any way.

How do you use the purification fountain?

Rinse your left hand. Rinse your right hand. Pour water into your left hand and rinse your mouth. Rinse your left hand again. Tip the ladle up so the water rinses the handle.

Can I ring the bell at night?

No. The bell rope is tied up from about 17:00 to about 6:00. Pray in the usual way without it.

Can I fly a drone at Yasaka Shrine?

Drones and other remote-controlled aircraft are banned in the whole grounds and during all ceremonies and events, including the Gion Matsuri.