Kyoto - Yasaka-jinja Shrine

The Yasaka Shrine (or Gion Shrine) is dedicated to the god Susanoo-no-mikoto, his wife Inadahime and their sons. The present buildings, erected in 1654, were modeled on the original architecture. To the south of the main shrine, which is roofed with cedar-wood shingles, stands a stone torii 30ft/ 90m high. Among the art treasures possessed by the shrine are wooden koma-inu figures (lion-like animals) by the well-known sculptor Unkei. The Gion-matsuri, celebrated in July, is one of the great Japanese festivals.