CONTENTS
The Higashiyama area is a must-see for any visitor to Kyoto. Between the major Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizudera Temple, the popular Ninenzaka and Sanenzaka shopping streets, and all the little gems hidden throughout. Yasaka Koshindo Temple is one of these tucked-away treasures, with a vermillion gate hiding the supremely instagrammable interior from sight. Peek inside, and you’ll see thousands of colorful little kukurizaru \”monkeys\” snuggled up against the buildings!
The Higashiyama area is a must-see for any visitor to Kyoto. Between the major Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizudera Temple, the popular Ninenzaka and Sanenzaka shopping streets, and all the little gems hidden throughout. Yasaka Koshindo Temple is one of these tucked-away treasures, with a vermillion gate hiding the supremely instagrammable interior from sight. Peek inside, and you'll see thousands of colorful little kukurizaru "monkeys" snuggled up against the buildings!
Make a Wish with a Colorful Dangling Monkey
Enter the gate of Yasaka Koshindo Temple, and without a doubt the first thing to strike you will be the numerous colorful balls, hung all around the temple. These are called "kukurizaru" (くくり猿), literally "bound monkeys," and they're talismans sold by the temple. They're no gimmick, though! The temple is dedicated to Koshin, a blue deity with origins in a unique folk-religion also called Koshin, which is where the three see/hear/speak no evil monkeys come from. Because of this connection to monkeys, the little stuffed talismans are shaped a little like monkeys hanging from a branch. Traditionally the Buddhist idea was that you would transfer your worldly desires to one of the monkeys. These days you can write your wish on one, tie it up with the rest, and see if Koshin will help it come true. Either way you'll add one more burst of color.
The Last Remnants of a Japanese Folk Faith
As you near the main temple buildings, you'll see more vestiges of the Koshin folk religion these monkeys come from.
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Details
NAME:Yasaka Koshindo Temple (八坂庚申堂)
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ACCESS:Gion Shijo Station (祇園四条駅)
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