Early Morning: Yasaka Jinja Shrine

Construction began on Yasuka Jinja Shrine in the year 656. Since then, the shrine has played an important role in government affairs, as well as hosting local festivals. The Gion Festival is world famous.  In fact, the shrine was once known as Gion Shrine, Gion being the name of this part of Kyoto. At the year end, hundreds of thousands of people visit to participate in Shinto rituals, and to pray for the coming year. This is a popular shrine year round, so I decided to visit in the early morning, before the crowds came. In the quiet of the early morning, it was quiet and serene, and the lighting was soft and comforting.