Kyoto's Colorful Yasaka Koshin-do

Hidden in Kyoto's Higashiyama District, Yasaka Koshin-do is a small Buddhist temple known for its vibrant colors. The temple is famous for its colorful wishing balls called 'Kukurizaru,' making it one of the most photogenic wishing spots in Kyoto. 'Kukurizaru' are colorful fabric balls that symbolize self-restraint and the fulfillment of wishes. Each ball is inscribed with wishes for happiness, health, academic success, or career achievements. When sunlight shines on the wall of wishing balls, the vibrant colors seem to bring the temple to life, making it a popular photo spot. Yasaka Koshin-do is dedicated to the guardian deity of Koshin faith, 'Shomen Kongo,' who is believed to protect followers from disasters and bring peace and good fortune. Besides praying for blessings, the temple's architecture and garden design are full of traditional Kyoto charm, making it worth a visit. Yasaka Koshin-do is just a 10-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera and Ninenzaka, making it a perfect addition to a Higashiyama walking tour for a cultural experience of both blessings and sightseeing. 📍 **Address**: 390 Kinen-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 🕒 **Opening Hours**: 09:00–17:00 🎯 **Recommended Activities**: Hanging wishing balls, praying to Shomen Kongo, taking photos