Yasaka Shrine, nicknamed “Gion-san” in Kyoto, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Higashiyama. The shrine is said to be older even than Heian-kyo, and used to prosper as a front gate town. Visiting Yasaka Shrine reveals many intriguing power spots related to beauty and marriage, including the Eki-jinja (Plague Shrine), the main hall designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and the Daijingusha Shrine dedicated to the Goddess of Beauty. Legends abound in the area; for instance, at the Kagura Hall visitors may see traditional festivals such as Setsubun Matsuri and Mid-Autumn Festival. Also worth a visit is the Tadamori Lantern, which stands beside Akuoji Shrine and features in Japanese folk tales.

It is very popular in spring as its Maruyama Park is known for its yozakura, a beautiful weeping cherry blossom tree.