Yasaka Kōshin-dō

Over 1,000-year-old Kōshin temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto — famous for the colourful wish pouches tied to its trees by visitors.

Yasaka Kōshin-dō, formally Daikoku-san Kongō-ji Kōshin-dō, is a small temple in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, founded over 1,000 years ago with its current main hall rebuilt in 1679. The temple is dedicated to Kōshin — a Japanese folk belief blending Taoist, Buddhist, and Shinto elements. It is best known for the colourful silk pouches (kukurizaru) that visitors tie to the temple trees, each containing a written wish. Located near Kiyomizu-dera, the temple is a surprisingly lively spot despite its small size.