Yasaka Jinja

Come after dark if you can. The lanterns that line Yasaka Shrine's grounds at night create an atmosphere you won't get during the day, and the entrance from Shijo-dori stays open late.

The shrine has a close connection to Gion Matsuri, Kyoto's famous summer festival, so if your trip overlaps with July, this is a logical stop to build around.

The location makes it easy to combine with a walk through Gion or up into Higashiyama, both of which are right on the doorstep. You're unlikely to visit one without passing the others.