Overview

Dating from the ninth century, Yoshida Jinja was originally dedicated to the tutelary spirit of the Fujiwara clan. In 1081 AD, it was recognized as one of the elite 22 shrines in Japan. The deity's vehicle, a deer, is commemorated in a bronze statue. The shrine is also associated with cooks and chefs, so many of the visitors you see here paying their respects and seeking blessings are from the culinary trade. The shrine comes to life on 3rd February, when it stages a large bonfire to celebrate setsubun, the Chinese New Year.