Daishogun Shrine and Yokai Street

Ichijo Yokai Street

Heading south from the famous Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, you will find Ichijyo Yokai Street (Daishogun Shopping Street). It is said that the street was named “Yokai Street” based on a legend that yokai, or mourning gods, once marched along Ichijo Dori Street in this area.

Except for a few yokai dolls placed here and there, the street is usually a normal shopping street. During Kyoto Ichijo Hyakki Yako events, people dressed as yokai parade through the street. Check a YouTube video.

You can check the events of Daishogun Shopping Street (yokai street) on its official Facebook page.

Daishogun Hachiman Shrine

Yokai Street is home to the Daishogun Hachi Shrine that gives the area its name. When the Heian-kyo Capital was built, a shrine dedicated for the star god “Daishogun” was built at the heavenly gate at the northwest corner of the Imperial Palace to prevent bad luck in accordance with the way of Yin-Yang.

Shrine’s official WEB site

As many as 100 statues of deities are kept in the Hokutokuden, the shrine’s treasure hall. The shrine opens the treasure hall to the public for a few days each year, but otherwise it is closed to the public.

Nearby spots of Daishogun Hachi shrine and Yokai Street

Famous Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is within a few minutes walk from the Yokai Street.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮)