Yasui Konpiragu [ 安井 金比羅宮 ] is another little treasure close to one of the most popular temples in Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera Temple [ 清水寺 ], in Kyoto's Higashiyama [ 東山 ] district. It's a small shrine that won't take much of your time to swing by before or after your visit to Kiyomizu Temple or Gion [ 祇園 ], the geisha district. It's open 24 hours so you can stop by anytime, even in the dark.
What's special about this one? You get to write your wishes on pieces of paper (voluntarily contribute 100 yen in the box) then pick a place to glue it on this little dome which is made of thousands of pieces of paper. Specifically, it's for people who want to break off bad relationships (with people or things) and start good ones - that's pretty much everyone, amiright?! I love this shrine! It's just so quirky! ...a bit different from the other more "serious" temples.
You can even buy this mini shrine for your home (which of course I did - isn't it just the coolest?)! Although the shrine doesn't close, if you'd like to buy something like this, you'll need to go between 9 am and 5:30 pm
Find more info on the website of Yasui Konpiragu. It doesn't close and is free! Yay!
View Larger Map : Kyoto Station to Yasui Konpiragu Shrine
From Kyoto Station, take City Bus [ 市バス ] 206 and get off at Higashiyama Yasui [ 東山安井 ] after 20 minutes. Once you get off the bus, don't cross the street. Just turn into the small side street of love hotels, and you'll see a torii gate entrance on your left after a minute or two. The bicycle in the photo may or may not be there.
