Yasaka Shrine is located right in the center of town, Gion, where many people visit to enjoy shopping and sightseeing. Yasaka means "eight slopes" with many opinions surrounding the origin of it's name. Mainly it is told that the origin is from Yasaka-no-mitsuko who used to be someone in the samurai class. The building structure is unique among the shrines of Japan. Generally shrines are built separating the main shrine where priest pray with areas where visitors pray. However, both of them are located in the same and built to be in closer bond between them. They have some interesting spots to pray for business and for beauty. In addition, Yasaka Shrine plays a major roles in Gion Festival which has 1,100 years of history and is held every year from July 1st to July 31st.