Saiin Kasuga Shrine

京都府京都市右京区西院春日町61Open in Google Maps ↗Official site ↗

Founded in 833 as the guardian shrine of the retired emperor's detached palace, this shrine has over 1,190 years of history. Legend says an imperial princess was cured of smallpox here, so it is revered for healing and protection from illness — note the "Hoso-ishi" stone on the grounds. The six-shaku wisteria drapes like a curtain at the Fuji Flower Festival on April 29. Free entry; 3 minutes from Hankyu/Kifuku Saiin Station.