Jishujinja Shrine

Jishu Shrine traces its founding to the age of the gods, and has long been venerated as the guardian shrine of the whole Kiyomizu and Yasaka district; emperors Saga, En'yu and Shirakawa all made formal visits. Today it is best known for matchmaking. In front of the main hall sit a pair of 'love stones' said to date from the Jomon period — walk from one to the other with your eyes closed and touch it, and your wish in love is granted. It's also a noted cherry-blossom spot, and the Jishu-zakura among its trees was celebrated in Noh chant. The main hall, worship hall, main gate and grounds are Important Cultural Properties, and the site was added to the World Heritage list in 1994.