Yasaka Shrine
The shrine is dedicated to Susa-no-o, the storm god (brother of Amaterasu Omikami, the sun god), his spouse Inadahime-no-Mikoto and their mythological 8 children. Susa-no-o is considered the Shinto god of medicine since the thousands who prayed to him during an epidemic were saved.

The most popular place for the midnight countdown and the first shrine visit of the year is the Yasaka shrine. Many, many people come in a festive atmosphere. At the stroke of midnight coins are thrown towards the Honden (getting close enough to put them in the offering boxes is out of the question)

Many other temples and shrines are also open all night. Revisit Yasaka shrine the next day..

Large view: click small image