Maruyama Park is the district's green spot. The park is laid out over some ten hectares, with fragrant paths dotted with unusual plant species such as the marvellous weeping cherry tree. All kinds of little shops line the main path which leads west to the Yasaka-jinja Shrine. A symbol of protection for the district, it also finances the large annual Gion Matsuri festival, which takes place every July (a whole month of festivities which culminates with the great parade of flower-decked floats). The entrance to the shrine is marked by an immense stone vermilion-coloured torii.