In the Yasaka Shrine you will also find a nice collection of lanterns, picture on the left. They bear the name of their sponsors, mainly Kyoto business. Lanterns are lit after dusk.
Next to Yasaka Shrine there is the Maruyama Park, a great place to see the cherry blossoms in spring. The Cherry blossom viewing parties, or hanami, are very popular among Japanese. Hanami parties are celebrated under the cherry trees during the blossom season.