Historical
Kyoto's Kitano-Tenmangu
Justin VelgusThis enshrined deity of scholarship helps those wishing to pass examinations.
Kitano Tenmangu
Known for its academic blessings, Kitano Tenmangu is a Shinto shrine in Kyoto’s Kamigyo ward that is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, an influential scholar and politician. The shrine was built in 947 AD and is Japan’s first shrine to enshrine an actual person as a deity. Although there are numerous shrines throughout Japan dedicated to Michizane who is mainly known as a god of academics, Kitano Tenmangu is the original one.
The massive Ro-mon Gate stands as the border between the city and the shrine grounds. This wooden structure, detailed with gold-and-wooden carvings, serves as an introduction to the architectural mastery ahead. Upon entering, it is customary to go to the chozuya and perform a hand-cleansing ritual. After you complete the ritual, explore the shrine’s tranquil grounds.
Overview
Address
Bakurocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto (Map) (Directions)Hours
5:00 - 18:00 Closed nowOpening Hours
Monday
5:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
5:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
5:00 - 18:00
Thursday
5:00 - 18:00
Friday
5:00 - 18:00
Saturday
5:00 - 18:00
Sunday
5:00 - 18:00
Holidays
5:00 - 18:00
Price
Free
Phone Number
075-461-0005Website
Highlights
Main Hall
This structure enshrines Michizane as a deity. Please note that you can only enter the building if you apply for charms or prayer. Otherwise, walk around the exterior and admire the structure’s exquisite detailing and traditional charm.
Sanko-mon Gate
Sanko-mon gate is an inner gate that leads to the main hall and features the same ornate detailing as the ro-mon gate.
Treasure House
This shrine building houses artifacts that worshippers have offered in prayer over the past years and is open to the public on the 25th of every month. The treasure house exhibits picture scrolls, historical documents, swords, and tea ceremony tools, as well as other items.
Plum (Ume) Trees
Michizane loved plum trees. So, from February to March, the shrine’s plum tree grove, with over 2,000 trees, opens to the public. This shrine is nationally renowned for its plum blossoms and has an annual festival on February 25th when you can view the blossoms and enjoy tea served by geiko and maiko.
Autumn Leaves
From late October to early December you can view autumn leaves at the temple's maple tree garden for a ¥1,000. During this time the temple is open until 20:00 with illumination.
Monthly Flea Market (Tenjin-san’s Festival)
On the 25th of every month, Kitano Tenmangu holds a street market inside and outside the shrine grounds. The lively stalls sell festival foods, tools, toys, crafts, clothes, and more!
Access
There are city buses running frequently from Kyoto station to the Kitano Tenman-gu-mae bus stop, which would cost you around ¥230 and will take around 30 minutes.
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