📕 Goshuin from visitors
Kitano Tenmangu
京都市上京区馬喰町
Located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, this shrine is the head shrine for approximately 12,000 Tenmangu and Tenjin shrines across Japan, enshrining Sugawara no Michizane. It was founded in 947 CE (Tenryaku 1) by imperial decree of Emperor Murakami. Its origins lie in the construction of shrine buildings on the Kitano site to appease the vengeful spirit of Michizane, who was blamed for a series of natural disasters that struck the capital after his death. Alongside Dazaifu Tenmangu, it is considered one of the birthplaces of Tenjin worship and has received deep reverence from successive generations of the Imperial Family and court nobles since the Heian period. With the spread of Terakoya (private elementary schools) during the Edo period, it became widely beloved by commoners as the 'God of Learning.' The grounds feature about 1,500 plum trees loved by Michizane, and the annual Baika Matsuri (Plum Blossom Festival) held on February 25 is the shrine's representative festival. It is also known as the venue for the 'Kitano Dai Chaso' (Great Tea Ceremony) hosted by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1587 CE (Tensho 15).
Enshrined deities
Sugawara-no-Michizane (Tenjin)
History
As one of the head shrines for all Tenmangu and Tenjin shrines nationwide that enshrine Sugawara no Michizane, it is worshipped as the God of Learning. It is also well-known as a famous spot for plum blossoms.
Blessings
It is worshipped for blessings related to academics (prayers for passing exams) and the fulfillment of wishes.
What visitors say
In the plum garden within the precincts, plum blossoms bloom splendidly according to the season, and nighttime illuminations and limited-time events are held. Coin-operated parking lots are scattered around the area, making access by car possible. During events such as New Year's Eve, stalls line the streets creating a lively atmosphere, and facilities for worshippers, including newly renovated restrooms, are well-maintained.
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:00 – 20:00
- Tuesday: 7:00 – 20:00
- Wednesday: 7:00 – 20:00
- Thursday: 7:00 – 20:00
- Friday: 7:00 – 20:00
- Saturday: 7:00 – 20:00
- Sunday: 7:00 – 20:00
Annual events & festivals
- January 1 onwardHatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
First shrine visit to the deity of scholarship. Crowded with examinees, with Tenjin calligraphy dedicated during the New Year.
One of the head shrines of the Tenjin shrines, enshrining Sugawara no Dozen. The first shrine visit is bustling with examinees praying for success. During the New Year, 'Tenjin Calligraphy' is dedicated as a prayer for proficiency in calligraphy.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Prayers for exam success
- ・Plum blossoms and the sacred ox
- ・Tenjin Calligraphy during the New Year
- February 25Baika-sai (Plum Blossom Festival)
The death anniversary of Dozen Kō. Plum blossoms are offered, and a field tea ceremony is performed by geiko and maiko from the Kamishichiken district.
A festival held on February 25, the death anniversary of Dozen Kō, where plum blossoms are offered. The 'Baika-sai Nodaten Daisayū' (Grand Field Tea Ceremony for the Plum Blossom Festival) is performed by geiko and maiko from the Kamishichiken district, and the plum blossoms in the Plum Garden are also at their peak.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Offering of plum blossoms on Dozen Kō's death anniversary
- ・Field tea ceremony by geiko and maiko
- ・Plum blossoms in the Plum Garden
- October 1-5Zuikei-sai (Zuikei Festival)
An autumn annual grand festival where mikoshi decorated with vegetables and grains are paraded.
An annual grand festival held from October 1 to 5. 'Zuikei Mikoshi' (mikoshi with roofs thatched with sweet potato stems, vegetables, and grains) are paraded through the parishioner areas, serving as a festival of gratitude for the autumn harvest.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Zuikei Mikoshi
- ・Decorations of vegetables and grains
- ・Gratitude for the autumn harvest
- 25th of every monthTenjin-san (Miyenbi / Lucky Day)
The lucky day dedicated to Dozen Kō. On the 25th of each month, stalls for the Tenjin Market line the grounds.
A lucky day commemorating the birthday and death anniversary of Dozen Kō. On the 25th of every month, the 'Tenjin Market' is set up within the shrine grounds, bustling with stalls selling antiques, vintage clothing, and other goods. December 25 is known as 'Owari Tenjin' (Final Tenjin).
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Tenjin Market on the 25th of every month
- ・Stalls selling antiques and vintage clothing
- ・Owari Tenjin (December 25)
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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