Kitano Tenmangu (Kitano Tenman Grand Shrine)

Located in Sakyo-ku, 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. The origin lies 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. Along with Dazaifu Tenmangu, it is considered a birthplace of Tenjin worship and has received deep reverence from the Imperial family and nobility 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, which Michizane loved, and the annual Baika-sai (Plum Blossom Festival) 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).