A shrine dedicated to scholarship with beautiful plum and maple gardens
Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine is one of the most important of Japan’s hundreds of shrines dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, long revered as the god of scholarship.
During college and university entrance exam season, the shrine is crowded with students and families praying for academic success. The Chu-mon (gate between Nandai-mon and the main buildings), also called Sanko-mon, is an Important Cultural Property. The front shrine, used by pilgrims, the main hall enshrining the deity, and the Ishi-no-Ma were all built in the 17th century and are designated National Treasures. Many other buildings within the shrine are designated as Important Cultural Properties.
Kitano Tenman-gu Plum garden
Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine is also famous for plum blossom viewing. Sugawara Michizane loved plum trees, and the shrine features a grove of nearly 2,000 trees that bloom from February to March. Visitors can stroll along paths through the plum grove, enjoying the colorful blossoms in full bloom and the sweet fragrance that fills the air.
Viewing Ume plum blossoms with Maiko at Kitano Tenman-gu.
Every year, the Ume Matsuri at Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine is held on February 25th. Alongside plum blossom viewing, a highlight of the festival is the outdoor tea ceremony, Baikasai. Visitors can enjoy hot matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets, often served by Maiko. If you love matcha, this is a must-try experience.
KitanoTenman-gu Maple tree garden illumination
The shrine opens its garden to the public during the peak autumn leaf season, from November to mid-December. Hundreds of maple trees line the garden’s stream and are illuminated at night. Admission includes a cup of green tea and a traditional snack.
Zuiki Festival/ ずいき祭
This festival is held in gratitude for the year’s grain harvest. It began as an offering of new rice husks, vegetables, and fruit to the deity. The festival’s name comes from the portable shrine, which is decorated with a taro-stalk roof.
Address : Bakurocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-8386
Access : Kyoto City Bus number 50 or 101 from JR Kyoto station to Kitano Tenmangumae
Hours : 5:00 to 18:00 (April to September) , 5:30 to 17:30 (October to March)
Admission : Free in the shrine precincts, Houmotsu-den (Treasury Hall) 300 yen
Benefit : Education, Keep evil away,