Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Since built in 947, this 1000-year-old edifice is the head of 12,000 Tenmangu / Tenjin shrines nationwide dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane. Tenjin worship has begun here. Locals call it Tenjin-san of Kitano or Kitano-san. The exceptional scholar and politician, Sugawara is enshrined, thus, revered as the god of academics, visited by many students from all over Japan who are about to take entrance examinations.

The main hall and the worship hall where Sugawara is enshrined is Japan’s oldest as a Yatsumune-zukuri (multi-building construction). The current structure was built in 1607 by Toyotomi Hideyori and reflects the style from the flamboyant era. It is designated as a national treasure. Sankomon Gate between the tower gate and the worship hall is also in the same architectural style from the 16th century, designated as an important cultural property and known as the symbol of this shrine.

From Sugawara’s birthday (June 25) and the death date (February 25), a fair is held on every 25th with many booths on the premises. After the sunset, 350 stone lanterns and 250 hanging lanterns are lit to create a mystical ambiance, quite a contrast to daytime.

The grounds are also nationally famous for plum blossoms. During the season, the vast premises are covered in red and white with almost 1500 plum trees in 50 varieties. Each year, the early-blooming species start to bud in mid-December, bloom after the New Year’s Day, and you can enjoy the beauty until late march.