Yushima Tenmangu Shrine

Overview

Yushima Tenmangu Shrine, located in Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, enshrines Sugawara Michizane. Known as the god of learning, Michizane was a scholar and statesman during the Heian period, revered for his exceptional talents in academics, arts, and politics. During the Edo period, the shrine received the respect and protection of the shogunate, becoming a center of Tenjin (god of learning) worship in Edo and Tokyo. Even today, it's bustling with students seeking blessings for their exams during exam season. Yushima Tenmangu Shrine has also been known as a famous plum blossom viewing spot since the Edo period. In spring, approximately 200 plum trees bloom, transforming the grounds into a beautiful floral paradise. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll, enveloped by the fragrant plum blossoms. Yushima Tenmangu Shrine offers many other attractions. For instance, the "撫で牛" (nadenyushi, stroking ox) behind the main hall is said to bring intelligence if you stroke it. There's also a treasure hall exhibiting treasures related to Sugawara Michizane. Despite its location in the heart of the city, Yushima Tenmangu Shrine offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, providing the perfect escape from the urban hustle and bustle and a chance for relaxation and rejuvenation.