Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Kitano Tenmangu

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮) is a shrine located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, and serves as the head shrine of approximately 12,000 Tenmangu shrines nationwide, which enshrine Sugawara no Michizane, also known as Tenjin. It is the birthplace of Tenjin faith and is affectionately referred to as “Tenjin-san of Kitano” or simply “Kitano-san”.

Kitano Tenmangu was established in 947 to appease the vengeful spirit of Michizane after he was demoted to Dazaifu. Michizane, a scholar and politician of the Heian period, was demoted to Dazaifu due to political conspiracy and died there. Subsequently, an epidemic spread in Kyoto, and it was believed to be caused by Michizane’s vengeful spirit. Therefore, a shrine was built to enshrine Michizane in order to appease his spirit.

Kitano Tenmangu continued to receive reverence from the imperial court and the common people, leading to the establishment of many Tenmangu shrines throughout the country. It is now famous as the god of learning, attracting many students who visit to pray for success in their examinations.

Getting there

From Tokyo Station to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine:

 BusKyoto Station
Kyoto Ekimae Bus Stop

↓ Bus Number 6
↓ 27 minutes (15 stops)
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Cost 230 yen)
WalkAbout 1 hour 28 minutes (6.3 km)

Details

Hours7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
AdmissionFree
Phone+81 75-461-0005
AddressBakurocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-8386
Official Websitehttps://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/en/