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Yushima Tenmangu is a shrine in Yushima, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, widely known as 'Yushima Tenjin.' It enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, and draws exam candidates and others praying for academic success from across the country. Its plum festival, held each year from February to March, is also famous, and the shrine is known as one of the leading power spots in Tokyo.
Shrine Info
- Enshrined Deity
- Ame no Tajikarao no Mikoto; Sugawara no Michizane-ko
- Founded
- Said to have been founded in 458 (Yuryaku 2)
- Annual Festival
- Reisai: May 25; Ume Matsuri (Plum Festival): early February to early March
History & Origins
According to the shrine's tradition, it began in 458 (the 2nd year of Emperor Yuryaku) with the enshrinement of Ame no Tajikarao no Mikoto. In 1355 (the 4th year of Bunna), Sugawara no Michizane was enshrined together with him, and the shrine has since been worshipped as a deity of learning. In the Edo period it enjoyed the patronage of the Tokugawa shogun family, and it remains beloved by the people of Edo and Tokyo to this day.
Highlights
The grounds have an ema (votive plaque) rack where plaques praying for academic success and exam passes are densely hung. About 300 plum trees bloom during the plum festival, when the shrine is especially crowded, and the event is a seasonal sign that spring is coming. Among the amulets and offerings are items for exam takers, such as good-luck pencils and passing-the-exam headbands.
Visitor Guide
The shrine is about a 5 to 10 minute walk from JR Ochanomizu Station or Tokyo Metro Yushima Station. Worship in the grounds is free, and prayer services are accepted from about 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The exam season of January and February is extremely crowded, so an early morning visit is recommended.
Best Season
During the plum festival from early February to early March, the grounds are filled with plum blossoms and are at their liveliest. The winter exam season is also lively with worshippers praying for success.
Annual Events
- January
Ganjitsusai (New Year's Day Rite)
A New Year's Day rite is held to welcome the new year, praying for academic success and good fortune for the year.
- February to March
Ume Matsuri (Plum Blossom Festival)
A regular event held when about 300 plum trees bloom. The whole grounds are filled with the scent of plum blossoms.
- May
Reisai (Tenjin Matsuri, Annual Festival)
The annual grand festival held on May 25. It is the most important festival of the year, with a portable shrine procession and various rites.
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