Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
北野天満宮
Head shrine of 12,000 Tenmangu shrines nationwide, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, deified as Tenjin, god of learning and scholarship. Founded 947. Famous for 1,500 plum trees (50 varieties) blooming late winter. Students nationwide visit to pray for exam success.
Highlights & Must-See Features
- 1,500 plum trees in 50 varieties (white, pink, red)
- Learning deity shrine (students pray for exam success)
- Monthly flea market on 25th (Tenjin-san, large and popular)
- Beautiful autumn foliage (November)
- Treasure House with National Treasures
- Ox statues (messenger of Tenjin - rub head for intelligence)
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
Kitano Hakubai-cho Bus Stop (Buses 50, 101, 102, 203)
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From Kyoto Station: Bus 50 or 101 to Kitano Tenmangu-mae (30 minutes)
- 2 From Kinkaku-ji: Bus 101 or 102 (10 minutes, easy combination)
- 3 Monthly flea market on 25th (large, crowded, arrive early for treasures)
- 4 Free parking available but full on 25th and plum season
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
35.03143 135.735512 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
Late February to mid-March for spectacular plum blossoms (1,500 trees). 25th of any month for large flea market (very popular). Autumn (November-early Dec) for maple trees.
Contact & Info
Bakurocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-8386
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