About Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine
Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine is a Tenmangu shrine located at the eastern end of Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s kitchen. It enshrines Sugawara no Michizane and is known for its blessings of academic success and business prosperity.
History and Origin
Founded in 959 (Tentoku 3) during the Heian period, on the site of the former residence of Sugawara no Koreyoshi, the father of Sugawara no Michizane, called “Sugawara-in,” it was initially known as “Kanki-ji Tenmangu Shrine” as the guardian shrine of Kanki-ji Temple. However, in 1587 (Tensho 15), it was moved to its current location due to Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s urban redevelopment. Because it faces Nishikikoji Street, it came to be called “Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine.”
As the guardian deity of Nishiki Market, it has a history of over 1000 years, attracting the faith of merchants.
Points to Note During Your Visit
Kyoto’s Famous Water: “Nishiki no Mizu”
The groundwater that springs from the purification fountain on the shrine grounds is famous as “Nishiki no Mizu.” This water, drawn from 30 meters underground, is a precious spring water of Kyoto, selected as one of the “100 Famous Waters of the Heisei Era” by the Ministry of the Environment. Many visitors bring plastic bottles to take the water home, and in the early morning, locals come to collect it.
Mechanical Fortune Telling
In front of the shrine is a “mechanical fortune telling” machine where fortune slips emerge from the mouth of a lion. Inserting a coin causes the lion to move and deliver the fortune slip, a mechanism popular with both children and adults. It’s also gaining attention as a photogenic spot for social media.
Sacred Ox (Nade-ushi) Statue
The sacred ox statue, a symbol of Tenmangu Shrine, sits in front of the main hall. It is believed that stroking the same part of the statue as the part of your body that is ailing will bring healing, and stroking its head is said to bestow wisdom. Many students visit to pray for success in their exams, stroking the head of the sacred ox statue.
Ingenuity in a Small Precinct
Because it is built on a limited plot of land in the city center, the main hall has an unusual structure in which part of it encroaches on a surrounding building. The unique layout, where the main hall is immediately visible after passing through the torii gate, is an interesting example that tells the story of Kyoto’s urban space history.
Benefits
- Academic Success and Passing Exams: Extremely popular with students due to its deity, Sugawara no Michizane.
- Business Prosperity: Attracts the faith of merchants as the guardian deity of Nishiki Market.
- Healing from Illness: Praying for good health by stroking the sacred ox statue.
- Imparting Wisdom: Receiving wisdom not only for academic success but also for life.
Annual Events
- Hatsutenjin (January 25th): The first festival of the new year, bustling with many worshippers.
- Baika Matsuri (February 25th): A festival held on the anniversary of Michizane’s death.
- Oharai (June 30th, December 31st): A Shinto ritual to purify oneself of the impurities accumulated over the past six months.
Access
Access by Train
- Hankyu Kyoto Line “Kawaramachi Station”: Approximately 4 minutes on foot from Exit 9.
- Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line “Shijo Station”: Approximately 7 minutes on foot
- Keihan Main Line “Gion-Shijo Station”: Approximately 10 minutes on foot
Access by Bus
Get off at “Shijo Takakura” or “Shijo Kawaramachi” bus stop (Kyoto City Bus), approximately 3 minutes on foot
Location
537 Nakano-cho, Shijo-agaru, Shinkyogoku-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Visiting Hours
- Grounds are freely accessible (Shrine office is open from approximately 8:00 to 20:00)
- Open all year round
Nearby Attractions
Visiting the shrine in conjunction with a food tour of Nishiki Market is recommended. Shinkyogoku Shopping Street and the used bookstore district of Teramachi-dori are also within walking distance. Located in the heart of the Shijo Kawaramachi area, it’s easy to stop by during your Kyoto sightseeing.
Tips for Visiting
Nishiki Market is relatively less crowded in the morning, so visiting in the morning is recommended. If you wish to collect water from the “Nishiki no Mizu” spring, please bring your own plastic bottle. The temple grounds are small, so please be considerate of others when it is crowded.
