About Yushima Tenmangu Shrine (Yushima Tenjin)
Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is a shrine located in Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, known as the shrine of the god of learning. Affectionately known as “Yushima Tenjin,” it is bustling with many students taking exams and worshippers praying for academic success every year.
History and Origins
Founded in 458 (the 2nd year of Emperor Yuryaku’s reign), it is an ancient shrine with a history of over 1,500 years. In 1355 (the 10th year of Shohei), Sugawara no Michizane was enshrined there at the request of the residents, and since then, it has been revered as the shrine of the god of learning, known as “Yushima Tenjin.” During the Edo period, it was under the patronage of the Tokugawa family and was a cultural center visited by many writers and artists.
Charm as a Plum Blossom Spot
Approximately 300 white and red plum trees are planted on the shrine grounds, making it a well-known plum blossom spot in Tokyo. Every year from early February to early March, the “Plum Blossom Festival” is held, welcoming visitors with plum blossoms in full bloom. During the festival, outdoor tea ceremonies and local product exhibitions are also held, creating a charming event that evokes the feeling of spring’s arrival.
Points to Note When Visiting
Benefits and Deity
The enshrined deity is Sugawara no Michizane, renowned as the god of learning. The main benefits are as follows:
- Academic Achievement/Prayer for Success: Passing entrance exams and qualification exams
- Academic Improvement: Improving academic ability and skills
- Job Success: Success in job hunting
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: Protection from evil, family safety
Especially during exam season (January to March), students from all over Japan visit, and the temple grounds are filled with votive tablets praying for success.
Etiquette and Highlights of Visiting the Shrine
Visiting the Main Shrine
- Bow before passing through the torii gate.
- Purify your body and mind at the water basin.
- Visit the main shrine using the “two bows, two claps, one bow” ritual.
- State your wish specifically in your mind.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Nade-ushi (Patting Cow): A statue of a reclining cow in front of the main shrine. There is a belief that stroking the same part of the statue as the part of your body that is ailing will bring healing. It is especially popular with students taking exams, as stroking the head is believed to improve intelligence.
Ema-kake (Votive Tablet Hanging): Tens of thousands of votive tablets praying for success in exams are dedicated here, creating an impressive sight that conveys the enthusiasm of students.
Treasure Hall: Items related to Sugawara no Michizane and historical documents are on display (open irregularly).
Recommended Items
- Academic Success Charm: The most popular charm. Size that can be attached to school bags and pencil cases
- Good Luck Pencil for Passing Exams: Many students use this on the day of their exams
- Ema (votive tablet) for Academic Success: Write your desired school name and your name and dedicate it
- Goshuin (temple/shrine stamp): In addition to the regular version, there is also a special Goshuin available only during the Plum Blossom Festival
Access Information
Access by Train
Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is conveniently located in the heart of Tokyo and is within walking distance of several stations:
- Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line “Yushima Station”: 2-minute walk from Exit 3 (closest)
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Line “Ueno-Hirokoji Station”: 5-minute walk
- Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line “Hongo-Sanchome Station”: 10-minute walk
- JR Yamanote Line/Keihin-Tohoku Line “Okachimachi Station”: 8-minute walk from the North Exit
- Toei Oedo Line “Ueno-Okachimachi Station”: 5-minute walk from Exit A4
Access by Car and Parking
Approximately 5 minutes from the Ueno Interchange on the Metropolitan Expressway Route 1 Ueno Line. However, there is no dedicated parking lot. You will need to use nearby coin-operated parking lots. During exam season and the plum blossom festival, it gets crowded, so we strongly recommend using public transportation.
Visiting Hours and Admission Fee
- Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Open year-round)
- Shrine Office: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Admission Fee: Free
Annual Events
- New Year’s Visit (January 1st – 3rd): Approximately 350,000 visitors
- Plum Blossom Festival (Early February – Early March): Held to coincide with the plum blossom season
- Grand Festival (May 25th): The most important festival held on the anniversary of Sugawara no Michizane’s death
- Chrysanthemum Festival (November 1st – 23rd): Large chrysanthemums adorn the shrine grounds
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Shinobazu Pond: 5-minute walk, a scenic spot within Ueno Park
- Ameyoko Shopping Street: 8-minute walk, a lively downtown market
- University of Tokyo Hongo Campus: 15-minute walk, visit the Akamon Gate and Yasuda Auditorium.
- Former Iwasaki Residence Garden: 10-minute walk, visit the important cultural property, a Western-style building and garden.
Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is a prestigious shrine that continues to attract the faith of people praying for academic success, yet it is a precious space that maintains a tranquil atmosphere despite being in the heart of the city. It is a recommended shrine not only during exam season, but also during plum blossom season and when you want to pray in peace.
