Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine

Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning. Especially during exam season, many students from all over the country visit to seek its blessings. In addition, there is a statue of a cow with a connection to Sugawara no Michizane inside the shrine grounds. The statue, called the "Nade-ushi" (stroking cow), is said to be able to cure illnesses and injuries in the area where it is stroked, so be sure to give it a stroke when you visit.

The Kirishima azaleas at Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine are in full bloom from late April to early May. The bright red flowers that bloom in a corridor are impressive and breathtaking. The shrine grounds have about 100 Kirishima azaleas that are about 170 years old, and they bloom like a bright red wall in the spring. In addition to the spring cherry blossoms, there are various flowers that bloom throughout the year, such as iris in the rainy season. It's a graceful temple where you can enjoy interacting with nature.

At Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, in addition to the main hall where Sugawara no Michizane is enshrined and where you can expect academic success, there are various power spots. Among them, the often overlooked sub-shrine is one that you should definitely stop by. The sub-shrine enshrines six shrines and one Jizo with various benefits, such as warding off evil, promoting business prosperity, and promoting the arts. If you have time after visiting the main hall, please be sure to visit the sub-shrine.

Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine is a shrine with a vast site and blessed with nature. In front of the shrine is the "Yajo Pond," which was built in 1638 by Prince Chichibu Yajo, who built the Katsura Imperial Villa. The pond, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains, also serves as the front yard of Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine. Near the pond, there is also an aquatic plant garden where you can enjoy viewing the rich ecosystem and plants of Nagaoka.

Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine boasts various historical structures, but among them, the two torii gates from the Edo and Heisei periods are particularly noteworthy. First, the "Main Great Torii Gate," dedicated in 1998, serves as the entrance to Nagaoka Hachiman Shrine and has become a local landmark. On the other hand, the torii gate located at the northeast entrance of the shrine grounds was built during the Edo period. Experience the past and present of Nagaoka Hachiman Shrine, which has been beloved for a long time, through these two torii gates.