Yushima Tenmangu Shrine

Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning. Many visitors come to the shrine daily to pray for success in academics and passing exams, among other academic-related benefits. In addition, the benefits of Yushima Tenmangu Shrine extend beyond just academics. It is also believed to have various benefits such as recovery from illness and matchmaking. If you visit the Ueno-Yushima area, be sure to visit the shrine and experience its many blessings.

Yushima Tenmangu Shrine has a beautiful plum garden with about 20 varieties and 300 plum trees in full bloom. Every year from mid-February to March, the "Yushima Tenjin Plum Festival" is held, attracting many tourists. During the festival, there are various events such as monkey performances and food stalls set up throughout the shrine grounds. Enjoy the arrival of spring in the elegant surroundings of the plum garden in full bloom.

The Treasure Hall within Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is a building that was constructed in 1999 as part of the 2002 Doshin Kodo 1100th Anniversary Festival commemorative project. Inside the hall, you can see valuable items such as the shrine's portable shrine, plum blossom paintings by famous artists that are fitting for Yushima Tenjin, and a wealthy lottery box from the Edo period. While Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is a freely accessible shrine, it's important to note that the Treasure Hall is only open for viewing from 9:00 to 17:00.

Yushima Tenmangu Shrine, which enshrines the god of learning, has various amulets related to passing exams and academic achievement. In addition to the typical amulets, there are cute amulets shaped like school backpacks and items like pencils with proverbs written on them that can actually be used while studying. Choose the one that suits you and purchase it. For those who are worried that amulets alone are not enough, it is also recommended to write your wishes on an ema (a votive tablet) and hang it on the shrine grounds.

In addition to the main shrine, there are various off-the-beaten-path spots within the grounds of Yushima Tenmangu Shrine. For example, there is a bronze statue of a cow known as the "petting cow," which is said to have healing powers if you stroke the same part of its body that corresponds to your own ailment. Other spots worth visiting include a monument honoring the renowned baseball player Sadaharu Oh and the front torii gate, which has been designated as a tangible cultural property by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Be sure to stop by these hidden gems within the shrine grounds during your visit.