Yushima Tenmangū
Yushima Tenman-gū is a Shinto shrine located in the Bunkyō ward of Tokyo, Japan.
Established in 458, it is now devoted to Tenjin, the kami of Learning. For this reason, it is also called Yushima Tenjin.
It is located very close to Ueno Park, and not far from the University of Tokyo. It is frequently sited by prospective students hoping to pass the entrance exams, particularly in April. At this time, the temple receives many offerings of ema, votive tablets to petition the kami for success.
One of the most famous features of the shrine are the blossoms of his plum trees in the spring. In February and March, the annual festival Ume Matsuri is held, attracting many visitors.
History
Yushima Tenman-gū was originally established for the worship of Ame-no-Tajikarao, a kami associated with sports and physical power found in Japanese mythology.In February 1355 the shrine was expanded to enshrine the kami Tenjin as well. Tenjin is the deification of Sugawara no Michizane, a famous scholar, poet and politician from the Heian period. As a kami he is associated to scholarship and learning. Currently both kami are enshrined in Yushima Tenman-gū.
The shrine was later rebuilt in October 1455 at the behest of local warlord Ota Dokan, and enjoyed greater popularity during the Edo period when it was visited by such Confucian scholars as Hayashi Doshun and Arai Hakuseki.
The current structures of Yushima Tenman-gū were rebuilt in 1995. They were made using only cypress, and following closely the tradition of Shinto architecture.
Annual events
The yearly events and festival at Yushima Tenman-gū are:- Hatsumōde 1 – 7 January
- Ume Matsuri 7 February – 7 March
- Tenjin-sai 25 May
- Kiku Matsuri 1 – 23 November
Access
There is no admission fee for visitors to enter the shrine precincts. It is open from 6 am to 8 pm.The entrances is at a 2-minute walk from Exit 3 of Yushima Station on the Chiyoda Line.