Outline of Yushima Tenjin
Yushima Tenmangu Shrine, officially Yushima Tenmangu Shrine, is located in Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, and is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, widely known as the god of learning. The shrine was founded long ago, beginning in 458 at the order of Emperor Yusaku, and Michizane was enshrined there in 1355. The shrine is famous among many students and students preparing for entrance exams as a symbol of academic success.
Accessibility is another attraction of Yushima Tenjin. The nearest station is Yushima Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, only a two-minute walk from Exit 3. This convenient location is a factor that draws many worshippers during the examination season and on New Year'sYear's visits to the shrine.
Yushima Tenjin holds many annual events, including Hatsumode (a New Year's visit to the shrine) and the Ume Matsuri (a Plum Festival). The Ume Festival, in particular, is a traditional event held since the Edo period (1603-1867) and offers a beautiful sight of approximately 300 plum trees in full bloom. These events are critical cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike.
There are several tourist attractions on the grounds of Yushima Tenjin, including a petting bull and the Omote-torii gate. The petting bull is touched by those who wish for academic success and is considered especially auspicious for students preparing for entrance exams. In addition, the Omote-torii gate is designated as a tangible cultural property, and its beautiful form attracts visitors.
History of Yushima Tenjin
Yushima Tenjin was founded in 458 by the order of the ancient Emperor Yusaku. The shrine has a long history, beginning with the worship of Amano-Terikio-no-Mikoto. Since its founding, Yushima Tenjin has been an important object of worship for the local people and has become known as a shrine for academic success. In particular, it attracts many worshippers as a sacred place of prayer for success in entrance examinations and for students.
In 1355, Yushima Tenjin enshrined Sugawara no Michizane, establishing its reputation as a god of learning. Michizane was an outstanding scholar during his lifetime and came to be revered as the god of learning because of strange events that occurred after his death. With this enshrinement, Yushima Tenjin became a symbol of academic success and a place where many students visit to pray for success, especially during the examination season.
During the Edo period (1603-1867), Yushima Tenjin Shrine received patronage from the Tokugawa Shogunate and was developed as the cultural center of Edo. During this period, the shrine was revered by many scholars and literary figures and became an important center of Tenjin worship. Yushima Tenjin was also well known for its plum blossoms, and events such as the Plum Blossom Festival were held with great success and were popular among residents.
The modern-day Yushima Tenjin was renamed from "Yushima Shrine" to "Yushima Tenmangu Shrine" in 2000 and still welcomes many visitors. This shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, is an indispensable place for students and students preparing for entrance exams. Many people visit the shrine every year to pray for success. The shrine also holds events such as an ume (Japanese apricot) festival, keeping the local culture and traditions alive.
Highlights of Yushima Tenjin
Yushima Tenjin is widely known for its ume plum blossoms. The annual Ume Festival, held from February to March, attracts many tourists as approximately 300 ume trees adorn the shrine grounds. This festival has been a traditional event since the Edo period (1603-1867), and the sight of plum blossoms in bloom is a beautiful reminder of the coming of spring. Visitors can enjoy a variety of events and food stalls while being enveloped by the fragrance of plum blossoms.
In the precincts of Yushima Tenjin, there is a sculpture of a cow called a "petting cow," visitors are believed to receive wisdom by patting its head. The cow derives its name from Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, and since he was born in the year of the ox, the cow is considered unique. It is believed that touching the petting ox can achieve academic success and gain wisdom, and many worshippers visit the shrine believing in this legend.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government designated the Omote-torii (front gate) of Yushima Tenjin as a tangible cultural property. It is a copper torii built in 1667. This torii is the oldest cast torii in Tokyo and has historical value. In particular, the base of the torii gate legs is decorated with plum blossoms, and the decoration of Chinese lions is not to be missed. Visitors are encouraged to take pictures to appreciate its beautiful design and history.
The shrine pavilion of Yushima Tenjin was reconstructed in 1995 and features a pure wooden architectural style using 250-year-old Kiso Hinoki cypress. In the traditional Gongen-zukuri style, this shrine pavilion evokes a deep sense of history and culture for visitors. The shrine is also decorated with plum blossoms around the building and on the pedestal of the guardian dogs. These decorations symbolize Yushima Tenjin'sTenjin's aspect as a god of learning, making it a place of special significance for visitors.
Ways and Manners of Worship
The first thing to do when visiting Yushima Tenjin is to bow before the Torii gate. This act is an essential ritual before stepping into the realm of the gods and is meant to show respect. The torii symbolizes the separation between the inside and outside of the shrine and marks the entrance to the sacred space. Visitors must remove their hoods and hats and purify their minds before entering the shrine grounds.
After entering the shrine's precincts, a purification ritual awaits visitors at the Tezumisha. Te-mizui is an essential step in purifying the body and mind, derived from the ancient misogi ritual. Specifically, one holds a ladle with the right hand and draws water to purify the left hand, then switches to the left hand to purify the right hand. Finally, the mouth is rinsed, and the left hand is cleansed again to prepare the body and mind for the sacred space.
After purifying your hands in the Tezumisha, proceed down the approach to the shrine. This approach is considered a place for the gods to pass through, and it is considered polite for visitors to avoid the center and walk along the edges. This is a crucial manner to respect the sacred space and to show respect to the gods. Keeping a calm mind and feeling the sacred atmosphere is essential when walking along the approach.
After proceeding along the approach to the shrine, you will finally arrive at the main shrine. First, put money in the money box and ring the bell to greet the deity. Then, by the "Ni-hai ni clap, ni-hate ichi-hai" manners, bow deeply twice and clap your hands twice. This series of actions is a meaningful ceremony that expresses gratitude and wishes to the gods and must be performed with all one's heart.
Access to Yushima Tenjin
Access to Yushima Tenjin is very convenient, and the nearest station is Yushima Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. From the station, it takes only 2 minutes on foot. It is also only an 8-minute walk from JR Okachimachi Station, making it accessible when using public transportation. In particular, if you exit Yushima Station from Exit 3 and turn left, you will immediately see the Tenjinshita intersection, where you can turn left to reach the shrine.
Access by train is also very convenient. Take the JR Chuo Line or Yamanote Line from Shinjuku, get off at Okachimachi Station, and walk to the Yushima Tenjin Shrine. You can generally take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line from Shibuya, get off at Ueno-Hirokoji Station, and walk to the temple. This allows for a smooth visit from all major areas of Tokyo.
Access by car is also worth considering. From the Kandabashi Exit of the Metropolitan Expressway, it takes about 2 km or 10 minutes to reach Yushima Tenjin. Depending on traffic conditions, especially in the surrounding area, you may be able to arrive earlier than by public transportation. When visiting, checking traffic information in advance is advisable to ensure a smooth trip.
However, Yushima Tenjin does not have a dedicated parking lot, so visitors must use paid parking in the neighborhood. Several parking lots are scattered around the area, and it is a good idea to check their locations in advance. Arriving early is essential, as congestion can be expected on holidays and during events.
Official Site (Japanese)→Yushima Tenjin
