School entrance exams and certification exams are held everywhere in the world.With “examination wars” raging not only in Japan but also in China and Korea, many people are clinging to straws and hoping to pass the exam.Yushima Tenjin is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning.Many students come to the shrine to take the entrance exam, but did you know that Yushima Tenjin is actually famous as one of the most famous “power spots” in Japan?It is said to be effective for lottery luck, matchmaking, and even recovery from illness. Let us introduce you to Yushima Tenjin, a shrine full of such charms.
About Yushima Tenjin
Yushima Tenjin is a famous tourist spot visited by many foreigners. One of the key points is its easy accessibility, being only about 35 minutes by train from Shinjuku and Shibuya. In particular, since “Sugawara no Michizane,” the god of learning, is enshrined here, many students, both domestic and international, visit the temple to take entrance examinations.
Yushima Tenjin Shrine was built in 458 in the name of Emperor Yuryaku. The deities worshipped at the shrine are Amenotajikara-no-Mikoto and Michizane Sugawara, the god of learning. Until 2000, the shrine was called Yushima Shrine or Yushima Tenmangu Shrine.
The benefits of Ame-no-tajikarao
Since Ame-no-tajikarao is “a god of victory,” it is now visited by athletes and people who have some game.Ame-no-tajikarao appears as “a god of the earth” in Japanese myth. Ame-no-tajikarao is known as he pulled out Amaterasu Okami, who withdrew into the cave because she was shocked at moving of Susano, then he restored the sun to this world.It is said that Ame-no-tajikarao is a god of victory and good fortune since ancient times; therefore, Oda Nobunaga believed in Ame-no-tajikarao.
・development of sports’ ability
・protection from bad luck and danger
・ improvement of an artistic skill
・huge harvest
・good fortune
・Prayer for victory
The benefits of Sugawara no Michizane
Sugawara no Michizane is said to be “a god of learning” and to have benefits for “success in an entrance exam” and “academic achievement.”
Therefore, many exam candidates and job hunting students come to visit. Yushima Tenmangu-gu is a very good fortune place because both a victory god, Ame-no-tajikarao, and a learning god are enshrined. It is the best place to visit before any games and examinations.
・success in an entrance exam
・academic achievement
Attractions of Yushima Tenjin
There is a “Plum Festival” which more than 450,000 people visit.
The “Plum Festival” is held from the beginning of February to the middle of March. It is so famous that more than 450,000 people visit this festival every year. Moreover the tree age is around 100, thus we can see beautiful scenery with 20 kinds of plum trees.
One of the features of the plum is that 80% of it is white blossom. 80% of white and 20% of pink plum make the contrast attractive.
The plum in Yushima Tenjin has a long history since the Edo period; furthermore, the “Plum Festival” started in 1958. Here is the song to show its popularity among many people in the past.
“It means (When the east wind blows, please send the smell of the plum to my place. Don’t forget the spring even though I’m not here.)”
This song was sung by Sugawara no Michizane when he left to Dazaifu from Kyoto. It is nice to visit there to see the plum with long history and the tradition.
the Front Torii made of copper
This Torii is a front Torii of Yushima Tenman-gu.It is the oldest Torii made of copper in Tokyo; moreover, it is a tangible cultural asset.How about touching and taking pictures of it so that you can feel the history?
Houmotsuden
There is a Houmotsuden inside the shrine. Mikoshi, which is used at the festival, and some historical things are exhibited. You can learn the history from the art of Sugawara no Michizane which is exhibited underground. The appearance has fine carving; in addition, the inside is an interesting space, so it is popular among tourists.Please be careful since it would take your time and money.
Shinto shrine
Shinto shrine in Yushima Tenman-gu has an unique structure.It is a Gongen Zukuri that a main shrine and a front shrine are connected with the building named Heiden. Gongen Zukuri is used in the temples and the shrines which were established by the government during the Edo period. We can also see this structure with the temples and the shrines which were built during the Edo period like Nikko Tosho-gu.The present Shinto shrine was reconstructed in 1995 and it has a Souhinoki Zukuri. The roof’s triangle part (Tsuma) size is bigger than the Gongen Zukuri building.
Inside the shrine, you can see the ceiling painting of a dragon by Matsuo Toshio.
As I mentioned above, you can easily get to Yushima Tenjin in 35 minutes from Shinjuku or Shibuya. It is quite nice to visit “Plum Festival” during the spring season. You can see beautiful plums there.
Yushima Tenjin is the best place not only for exam candidates but also for people, who will start a big business, or who have some competitions. Why don’t you visit this place and get blessings?
Access to Yushima Tenjin
Yushima Tenmangu Shrine Tenjin Shrine(Yushima Tenjin)
3-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
TEL： 03-3836-0753
-8 minutes walk from Okachimachi Station on JR Yamanote Line and Keihin Tohoku Line
-2 minutes walk from Yushima Station on Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
-5 minutes walk from Ueno-Hirokoji Station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
-5 minutes walk from “Ueno-okachimachi” station on Toei Subway Oedo Line
Parking around Yushima Tenjin
Yushima Tenjin Official Website
Official Site：https://www.yushimatenjin.or.jp/pc/index.htm