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A shrine filled with exquisite seasonal flowers and blessings for academic success.
This shrine is one of the ten shrines in Tokyo dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, known as the god of learning. The story began when Nobusuke Sugawara Otorii, a descendant of Michizane, first enshrined a god's statue. In 1662, the shrine pavilion, corridor, Shinju-ike pond, and arched bridge were built in imitation of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Kyushu, the headquarters of the shrine. The shrine is also called "Higashi-Zaifu Tenmangu Shrine" or "Kameido-Zaifu Tenmangu Shrine" as the eastern dazaifu (governmental office under the ritsuryo system).
Three bridges span Shinji Pond: Otoko Bashi, Hira Bashi, and Onna Bashi. Each bridge represents the past lived, the present you can now see, and the hope of the future. It is said that each bridge you cross will purify your heart.
More than 300 plum trees are planted in the temple's precincts, which are said to have been favored by Michizane. Every February and March, the shrine holds a plum blossom festival.
In late April, the wisteria blossom all at once, and the view from the arched bridge overlooking the wisteria trellises attracts many tourists. In October, the shrine also holds a chrysanthemum festival. As befits the shrine's nickname of "Tenjin-sama of Flowers," the shrine grounds are decorated with various flowers every season.
In addition to the Divine Cow's statue, which is said to give wisdom when touched on the head, four other sub-shrines stand around the precincts. Take your time and enjoy a relaxing walk.
The beautiful vermilion-lacquered shrine pavilion
After passing through the torii gate, you will see an arched bridge (Otoko Bashi), representing the past.
A statue of the Divine Cow, said to cure illnesses and bestows wisdom when touched.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
Just like Dazaifu Tenmangu in Kyushu, this shrine is dedicated to the god of learning. It's kind of like the Wen Chang Temple in Taiwan. They say if you touch the head of the sacred ox and then touch your own head, you'll become wiser. Haha 😄
This shrine is famous for its god of learning. I bet the wisteria flowers are beautiful when they're in bloom—too bad I missed the season.
I visited here the day before leaving Tokyo. It's a beautiful and peaceful place. The scenery, fresh air, and the whole experience will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend everyone visiting Tokyo to check this place out.
