Yushima Tenmangu Tokyo - A storefront in japan.
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Yushima Tenmangu Tokyo

4.3
·11k reviews·Bunkyo City, Japan

Ancient Tokyo shrine dedicated to learning, famous for its vibrant plum blossoms and tranquil atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Feb - Early Mar

Stunning plum blossoms bloom

CrowdHigh
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Yushima Tenmangu Tokyo - A storefront in japan.

Yushima Tenmangu Tokyo

Best Time

Late Feb - Early Mar

Stunning plum blossoms bloom

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ancient Tokyo shrine dedicated to learning, famous for its vibrant plum blossoms and tranquil atmosphere.

4.3
(11k reviews)

"A hidden oasis of history and tranquility in Tokyo, an unexpected yet unforgettable discovery."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Visit during Plum Festival

Experience the vibrant plum blossom festival with stalls and performances. Usually late Feb to early Mar.

🚶‍♀️ Walk from nearby stations

Enjoy a scenic 25-30 min walk from Ueno Okachimachi or Hongo Sanchome stations.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Plum Blossom Festival

Plum Blossom Festival

Shrine grounds

Witness hundreds of plum trees in bloom, creating a fragrant and picturesque spectacle. A truly magical experience.

Deity of Learning

Deity of Learning

Main shrine hall

Pray for academic success at this shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning.

Ancient Architecture

Ancient Architecture

Shrine grounds

Explore the elegant wooden structures and intricate carvings of this historic shrine, founded in 458 AD.

Chrysanthemum Exhibition

Chrysanthemum Exhibition

Shrine grounds

Admire the beauty of meticulously arranged chrysanthemum flowers, a symbol of the Japanese Imperial Family.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Plum Blossoms

Visit in late February to early March for the stunning plum blossom festival. Expect crowds during this popular event, but the vibrant blooms are worth it. Check festival dates as they can vary slightly each year.

Seek Serenity Beyond Peak Hours

While known for its plum blossoms, Yushima Tenmangu offers a tranquil escape. Visit on a weekday or early morning to avoid the busiest times and truly appreciate its serene atmosphere and historical charm.

Best Times

When
Late Feb - Early Mar
Why
Stunning plum blossoms bloom
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
October days
Why
Quiet and historic
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Yushima Tenmangu near the Ueno enshrined Sugawara no Michizane who famous for the god of learning. Many students visit this shrine to wish the night grade and pass the examination at exam season. The plum tree is beautiful in February. The temple originally established 458. 上野に近い湯島にある湯島天満宮は学問の神様で有名な菅原道真が祀られています。 試験シーズンになると学生達が良い成績や試験合格を願って参拝します。 2月になると梅の花が沢山咲きます。 創建は458年。 #yushima #ueno #tokyo #...
mahalo_travel_japan
18 likes • 349 views

🎯 Visit during Plum Festival

Experience the vibrant plum blossom festival with stalls and performances. Usually late Feb to early Mar. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Walk from nearby stations

Enjoy a scenic 25-30 min walk from Ueno Okachimachi or Hongo Sanchome stations. Reddit

Plum festival in Japan🇯🇵 📍Yushima Tenmangu, Tokyo Yushima Tenmangu is a Shinto shrine commonly called Yushima Tenjin, and well known as a spot for plum blossom-viewing for hundreds of years. There are about 300 beautiful plum trees! (Feb8 - Mar8, 2023) ⠀ ⠀ #yushimatenmangu #湯島天満宮 #shrine #plum #plumblossoms #sakura #cherryblossoms #spring #japantrip #japantravel #japan ⠀
mami.ko_japanese
575 likes • 3.7K views
- ⛩️ 湯島天満宮 | Yushima Tenmangu / 在市區citywalk意外發現的神社 周圍氤氳著清幽的 Gaiac 10 每次來日本必去 refill 拍完衝回去pitch “👣 “ / #yushimashrine #yushimatenjin #tokyo #湯島天満宮 #湯島 #japan #🇯🇵
0.hankie.0
48 likes • 1.7K views

🌙 Nighttime beauty

The shrine is beautiful at night, but Goshuin stands close at 5 PM. Reddit

📜 Goshuin options

Various Goshuin available, including limited editions. Regular stamp is 500 yen. Reddit

湯島天満宮/ Yushima Tenmangu - sh rine, Tokyo, Japan🇯🇵 受験シーズン真っ只中ですね✏️ 皆さんにとって良い結果となりますように🙏 桜が咲く頃にはきっと新たなステージがあなたを待っています👍 Yushima Tenmangū (湯島天満宮), also known as Yushima Tenjin, is a Shinto shrine located in Bunkyō, Tokyo. It is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of scholarship and learning, making it a popular place for students praying for success in exams. Originally established in 135...
lost_on_earth_2025
29 likes • 289 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Visit during Plum Festival

Experience the vibrant plum blossom festival with stalls and performances. Usually late Feb to early Mar. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Walk from nearby stations

Enjoy a scenic 25-30 min walk from Ueno Okachimachi or Hongo Sanchome stations. Reddit

🌙 Nighttime beauty

The shrine is beautiful at night, but Goshuin stands close at 5 PM. Reddit

📜 Goshuin options

Various Goshuin available, including limited editions. Regular stamp is 500 yen. Reddit

🌸 Check bloom status

Plum blossoms are best in late February. Check local forecasts for peak bloom. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.3
(11k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is lauded as a tranquil, historic gem in Tokyo, particularly celebrated for its stunning plum blossoms and its dedication to the god of learning. Visitors appreciate its serene atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and the vibrant seasonal festivals, though some note that facilities like the Goshuin stand close early.

"This an ancient secluded Shinto shrine near Tokyo University and appropriately is dedicated to the Shinto god of learning. The shrine is also notable for its plum trees and there is an annual celebration of the blossom held in the late winter.. The shrine was very quiet when we visited on a rainy October day but the site is well worth the trip,"

Bernard Savage

"We visited during the Plum Festival in winter 2023 and it was an amazing experience. I got to watch performances, enjoy the stalls, and the plum blossoms were stunning.

I returned in winter 2024 and they didn’t disappoint. I absolutely love this place and can’t wait to go back 🫶🫶🫶"

Patricia Nicole Belencion

"Beautiful shrine, kind of hidden on a hill. It’s open later then others and at night it’s really beautiful but don’t forget the Goshuin (stamp) stand still closes at 17:00. There were a lot of Goshuin options, with limited editions, however only the regular one is stamped, the others are printed. The regular is 500¥ and the others vary (500-1200¥). No wait."

Olympe

What People Like

Beautiful plum blossoms
Peaceful atmosphere
Historic architecture

What People Dislike

Goshuin stand closes early

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is easily accessible by public transport. The closest stations are Yushima Station (Chiyoda Line) and Hongo-sanchome Station (Marunouchi/Oedo Lines), both a short walk away. Many visitors also enjoy a scenic 25-30 minute walk from Ueno Okachimachi Station. Reddit

Yes, Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is located quite near Ueno Park, making it a convenient addition to a day exploring the park and its surrounding attractions. Instagram

While a longer walk, it's possible to walk from Tokyo Station to Yushima Tenmangu Shrine, which can take around an hour. This offers a chance to see more of the city. Reddit

The nearest subway lines are the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line (Yushima Station) and the Marunouchi/Oedo Lines (Hongo-sanchome Station). Reddit

While it's a 'hidden gem' and can feel secluded, following signs from the nearest stations will lead you there. The climb up the stone steps is a distinctive feature. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entrance fee to visit the grounds of Yushima Tenmangu Shrine. You can explore the shrine freely. Reddit

The shrine grounds are generally open from early morning until late afternoon. However, specific buildings or stalls, like the Goshuin stand, may have earlier closing times, often around 5 PM. Reddit

The plum blossom festival typically takes place from late February to early March, when the shrine's approximately 300 plum trees are in full bloom. Instagram+1

Yes, during the plum blossom festival, you can expect traditional stalls, performances, and a lively atmosphere. Reddit

Yes, you can get a Goshuin (shrine stamp). They offer various designs, including limited editions, with the regular one costing 500 yen. Note that the Goshuin stand closes at 5 PM. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The shrine grounds offer many picturesque spots, especially during the plum blossom season. The main hall, stone steps, and the blooming plum trees are popular subjects. Instagram+1

Photography is generally allowed in the outdoor areas of Yushima Tenmangu Shrine. Always be respectful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography. Instagram

The shrine is described as beautiful at night, but be aware that lighting might be limited, and some facilities like the Goshuin stand will be closed. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing photographic opportunities. During the plum blossom festival, the vibrant atmosphere itself is a great subject. Instagram

A versatile camera that can handle both wide shots of the grounds and details of the architecture or blossoms would be ideal. A smartphone camera is also perfectly capable of capturing the beauty here. Instagram

🎫 🌸 Nature & Seasons

The plum blossoms typically bloom from late February to early March, making this the most popular time to visit. Instagram+1

Yes, Yushima Tenmangu also hosts a Chrysanthemum Festival, celebrating the flower that represents the Japanese Imperial Family. Instagram

Outside of the peak blossom season, the shrine offers a more tranquil and serene experience, allowing visitors to appreciate its historical architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

While Yushima Tenmangu is famous for its plum blossoms, it is not primarily known for cherry blossoms. The shrine's main floral attraction is the ume (plum). Instagram

Late February and early March in Tokyo can still be quite cool, with average temperatures ranging from 5-15°C (40-60°F). It's advisable to dress in layers. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Yushima Tenmangu Shrine offers a peaceful and culturally enriching experience for families. While not a playground, the spacious grounds provide room for children to explore respectfully. The vibrant plum blossoms in season (late Feb-early Mar) are visually engaging for all ages, and the Chrysanthemum Festival offers another colorful display. Instagram It's a great opportunity to introduce children to Japanese Shinto culture and history in a calm setting. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and allow for a more relaxed experience. The walk from nearby stations can also be an adventure for kids. Reddit

📚 Students and Academics

As a shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, Yushima Tenmangu is a must-visit for students and anyone seeking academic success. You can purchase ema (votive tablets) to write your wishes for good grades or exam results and hang them at the shrine. TikTokInstagram The atmosphere is conducive to reflection and prayer for scholastic endeavors. Visiting during the plum blossom season can add a beautiful backdrop to your visit, making the experience both spiritual and visually rewarding. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers and Explorers

For solo travelers seeking a blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty, Yushima Tenmangu is an excellent choice. Its 'hidden gem' status means you can often find moments of quiet contemplation, even within Tokyo's busy urban landscape. Reddit Take your time exploring the grounds, appreciating the architecture, and perhaps even purchasing a goshuin as a unique souvenir of your visit. Reddit The shrine is easily accessible and offers a peaceful escape, perfect for a solo afternoon of discovery. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Deity of Learning: Sugawara no Michizane

Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a prominent scholar, poet, and politician of the Heian period (794-1185). Revered as the deity of learning and scholarship, he is a central figure for students and academics across Japan. Many visitors come to the shrine to pray for success in exams and academic pursuits. The shrine's association with Michizane has made it a pilgrimage site for students for centuries, with countless ema (votive tablets) bearing wishes for good grades and exam passes. TikTokInstagram

The shrine's history is deeply intertwined with Michizane's life and posthumous deification. Originally founded in 458 AD, it was later rebuilt and dedicated to him, solidifying its reputation as a place of academic prayer. The presence of numerous ema hanging around the shrine grounds is a visual testament to the hopes and dreams of students who visit. It’s a powerful reminder of the enduring cultural significance of scholarship in Japan. Instagram

A Spectacle of Plum Blossoms

One of the most celebrated aspects of Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is its spectacular plum blossom display. The shrine grounds are home to approximately 300 plum trees, which burst into bloom in late February to early March. This annual event draws large crowds eager to witness the fragrant white and pink blossoms. The shrine often hosts a Plum Blossom Festival during this period, featuring traditional stalls, food vendors, and cultural performances, transforming the serene grounds into a lively celebration. Instagram+1

Visiting during the plum blossom season offers a unique sensory experience. The air is filled with the sweet, delicate scent of the blossoms, and the visual spectacle of the trees in full bloom against the backdrop of the shrine's traditional architecture is truly breathtaking. It's a time when the shrine becomes a vibrant hub of activity, offering a glimpse into Japanese festival culture. Even outside of the festival, the beauty of the plum trees makes a visit worthwhile. Reddit

Tranquility Amidst the Metropolis

Despite its central Tokyo location, Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is often described as a hidden oasis of tranquility. Visitors frequently remark on the serene atmosphere that pervades the shrine grounds, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling city. The climb up the centuries-old stone steps can feel like stepping back in time, immersing one in a space where history, spirituality, and natural beauty converge. Reddit

This sense of calm is particularly noticeable on weekdays or during off-peak hours. Even when events like the plum blossom festival are underway, the shrine manages to retain a spiritual and enlightening aura. The contrast between the distant hum of modern Tokyo and the quietude within the shrine is striking, making it a perfect spot for reflection and a moment of peace. InstagramReddit

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