Pray for your grandchild's academic success to the god of learning and take turns stroking the stone oxen for good fortune
About this spot
The head shrine of all Tenman-gu and Tenjin shrines throughout Japan, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. This premier Kyoto shrine is always filled with families praying for their children's academic success and advancement in studies. Scattered throughout the grounds are "撫で牛" (stone oxen to stroke)—divine messengers—and it is said that stroking the area of the ox corresponding to an ailment brings relief. When the family takes turns stroking your grandchild's head and grandparents' knees and waists, smiles naturally emerge. The magnificent Momoyama architecture of the National Treasure shrine buildings is impressive, and the shrine is also renowned for its plum blossoms and autumn foliage. During the early spring plum garden season and autumn maple garden season, the grounds are even more vibrant. The grounds are flat and easy to walk, and the gift counter offers various amulets for academic success, making it a joy to select gifts for your grandchildren. This shrine is perfect for three generations to make their wishes on a Kyoto trip.
Tips
From Nin-na-ji-mae, take City Bus Line 10 for about 10 minutes and get off at "Kitano Tenman-gu-mae"; it is also about 5 minutes on foot from Arashiyama Electric Railway's Kitano Hakubai-cho Station. On the 25th of every month, the "Tenjin-san" fair draws crowds of street stalls but becomes very congested; for visiting with grandparents, weekday afternoons outside the fair are easier to navigate. There are multiple stone oxen between the main gate and main hall, so you can stroke a less crowded one at your leisure. The grounds are flat and safe for wheelchairs and canes.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour. In the 14-15 o'clock time slot, morning tour groups have dispersed, allowing for peaceful worship and stroking the oxen without waiting
Access & map
〒602-8386 Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Bagyakucho
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