Kitano Tenmangū Tours and Activities

Kitano Tenmangū
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
This shrine was created in 947 to mollify a furious spirit. Now, students and tourists gather to soak in the ambience of its traditional architecture and gardens.

When politician Sugawara no Michizane was exiled from Japan, various natural disasters were attributed to his vengeful spirit. Hundreds of shrines were set up across Japan out of fear, and the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is considered one of the most important. The sanctuary is home to fascinating Japanese buildings and gardens full of around 2,000 colorful trees. There is an annual tea ceremony and monthly flea market.

Arrive in the fall leaf season in the months of November and December to witness the changing colors of the maple trees among the shrine’s evening lights. Michizane’s favorite tree, the plum tree, grows throughout the grounds. Visit the main shrine, around which grow pine trees. Gaze at the sculpted suns, moons and stars on the Sankomon Gate. Visit the Treasure House to learn about artifacts such as ancient scrolls and paintings.

Attend the annual tea ceremony known as Baikasai, on February 25. Prepare to haggle at the flea market, held on the 25th day of every month. Hundreds of vendors sell plants, crafts and tools. If you feel hungry, do not hesitate to approach the many food stalls.

A famous poet and scholar in his lifetime, Michizane was deified after his death as the shinto god of scholarship. For this reason, the complex is particularly packed with students praying for academic success during exam periods. The shrine is open for visits daily from early morning until late afternoon. Admission is free for the most part, although there is a charge for entrance to the gardens.

The shrine is located adjacent to the Hirano Shrine in the north of the city. Take a bus from the main transportation hub, Kyoto Station. Buses run to the shrine from Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Subway Line. Arrive at Kitano Tenmangumae bus stop. You can also walk from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station on the Keifuku railroad.

Plan a trip to see Kitano Tenmangū

Hotel Monterey Kyoto
KABIN Kyoto
Hotel Glad One Kyoto Shichijo by M's
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Kitano Tenmangū

Kyoto Brighton Hotel
Kyoto Brighton Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Nakadachiuri, Shinmachi-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Brighton Hotel
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
4 out of 5
140-2 Manjujicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
Ben's Guesthouse Kyoto
Ben's Guesthouse Kyoto
3 out of 5
43-1 Higashimachi (Ichijodori), Kyoto, Kyoto
Ben's Guesthouse Kyoto
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
3 out of 5
491 Zaimokucho, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo
The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo
3.5 out of 5
22-7 Nishinokyo Shokujicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Cross Hotel Kyoto
3.5 out of 5
71-1 Daikokucho, Kawaramachi-dori, Sanjo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Cross Hotel Kyoto
HOTEL LiVEMAX Kyoto Nijojo Nishi
HOTEL LiVEMAX Kyoto Nijojo Nishi
2.5 out of 5
20-7 Jurakumawari Higashimachi, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto
HOTEL LiVEMAX Kyoto Nijojo Nishi
Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo
Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo
3 out of 5
396, Gojokarasuma, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo
Stay SAKURA Kyoto Nijo Seasons
Stay SAKURA Kyoto Nijo Seasons
3 out of 5
3-15, Matsushita-cho, Jyurakumawari, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay SAKURA Kyoto Nijo Seasons
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.