自転車で北野天満宮へKitano Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, a scholar and politician who was exiled by political rivals. Following his death - and many disasters that occurred - many tenmangu shrines were built around Japan to appease the wrongfully exiled Sugawara. The one in Kyoto is perhaps the most important in Japan.
Because of the connection with Sugawara, Kitano Tenmangu is popular with students who visit and pray for success on high school and university exams. In particular, in late January and early February - when the exams are held - the shrine is bustling with earnest young people beseeching the spirit of Sugawara.
Kitano Tenmangu is also well known for its monthly flea market, which is held on the 25th of every month.
There is also a famed grove of plum trees in the rear of the shrine. These bloom in mid-February, as winter is (allegedly) beginning to yield to spring. On a bitter cold day, the perfume smell of the plum trees is like nectar.
Last, adjacent to the shrine is the licensed geisha quarter Kamishichiken. It is the oldest of the geisha areas in Kyoto, and on February 25th the geisha and maiko come to the shrine to take part in an annual ceremony celebrating the plum trees known as baikasai.
Kitano Tenmangu is in north central Kyoto, close to Nishijin and the Golden Pavilion.
Information
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Hours: 5:00 am to 6:00 pm (summer), though external grounds are open 24 hours
5:30 am to 5:30 pm (winter), though external grounds are open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Flea Market
Hours: 25th of every month from 6:00 am to about 9 pm
Plum Grove and Maple Tree Garden
Hours: Early February to mid March and early November to mid December from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Admission: 600 yen
© CycleKyoto.comTags
Japan
Touring
Kyoto
Cycle
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
No comments:
Post a Comment