Plum Trees in Kyoto Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

京都天満宮梅

The plums are finally starting to blossom in Kyoto.

Because it has been a colder than normal winter, they are eleven days late this year.

At Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the annual plum festival is now underway.

Admission to a grove of plum trees is 600 yen.


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Ancient Drain Found in Earthen Wall at Kyoto Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

御土居に暗渠取水口　北野天満宮、発掘調査で確認

Within the grounds of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, an ancient drain has been discovered in a defensive wall built hundreds of years ago.

To protect against invasion, warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi built an earthen wall around most of central Kyoto. Construction began in 1591, and when complete the wall was 8.5 km from south to north, and 3.5 km east to west. The total length was 22.5 km (14 miles).

Most of the wall has been destroyed in the ensuing centuries. However, at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine a small section remains.

The city's archeological department has been digging there, and recently found a drain attached to the wall that would carry rain water into a nearby river.

The opening of the drain is 0.4 meters high by 0.6 meters wide. It is 19.3 meters long.

In a map dating from 1702, the drains that fed water into the Kamiya River, which is just to the west of the shrine, are shown. Using that information, the excavation work finally found the actual stone drains.


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Kyoto Flea Market Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

京都天神さん２５日

Kyoto is well known for its flea markets.

Every 21st of the month Toji Temple hosts a big flea market on the grounds of the temple, which is south of Kyoto Station.

In north-central Kyoto, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine holds a flea market on the 25th of every month. This month that means tomorrow.

Tenjisan, as it is known locally, tends to have clothing, antiques, and food.

Go early, bargain hard, and enjoy.

Most of the good stuff will be sold and gone by 8 am or earlier.

Parking for cyclists is not a problem, but there will be a lot of people on foot.

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Flea Market Toji Temple and Kita no Tenmangu Shrine 25th

氷点下の朝「初弘法」熱気　南区・東寺

Yesterday was the first "Kobo," or flea market that is held on the 21st of every month at Toji Temple in Kyoto.

Kyoto hosts many flea markets, two of which are well worth going to.

On the 21st of every month at Toji, you can find food, crafts, and antiques.

This Friday, on the 25th, in the north of the city at Kita no Tenmangu Shrine is another large flea market. Every 25th of the month, "Tenjin-san" - as the shrine is known - hosts an equally impressive flea market.

Here it is possible to find old kimono, lots of antiques, and more.

Go early: the good stuff gets sold first.

Bargain hard.


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Yoko Festival Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Kyoto

余香祭へ

On the 29th of October at Kyoto's Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the Yoko Sai (Festival) will take place.

It dates to the year 900 CE and is based on a legend that Sugawara no Michizane, the patron saint of the shrine, wrote several great poems on this day.

In keeping with that theme, classic poems from around Japan will be read aloud.

Kitano Tenmangu is adjacent to a licensed geisha area and not far from the Golden Pavilion.


Information

October 29
2 pm - 5 pm
Access: Bus #50, get off at Kitano Tenmangu-mae
Tel: 075 461 0005

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自転車で北野天満宮から平野神社へ

自転車で北野天満宮から平野神社へ

This route in north central Kyoto goes from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the geisha district Kamishichiken, and last Hirano Shrine (pictured).

For more information, in Japanese (with a link to an English page), here is a page on cycling north-central Kyoto.

Ride Tenjin-san, ride.


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Cycling Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

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

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Kitano Tenmangu Shrine