Yushima Tenjin in Photos
Yushima Tenjin is another of Tokyo’s important shrines. You’ll find it in Bunkyo Ward. It isn’t big, but it is famous for its flowers in spring and autumn. The architecture is quite impressive too. For photographers, this place should be on their bucket list.
The shrine’s flowers are a huge drawcard. Visitors come for the plum blossoms and chrysanthemums. When either, photographers will come from near and far!
Yushima Tenjin has other attractions. One is its ema. Yes, these little wooden tables are an attraction, believe it or not! Another is a treasury museum. Let’s talk about its history.
A Brief History of Yushima Tenjin
The shrine was initially dedicated to the god, Ameno-Tajikarao-no-Mikoto. He is the kami of sports and strength in 458. In 1355, another joined him.
That was Sugawara no Michizane. He was a 9th-century scholar, poet, politician, and diplomat. These days, he is a patron of students so those ema fill the shrine. It is said he also had a great love of plum blossoms, which is why they fill the garden.
What to photograph at Yushima Tenjin
- Plum blossoms in spring (2022 pictures here), with tea ceremonies in the garden.
- Chrysanthemums in autumn (2021 pictures here).
- The Gongen-zukuri style architecture and copper roof.
- Komainu guardians and wooden sishi (guardian deities) are around the shrine.
- Bulls and oxen are at the shrine. Michizane was born in the year of the cow. One pulled his funeral bier! They are considered to be his messengers. Many people believe the statues can cure ailments and make them smarter. Someone always touches their heads.
- Remember the ema? They’re around the shrine, hanging off symbolic trees. When people need divine help, they write their dreams or wishes and hang them on the “trees” around shrines. As Michizane is a kami of study, most are requests to him. Students request him for help in passing tests. These things are stacked many deep during exam season!
- The shrine has a treasure museum. While you can only use cameras in the foyer, you can get close to one of the mikoshi. Mikoshi are portable shrines used at festivals.
Where is Yushima Tenjin?
Address: 3-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train stations:
- Yushima on the Chiyoda Line (2-minute walk)
- Ueno-hirokoji on the Ginza Line (5-minute walk)
- Hongo-Sanchome on the Marunouchi Line (8-minute walk)
- Okachimachi on the Keihin-Tohoku and Yamanote Lines (8-minute walk)
Entry fees:
None but the museum costs ¥500.
Opening hours
Shrine grounds: 6 AM to 8 PM
Treasure museum: 9:30 AM to 5 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Photo spots near Yushima Tenjin
Conclusion
For photographers, there is a lot to photograph at Yushima Tenjin. You only need to walk around the grounds, and things will be popping out at you. And with its Gongen-style architecture, it is lovely.
Spring and autumn will be the best time for most people. The flowers transform the grounds into a colorful and lively place. If you want to see a similar shrine, check out Kameido Tenjin (but it also has pools and wisteria). It is also dedicated to Michizane.
Near the shrine is a shop selling ema, omikuji, or other souvenirs. There is also a treasury room that costs ￥500. It has many historical items on display. Unfortunately, nothing is written in English, which is a pity.
Yushima Tenjin is a great place, and I highly recommend it. And Ueno is only a short walk away, so other interesting places are nearby. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
Here are more shrine articles:
External related websites:
- Yushima Tenjin (official website)