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 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. Photographers flock to them when they bloom!
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 it.
A brief history of the shrine
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.
Where is Yushima Tenjin?
Address: 3-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Train access
Entry fees
None but the museum costs ¥500.
Opening hours
Shrine grounds: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Treasure museum: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.)
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 has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
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