Yushima Tenmangu (湯島天満宮) also known as Yushimatenjin (湯島天神) is a Shinto shrine which originally established in 458 in order to worship Ameno-tajikaraono-mikoto (天之手力雄命),one of deities appears in the Japanese myths. Later, in February 1355, the spirit of Sugawara Michizane (菅原道真公), a historical figure, was also enshrined to venerate his extraordinary virtue as a scholar.

In October 1478, Oota Dokan, a war lord in Kanto region, made the shrine building anew. Since then, many scholars and men of letters including Hayashi Dashun and Arai Hakuseki Confucian scholars in Edo period, have worshiped this shrine.

Nowadays, many students visit this shrine to express their reverence to the enshrined sprits as Kami (God) of Learning. Especially in the season of school entrance exam, young students visit to pray for the success of passing examinations, presenting votive tables called Ema.

This shrine is also famous for beautiful blossoms of Ume (Japanese plum) in the precinct. In February and March, "Ume Matsuri (festival)" is held, and it attracts many visitors who enjoy the Ume blossoms.

The Enshrined Gods:
Ameno-tajikaraono-mikoto 天之手力雄命 : God of Strength and Sports
Sugawara Michizane 菅原道真公 (A.K.A. 天神, Tenjin) : God of Learning and Education

Lie Replacement Ceremony (鷽替え, usogae) : January 25
Tenjin-sama will replace your lies which you make without a thought to real with the wood bird "Ki-Uso." Uso is the messenger bird of Tenjin-sama and take your lie to transfer real.

Ume Matsuri (Japanese Plum Festival) : February 8 to March 8.
There are 20 kinds 300 hundreds Ume bloom.

The festival of the shrine : May 25

Office hour:
6:00 to 20:00
6:00 to 23:30 for New year's Eve
0:00 to 21:00 for New year's Day

Official Web site: http://www.yushimatenjin.or.jp/