A Tenjin shrine in Gifu Prefecture dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deified spirit of a 9th-century scholar, poet, and politician. Like other Tenjin shrines throughout Japan, it serves as a place of worship for those seeking academic success, literary achievement, and protection from injustice.
- Denomination
- Tenjin
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Sugawara no Michizane
- Kami enshrined
- Sugawara no Michizane
- Coordinates
- 35.2698321, 136.9268957
Visitor tip
Visit during exam season to see the many ema (wooden plaques) left by students praying for academic success.
Cultural notes
Tenjin shrines are particularly popular among students and parents praying for success in examinations. Plum blossoms are sacred to Sugawara no Michizane, and many Tenjin shrines feature plum trees that bloom in early spring.