Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
4
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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Neighborhood: Nishijin District
A district with a long textile heritage, ancient Kyoto is still alive in the Nishijin District. Studded with its weaving factories, tea houses, and onsen, the neighborhood is charming and peaceful with a self-possessed air. Less traveled than other parts of the city, it is a district where you can take it at your own pace. Visitors can explore the many weaving and cloth houses, the free kimono shows, and the many shops selling traditional clothing and goods. Showcasing architecture with sloping roofs and wooden reliefs dating to decades past, the streets in the Nishijin District transport you back in time, making them a joy to wander.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
1,056 reviews
Excellent
395
Very good
533
Average
123
Poor
4
Terrible
1
singinggigi
California2,152 contributions
I visited Kitano Tenmangu on February 25 and attended the Bakasai ( Plum Flower Festival). I bought a combination ticket and the admission included entry to Treasure Hall and the tea ceremony. This big tea ceremony, also known as Nodate Daichakai, was carried out in a big white tent. Matcha or green tea was prepared by a number of different geishas and maikos. Then tea would be served to the people who held the admission tickets. It was a unique and interesting experience to see such a big number of real geishas in person. This annual tea ceremony is a long standing tradition and it always falls on Feb 25 of each year. This also coincides with ume or plum blossom. Kitano Tenmangu is also famous for its ume or plum garden. I had to visit the Treasure Hall and unfortunately did not have time for the garden. However, ume or plum trees inside Kitano Tenmangu were all blooming and were in different shapes of pretty pink.
Treasure Hall holds an exhibit of kabuto or armors, samurai knives, different paintings and scrolls. I was very pleased to see how good the condition of a big bronze mirror was. The back of the mirror had an engraved map of Japan.
There is a regular flea market on the 25th of every month right outside Kitano Tenmangu. Great place to try takoyaki ( octopus balls), okonomiyaki, japanese sweets and people watch.
Students and college prospects come to Kitano Tenmangu to pray for their academic successes.
Kitano Tenmangu is definitely a great place to go to enrich the japanese cultural experience.
Treasure Hall holds an exhibit of kabuto or armors, samurai knives, different paintings and scrolls. I was very pleased to see how good the condition of a big bronze mirror was. The back of the mirror had an engraved map of Japan.
There is a regular flea market on the 25th of every month right outside Kitano Tenmangu. Great place to try takoyaki ( octopus balls), okonomiyaki, japanese sweets and people watch.
Students and college prospects come to Kitano Tenmangu to pray for their academic successes.
Kitano Tenmangu is definitely a great place to go to enrich the japanese cultural experience.
Written March 8, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hawran
Victoria, Canada2 contributions
I've lived in Kyoto for a total of more than 5 years, though not now. One thing I tried never to miss was the monthly fair at Kitano. The shrine is always an interesting place, but on the 25th of each month there is a major fair. The flea market fills the shrine itself (a fairly large area) and spreads out a little into the surrounding area. In addition, this is the time when many people come to worship, so the the inner parts of the shrine are full of people casting fortunes and tossing coins into the big bins. There is a large statue of an ox that people rub, before rubbing some of its acquired strength onto their aches and pains. The parts that some elderly gentlemen rub leave you not knowing whether to laugh or to cry. Out in the flea market, in addition to all sorts of old clothes and collectibles, there are practical things for sale and of course food stalls. In the winter, be sure to stop and have a snack on oden (various kinds of fishcake, radish, hard-boiled eggs, etc., heated in a hot broth and served with a dash of hot mustard). One of the highlights is the large packages of sabazushi sold by ladies who bring it down from the Japan sea coast to the north. It's not cheap, but it will put all other saba you have ever eaten to shame. Look for them near the gate between the inner shrine and the flea market area.
Written August 3, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah88HongKong
Hong Kong, China198 contributions
The flea market is, as mentioned by a an advisor previously below, a must to visit. The prices of goods are actually lower than the shops in downtown. There is also an old street in the middle of the market where there are traditional restaurants. They will have special offer during that day.
Written November 30, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah C
Winnipeg, Canada29 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
On the 25th of each month a flea market occurs on the premises. A hundred or so stalls containing food (takoyaki, karaage, grilled corn, sweet potato, okonomiyaki, yakisoba and more) and second hand kimono/yukata, antiques and tableware. We had a blast. Make sure you bring plenty of cash or you will regret it!
I bought two beautiful antique obi for astonishingly cheap, plates, wooden serving ware for the table, and kabuki masks.
Make sure you try the food, it was awesome.
We also meandered around the temple grounds, which were beautiful. It was a bit crowded with school kids, but it was hardly an issue.
If you are in Kyoto on the 25th of a given month, coming to this market is a must. So much treasure to be found. From Kyoto Ekimae bus station take the bus number 50 or 101, which will drop you right at the gate. Not to be missed.
I bought two beautiful antique obi for astonishingly cheap, plates, wooden serving ware for the table, and kabuki masks.
Make sure you try the food, it was awesome.
We also meandered around the temple grounds, which were beautiful. It was a bit crowded with school kids, but it was hardly an issue.
If you are in Kyoto on the 25th of a given month, coming to this market is a must. So much treasure to be found. From Kyoto Ekimae bus station take the bus number 50 or 101, which will drop you right at the gate. Not to be missed.
Written May 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KyotoBound
Vancouver, Canada58 contributions
Nov 2011 • Friends
This Shinto experience, dedicated as it is to the power of education, is a handsome example of the balance that comes from asymmetry design as practiced so perfectly in Japan. The friendly flea market held on each 25th of the month (where we had a remarkable Christmas flea market fest) is exceptional, brilliantly culinary and brilliantly brimming with antique treasures of the kind so popular in Kyoto. From kimono to tea kettles or sake heating pots, from very old scrolls to modern "seconds" tea bowls and cups, their is never a dull moment. Easy to bargain. Easy to smile and take spectacular photos. During the best moments there are people mingling with market venders and the buying public who dress up in ensembles resembling the best kabuki costumes you will see in either kabuki or butoh. Look these people in the eye and smile . . . . . you could be allowed to take a memorable photograph. Some of the best bargains are found here and some of the best moments of contemplative solemnity. It is not Buddhist, but it is deeply Shinto, something to broaden the experience of Japan. If you find this review helpful, please give it a helpful vote. Thanks!
Written September 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DannyJane
9 contributions
May 2020
Our guide told us that when he was a student he came to this shrine to pray he'd pass his exams. He said that the cows gave learning and that they could also heal. My back was hurting that day so under his guidance I went to the colorful cow and placed my hand on the approximate part of her body and then on the place where I was hurting. The pain went away entirely.
I gave my profound thanks and then went to the black one because I had an urgent reason to ask for a big favor. Before we left home my daughter had had a post-operative accident that left her sight in danger. We were very worried about her and I had thought we'd have to cancel our trip. But as her doctor said, it would take time and whether we were there or not would make no difference.
So I knelt and cleared my mind then asked to power behind the statue if I was understood even though I don't speak Japanese. I feeling of reassurance came over me. In my prayer I said I was not here asking for myself, but if it was possible to reach halfway around the planet would they send my daughter healing. I placed my hands over my eyes and in a reverse of the healing ritual I had been shown. placed them over the cow's eyes. And asked for whatever they could o. Once more I got that soft feeling of reassurance.
I then bowed and expressed my thanks to whatever god or spirit I was addressing through the statue.
My daughter called that evening. She had improved greatly and the doctor was hopeful she would regain her full sight. I remain grateful to the inhabitant(s) of the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine for their kindness to a foreigner.
I gave my profound thanks and then went to the black one because I had an urgent reason to ask for a big favor. Before we left home my daughter had had a post-operative accident that left her sight in danger. We were very worried about her and I had thought we'd have to cancel our trip. But as her doctor said, it would take time and whether we were there or not would make no difference.
So I knelt and cleared my mind then asked to power behind the statue if I was understood even though I don't speak Japanese. I feeling of reassurance came over me. In my prayer I said I was not here asking for myself, but if it was possible to reach halfway around the planet would they send my daughter healing. I placed my hands over my eyes and in a reverse of the healing ritual I had been shown. placed them over the cow's eyes. And asked for whatever they could o. Once more I got that soft feeling of reassurance.
I then bowed and expressed my thanks to whatever god or spirit I was addressing through the statue.
My daughter called that evening. She had improved greatly and the doctor was hopeful she would regain her full sight. I remain grateful to the inhabitant(s) of the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine for their kindness to a foreigner.
Written April 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tote919
Bangkok, Thailand5,606 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
This temple has a very beaufitul plum grove, blooming from Feb-Mar. It's also a pretty spot to see autumn leaves in late November. A lot of people go to this temple to pray for success in their studies & examinations. On 25th of every month, there is a flea market on the shrine ground and the surrounding streets. Worth visiting!
Written February 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hfot2 🌸🍁🌸
Vermont7,319 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
We visited here twice for koyo.
Ginkgo was the source of foliage on our first visit. Initially, we did not pay to go into the momiji grove (ume in spring). The grounds are free, the garden/grove is not.
The long entrance path lined with lanterns under arching trees provided several photos ops, but no color. We knew the plum grove had maples but we couldn’t look in to determine the quality of the color and we figured we’d be better off next spring for plum. The garden is expensive (¥700) and large - so we decided to save it for later. This year (2015) the autumn colors have been disappointingly muted which helped us make our decision to pass in favor of known colorful spots elsewhere.
Days later we decided to return to the grove and we did see color there, though muted. The woman selling tickets was a bit over enthusiastic about how good the colors were and we were, sadly, disappointed. The grove is extensive with a winding path along the river. The best photo ops were of the orange bridge with numerous overhanging trees. It required patience to get a shot without other visitors. At the end of the grove there was a building where tea and a sweet cookie were served - be sure to save your ticket to show the server for your free treat.
As always at this shrine, we saw many students and a few large school trips - all here to pray for success in exams and studies. Great photo ops of students rubbing the stone cows for luck. We were not there on the 25th and so missed the monthly flea market - maybe next time.
Rest rooms, located on the left just before you begin to walk the long path back to the giant torii, were a welcome sight before we left in search of more color.
The Kamishichiken geiko district with its old wooden houses was a pleasant diversion for a short stroll around the exterior of the shrine before we left the area. We decided to save more of this for spring and we moved on.
The Kyoto city bus and our bus pass worked well for us getting here and getting us to our next site.
Ginkgo was the source of foliage on our first visit. Initially, we did not pay to go into the momiji grove (ume in spring). The grounds are free, the garden/grove is not.
The long entrance path lined with lanterns under arching trees provided several photos ops, but no color. We knew the plum grove had maples but we couldn’t look in to determine the quality of the color and we figured we’d be better off next spring for plum. The garden is expensive (¥700) and large - so we decided to save it for later. This year (2015) the autumn colors have been disappointingly muted which helped us make our decision to pass in favor of known colorful spots elsewhere.
Days later we decided to return to the grove and we did see color there, though muted. The woman selling tickets was a bit over enthusiastic about how good the colors were and we were, sadly, disappointed. The grove is extensive with a winding path along the river. The best photo ops were of the orange bridge with numerous overhanging trees. It required patience to get a shot without other visitors. At the end of the grove there was a building where tea and a sweet cookie were served - be sure to save your ticket to show the server for your free treat.
As always at this shrine, we saw many students and a few large school trips - all here to pray for success in exams and studies. Great photo ops of students rubbing the stone cows for luck. We were not there on the 25th and so missed the monthly flea market - maybe next time.
Rest rooms, located on the left just before you begin to walk the long path back to the giant torii, were a welcome sight before we left in search of more color.
The Kamishichiken geiko district with its old wooden houses was a pleasant diversion for a short stroll around the exterior of the shrine before we left the area. We decided to save more of this for spring and we moved on.
The Kyoto city bus and our bus pass worked well for us getting here and getting us to our next site.
Written October 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ck96
Massachusetts133 contributions
Mar 2014 • Family
We went in early March, when the Plum Blossoms were blooming. Didn't bother paying 600 yen to enter the plum garden... there were plenty of Plum Blossoms in the temple grounds, which was completely free! Definitely recommend a visit if you're in Kyoto during late Feb to March. The kitano hakubaicho station is located 300m from the temple, which takes you all the way to the centre of Arashiyama on the tramway (only 200yen!), so you should plan Arashiyama before or after Kitano Tenmangu. There's also this tofu restaurant outside Kitano Tenmangu... queues were so long. Must be really good. We headed to Arashiyama for a tofu lunch though.
Written March 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie S
Sydney, Australia159 contributions
Oct 2013 • Solo
This is a review of the monthly market, not the temple. This market, held on 25th of every month, is similar to the Toji Temple market (some of the stallholders attend both markets). There is a huge selection of food (to take home and eat on the day), antiques, retro secondhand goods, vintage kimonos, traditional and modern Japanese handmade crafts, and much more.
It is best to go early if you want to avoid the big crowds, especially when 25th falls on a weekend or a public holiday. While the market is busy, with stalls spilling out into the surrounding streets, Kitano Tenman-gu is a bit more relaxed than other temple markets. Buses stop right at the market entrance and there are shops and restaurants in the surrounding streets.
Of the major temple markets in Kyoto (including Toji and Choin-ji), Kitano Tenman-gu probably has the widest variety of goods (rather than specialising in antiques or handmade goods) and a really nice atmosphere. If you only have time for one market, this is a great one to experience.
It is best to go early if you want to avoid the big crowds, especially when 25th falls on a weekend or a public holiday. While the market is busy, with stalls spilling out into the surrounding streets, Kitano Tenman-gu is a bit more relaxed than other temple markets. Buses stop right at the market entrance and there are shops and restaurants in the surrounding streets.
Of the major temple markets in Kyoto (including Toji and Choin-ji), Kitano Tenman-gu probably has the widest variety of goods (rather than specialising in antiques or handmade goods) and a really nice atmosphere. If you only have time for one market, this is a great one to experience.
Written January 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin D
San Diego, CA27 contributions
Can you please let me know whether the market will be open on Monday, December 25 2017? If so, could you please tell me the hours it will be open? Thanks very much for your assistance.
kimibar
California297 contributions
About the Tenjin-san flea market, which spreads out in the streets all around the shrine compound, the Discover Kyoto website says that "Though it is held every month, the markets in January and December are the largest." I was there last March--and it really is big, with old, used, and regular commercial items available. A friend found a biwa (lute-like instrument) manuscript practice book from maybe the 1920s with biwa notation in it. It was really crowded, so put small children in strollers ...
barbadosbybus
Toronto, Canada88 contributions
Is this a suitable shrine to visit for elderly visitors who cannot climb many steps? From the photos it looks fairly flat.
kara368
missoula/MT/USA Rome/Italy68 contributions
Yes it is quite flat and one of the easiest to visit in Kyoto
Peoniesandroses
11 contributions
Are the plum blossoms in full bloom around second week of Ferbruary (feb 11th to exact)?
Claire P
Montreal, Canada17 contributions
We went twice mid-March and they were not yet in full bloom, so I would say no they won't be blooming in Feb.
Peoniesandroses
11 contributions
Are the plum blossoms in full bloom
around february 11th?
Kyotocat
Chicago Illinois138 contributions
Kitano has great plum blossoms, but I don't know the blossom date and it obviously varies according to weather conditions. Suggest you contact a hotel concierge and ask when the blossom normally takes place
Evatravelholic
California526 contributions
I'd like to know how to buy tickets in advance for The Tea ceremony held on February 25th
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Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Information
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