What other travelers are saying about Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
We went yesterday (6 March 2024), and the plum blossoms were starting. By this weekend, they'll be at their peak.
I highly recommend this spot for plum blossom viewing. The ¥1200 entry fee is worth it to experience the large garden and elevated viewing platform where you can look over the sea of flowers - amazing!
The temple itself is truly impressive and only open to the public during spring and autumn.
The grounds are quite large and the buildings are beautiful, especially the unusual rooves and gold highlights.
My photos of the blossoms with the temple buildings were the best. Make sure to walk around the back of the main temple to get these iconic Japanese shots.
Magnificent shrine especially at night with all the lanterns lit up. The plum blossom bonsai were beautiful. It's a pity the blossoms aren't blooming yet but even then the walk was magical with all the tea lights in the trees - and the rare blooming tree was such a treat! I wish we were here for the blooming time!
On our way back to the hotel from Kinkaku-ji, we unexpectedly came across Tenmangu Shrine. Many locals visit this shrine to pray for success before exams, so we decided to stop by as well. The shrine was peaceful and serene, offering a tranquil atmosphere away from the tourist crowds.
A unique shrine seldom frequented by tourist ( thank God) but by locals. U can see plum blossom here . One can also see plum blossom here as one garden just nearby . Sadly , it has not flower yet and so I spent money to see the bonsai ( which is quite nice but the collection is quite small). Keep the ticket as there will be complimentary biscuit and tea.
I quite like the white lantern lighting up . It is quite unique.
Despite visiting so many shrine; this one still worth the visit . Oh yes on 25th February there is offering of plum blossom that is quite unique.
Please don’t forget to visit the museum . Need to pay 1000 yen. As there are not many people, I got a complimentary personal guide tour. See high quality painting ( cannot take photo), bronze Japanese map cum mirror; beautiful swords ( beautiful handle, some of them is made of shark skin) and the scabbard can be made of expensive jewel or lacquer.
Also See the samurai mask and armour suite.
I visited Kitano Tenmangu Shrine on a weekday, and it was a peaceful and memorable experience. The lack of crowds made it easy to soak in the tranquil atmosphere and admire the beauty of the surroundings. A few locals were present, writing their wishes on wooden ema plaques and hanging them at the designated spots, a lovely tradition that adds to the spiritual charm of the shrine.
The landscape of the shrine is absolutely stunning. Lush greenery and traditional Japanese gardens surround the area, creating a serene and picturesque setting. What stood out most to me were the breathtaking paintings and intricate designs on the old buildings. These artworks showcase incredible craftsmanship and offer a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is not only a sacred place for blessings and prayers but also a visual treat for anyone who appreciates historical architecture and art. It’s a perfect spot to experience local culture and history while enjoying the peaceful ambiance. I highly recommend visiting this shrine for an authentic and inspiring Kyoto experience.
