What other travelers are saying about Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
If you check the calendar, they have a monthly flea market where vendors sell the cutest (and also kitschiest) crafts and vintage/antique items!! There was really a large array of offerings - from beautiful handmade ceramics to exquisite locally crafted knives to second hand kimonos and the randomest Knick knacks. I picked up a chawan and teacup myself! You can spend a good half day here strolling down the street. There are many food stalls interspersed in between as well so don’t be afraid of going hungry!
The shrine itself is impressive and certainly slept on by all the tourists who come here. Impressively spacious grounds with beautiful autumnal foliage surrounding little pockets of well manicured gardens and mossy life sized stone lanterns. Very dreamy!!
The atmosphere was calm, quiet, and full of charm, with long rows of lanterns creating a truly magical scene. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, take a deep breath, and really feel the history and serenity of Kyoto.
I was also lucky enough to see a monkey performance during my visit, which added a fun and unique cultural touch to the day.
The shrine grounds are well-kept and spacious, and it’s easy to spend time just wandering around and admiring the traditional architecture and nature around you.
One of my favorite evening shrines. So many lanterns lit up at night and not to many visitors makes for a very enriching and peaceful visit. I went many times both day and night and it never disappoints. I'd recommend going at about 630pm.
I liked the atmosphere this temple gives me, sometimes I visit at night it's very comfortable sitting there and spending time, Last time I visited there was some autumn festival kind of thing was going on, so much shops and food stalls, there is a sunset watching event going on.
The maple garden is open for a limited time in autumn and gorgeous when the foliage is at its peak. Admission to the garden is chargeable and you buy a ticket right at the entrance.
The shrine is renowned for its monthly flea market on the 25th, the Plum Blossom Festival in February, with a unique tea ceremony hosted by geiko and maiko and the autumn leaf viewing season. These events highlight the shrine's cultural richness and connection to historical practices and the local community.
Visitors can engage in traditional Shinto rituals, such as purification at the Chozuya before entering the shrine, offering prayers at the main hall, and following the "two bows, two claps, one bow" protocol. They can also request special prayers for academic success and other blessings.
The shrine features several culturally significant structures and artifacts, including the main hall (a National Treasure), plum and maple gardens, a treasure house with historical artifacts, and the Odoi Maple Garden, known for its autumn colors and night-time illuminations.
While specific nearby attractions were not highlighted in the provided information, Kyoto is rich in cultural and historical sites. Visitors to Kitano Tenmangu might also explore other renowned temples, gardens, and historical districts in Kyoto to further immerse themselves in the city's ancient heritage and vibrant present.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is accessible via Kyoto City Bus number 50 from Kyoto Station, or for a potentially quicker route during rush hours, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Imadegawa Station, then bus 203 to the shrine. Both routes stop at Kitano Tenmangu-mae bus stop.
