Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine

Name: Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine
Address: 537 Nakanochō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8042, Japan
Rating: 4.3

4.3 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Place Of Worship・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine is a small but charming Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, Japan. It is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and politician from the Heian period, who is now worshipped as the god of learning and scholarship. Many students visit this shrine to pray for success in their studies and exams.

The shrine is situated near Nishiki Market, a popular shopping street known for its fresh food and local goods. This makes the shrine easy to visit if you're exploring the area. Despite its location in a busy district, Nishiki Tenmangu offers a peaceful atmosphere with its traditional architecture and serene surroundings.

One unique feature of the shrine is its water fountain, known as "Omizuya." Visitors can purify their hands and mouths here before entering the main hall, which is a common practice at Shinto shrines. The lanterns hanging around the shrine add to its picturesque setting, especially when they are lit up in the evening.

Overall, Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine provides a glimpse into Japanese culture and spirituality and offers a moment of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of Kyoto.

What other travelers are saying about Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine

Tucked at the eastern end of bustling Nishiki Market, Nishiki Tenmangū is Kyoto’s cozy guardian of learning, commerce, and small miracles . Step beneath the lantern-lit gate that nearly merges with storefronts — a playful sign of Kyoto’s history of growing up around its shrines . Inside, a sea of soft paper lanterns and the gentle melody of a unique mechanical fortune-teller create an atmosphere that’s lively yet intimate . Make a wish as a student, snack-lover, or local—many come to pray for wisdom, academic success, business luck, or protection from misfortune . Brush your hand over the polished nademono-ushi and feel the warm smoothness of tradition — people say it brings blessings for learning and health . Nearby, the "Nishiki no Mizu" (Nishiki Water), a natural spring, flows sweet and clear. Visitors often fill bottles to take home, believing its purity carries a special kind of fortune . This tiny shrine doesn't shout for attention—it whispers. It’s where history, hope, and the heart of Kyoto flow together.

KOYO

Jul 4, 2025

Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine is a cute little shrine located in the Nishiki fish market right before the streets are packed with tourists. We visited at night and loved how everything was all lit up. You won’t need much time here, maybe half an hour. And the best part: it’s free!

Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine is a small, yet significant Shinto shrine located admist Kyoto’s famous Nishiki Market. The Shrine is dedicated to Tenjin, the deity of scholarship and learning. The stone cows at the shrine is believed to be the divine messenger of Tenjin. The shrine has a natural spring which flows underground. There is a robotic lion which is a mechanical fortune teller. This shrine is popular for students who come to pray for academic success. Entrance to the temple is free.

This shrine is for god of wisdom. The cow status symbolize wisdom. Find out more about the cow in Kyushu Dazaifu Tenmangu It is at the center of Nishiki Shopping Street and popular shrine to visit. This temple is one of the 8 Goshuin of Nishiki Street. Recommend to visit at night when the lantern are lit. It is a beautiful place to visit.

We visited this shrine located in Teramachi shopping street. The shrine is well maintained and worth a quick look. It's located just opposite the Wendy's restaurant.

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What other travelers are saying about Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine

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