A Fantastic Space in “Kitano Tenmangu Shrine” When the Autumn Leaves Lighting up at Night

“Kitano Tenmangu Shrine” (北野天満宮) which is famous for the beautiful red leaves, there are many highlights in the precincts. It’s also a perfect spot for taking a walk. In the autumn leaf illumination each night, you can enjoy the mysterious view different from daytime.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Shrine is the headquarters of Tenmangu Shrine (天満宮) and Tenjin Shrine (天神社), which consist of about 12,000 shrines nationwide. It was founded in 947, dedicated to Sugawa-no-Michizane (菅原道真), who is known as the god of learning. In addition, the shrine is also some of the most popular spots for Ume viewing, there are 1,500 Ume trees in the precincts. In BAIEN (梅苑, plum garden) held from the beginning of February to the middle of March, you can see a wide variety of plum blossoms.

One of the features of the Shrine is the statues of cows (牛像) all over on its premises. It’s commonly called ‘Nade Ushi’ (なで牛, rubbing cow), and it is said that rubbing the head of one of these statues will grant wisdom. Every year, those who play for academic achievement visit the cows to rub.

Although the Shrine is where many people visit all year round, the most popular season is the autumn leaves. ‘Momiji-en’ (もみじ苑, autumn maple garden) with 350 maple trees is lit up each night, it creates a fantastic space that shines in red and yellow. It’s definitely mysterious the red Taiko Bashi (太鼓橋, drum bridge) over the Kamiya River (紙屋川), and the colorful scenery of trees reflected on the surface of the water. You can enjoy the appearance of the forest different from daytime.

The autumn leaves light up is from mid-November to early December every year. Why not enjoy the autumn tradition in the Shrine?