The Best Timing to Take Pics is Coming from the Evening when lanterns are lit! －”Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine” between Nishiki Market and Kyoto’s Oldest Shopping Street

‘Nishiki Market(錦市場)’ which has a history of over 400 years and is known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen(京の台所)’. Then, ‘Shinkyogoku Street(新京極通)’ which is said to be the oldest shopping street in Kyoto. These places are always crowded with lots of people, but there is a spot where the hustle and bustle are removed suddenly. Here is the eastern end of Nishiki Market, and the place where 2 famous sightseeing spots meet, and “Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine.”

“Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine” enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, who is known as the god of learning. Its history began since the shrine was built in the 900s in his birthplace. It was named ‘Kankiji Temple(歓喜寺)’ after his death and moved to the current location in the late 1500s.

When you step into the shrine, the stone-made torii gate appears firstly. Looking carefully, you can find its ends of the horizontal beams are stuck into the buildings standing on both sides. It plays a role as a borderline between the shopping street and the shrine, so a mysterious atmosphere suddenly spreads out on the other side of torii. Walking the approach to the main hall shows you lots of lanterns with plum-shaped marks. At night, their warm light makes the precincts fantastic scenery. If you take a photo, the good timing is when the sky is getting dark. It might also be a good idea to worship after dinner.

In addition, the sacred water is Kyoto’s famous water. It springs up from more than 30 meters underground of the precinct. Many worshippers come here to draw water from early morning. It seems that neighboring restaurants also use it. You should try it, too!