At Kitano Tenman-gu shrine will hold the New Year’s Festival “Hatsu Tenjin Fesitival”.
Tenjin festival is the monthly festival day of Kitano Tenman-gu shrine on the 25th day every month. The first Tenjin festival (Ennichi) of the year (or the first ones of the month) is specifically named by attaching the word “hatsu”(first) to the beginning of the name. The date of 25th has its roots on the anniversary of the birth and death of Sugawara no Michizane, the main enshrined diety.
About 150,000 people participate in this event every year.
The shrine grounds will be lit up beginning at sunset with lively gathering of nearly 1,500 stalls! Visitor can purchase food, sundries, used clothes and used tools there.
These stalls are kind of a flea market or antique market, so visitors can try to negotiate the price of goods (except food).
Sugawara no Michizane is best known for being the “god of academics”.
This is why many students come to pray for passing scores on examination and people who wish for the improvement of their abilities. Several statues of oxen are enshrined in the compound, because Sugawara no Michizane was born in the year of the ox.
It is said that if you pat the head of the cow, you marks will improve. During the winter examination season, long lines of students and their parents receive their lucky charm.
It will be cloudy, followed by sun though the highest temperature will be less than 10 degree on January 25th. It must be a quite cold weather, warm clothes are recommended.
On that day, the building illumination will be held from sunset to 9:00 p.m. 350 stone lanterns and 250 hung lanterns are lighted and make it fantastic atmosphere.
【Venue】
Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine
【Address】
City Bus 50 to “Kitano Tenmangu-mae (Kitano-tenmangu Shrine)” bus stop
【Price】
Free within the shrine grounds (Fee for viewing shrine buildings is required separately)
Treasure Hall: 800 yen (May change depending on season)
【Day/Time】
January 25 (Fri), 2019
Shrine Hall Illumination: Sunset (Around 6:00 p.m.) – 9:00 p.m.
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