The Yushima Tenjin is the place where high-school and university students in Tokyo come to pray for their exams. The shrine was established in the 17th century by Michizane Sugawara who is revered to as the god of study.

People asking for the favour of the god write their wishes on a wooden plate called "ema".

The best time of the year to see the agglomeration of "ema" is around February and March, which corresponds to the end of the academic year.

The shrine is also known for its profusion of white plum blossoms ("ume") in February. So arrange your visit mid or late February to benefit from both the "ema" and "ume" at the same time. But be aware that weekends at that time of the year can be very crowded.

You can access Yushima Tenjin from Yushima Station on the Chiyoda line. Yushima is a short walk north of Ochanomizu or Akihabara or south-west of Ueno.

Yushima Confucian Shrine

Nezu-jinja Shrine 根津神社

The Nezu shrine is said to have been established by the legendary priest "Yamato Takeru no Mikoto". In 1705, the 5th Shogun Tsunayosi Tokugawa built the structures that can be sen today.

The 6th shōgun Ienobu subsequently offered three "mikoshi" (portable shrines) to the shrine and created the "Tenka Matsuri" (reign festival). The festival is still held on 21st September.

Because it is one of the oldest original construction remaining in Tokyo, the main hall, two gates and the wall of Nezu Jinja has been designated as an important cultural property.

The Main Hall was designed in red lacquer called "Gongenzukuri". The Gate is clearly influenced by Buddhist style.

The shrine's grounds are known for its plum-blossom in February and especially for its Japanese azaleas ("tsutsuji") and wisteria ("fuji") gardens, blooming from late April to early May.

The Otome Inari (乙女稲荷) lays just beside Nezu Jinja. Like most shrines dedicated to the goddess of rice Inari, it is doted of red torii gates and fox statues ("kitsune").

Nezu Jinja is located near Tokyo university, between Nezu station (Chiyoda line) and Todai-mae station (Namboku line).

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