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.
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