Nishiki Tenman-gū Shrine
Quick Facts
- Location
- Japan, Kyoto
- Category
- Church & Religious Site
- Duration
- 15-30 min
- Opening Hours
- Daily 08:00-20:00 · Grounds free for worship; the amulet and goshuin desk keeps shorter hours, while worship is possible morning to night
- Ticket Price
- Free Admission: Free to visit · Omamori, goshuin and the mechanical fortune dispenser cost extra
- Address
- 537 Nakanocho, Shinkyogoku-dori Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8042, Japan
- Coordinates
- 35.0000, 135.7710
Introduction
Nishiki Tenman-gu is squeezed between the east end of Nishiki Market and the Shinkyogoku shopping arcade, its torii almost touching the shopfronts; incense and market calls mix here as in few other Kyoto shrines. Founded in 1003 on the birthplace of Sugawara no Michizane, it moved to this spot in 1587 during Hideyoshi's remodelling of the city. The Heian scholar is revered as the god of learning, but prayers run from exam success and wisdom to business acumen, good fortune and warding off harm: shopkeepers from next door come as often as students. The grounds are compact. Rub the bronze sacred ox's head for wisdom and health, look at the Nishiki no Mizu spring that stays around 18 C year-round, and drop a coin so the mechanical lions in their glass case dance to gagaku music and fetch your fortune. The amulet desk stocks character designs including Hello Kitty, while small subsidiary shrines cover safe childbirth, fertility and the harvest.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 08:00-20:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:00-20:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00-20:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00-20:00 |
| Friday | 08:00-20:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00-20:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00-20:00 |
Grounds free for worship; the amulet and goshuin desk keeps shorter hours, while worship is possible morning to night
Ticket Information
| Free Admission | Free to visit |
|---|
Omamori, goshuin and the mechanical fortune dispenser cost extra
Transportation
10 min from Kyoto-Kawaramachi or Gion-Shijo
City bus to Shijo-Kawaramachi, 5 min on foot
At the east end of Nishiki Market; no car park
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Nishiki Tenman-gū Shrine?
Monday: 08:00-20:00; Tuesday: 08:00-20:00; Wednesday: 08:00-20:00; Thursday: 08:00-20:00; Friday: 08:00-20:00; Saturday: 08:00-20:00; Sunday: 08:00-20:00; Grounds free for worship; the amulet and goshuin desk keeps shorter hours, while worship is possible morning to night
How much is the admission for Nishiki Tenman-gū Shrine?
Free Admission: Free to visit; Omamori, goshuin and the mechanical fortune dispenser cost extra
How long should I spend at Nishiki Tenman-gū Shrine?
A typical visit takes 15-30 min.
How do I get to Nishiki Tenman-gū Shrine?
Subway: 10 min from Kyoto-Kawaramachi or Gion-Shijo; Bus: City bus to Shijo-Kawaramachi, 5 min on foot
