Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (couple trip)
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is 88% Couple-Friendly
![[京都|Kyoto] "ずいき祭" 還幸祭｜舞妓さんも激励する神輿の行列｜Kitano Tenmangu Shrine "Zuiki Festival" (Vlog)[4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kJbKzjZ_y9A/hqdefault.jpg)
What are the highlights at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (couple trip)?
- Rub the bronze cow statues for a fun couple ritual
- Sip matcha amid 1,500 plum blossoms in early spring
- Browse antiques and snacks at the 25th market
- Explore art and history in the Treasure House
- Enjoy romantic lantern-lit maples in autumn evenings
How Couple-Friendly is Kitano Tenmangu Shrine?
Couples can share plum blossoms, maple illuminations, and tea in the paid gardens, enjoy quiet prayers and flea-market browsing, yet absence of evening dining on site limits date potential.
Considerations for visiting Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (couple trip)
Positives:
- Couple-Friendly Atmosphere: Spacious grounds and quiet corners make it easy to spend quality time together.
- Cultural Engagement: Interactive rituals like cow-rubbing and tea ceremonies offer a shared cultural experience.
Challenges:
- Crowds during Flea Market: Stalls and walkways get busy on the 25th; visit early or on a non-market day.
- Limited English Signage: Some notices are only in Japanese; download a map or ask staff for guidance.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time to stroll the grounds, visit a seasonal garden, and explore exhibits at a relaxed pace
Couple-Friendly Activities in Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Rub Bronze Cow Statues:
Stroke the cow’s head at the main hall to pray for wisdom and good luck.
Tip: Gently rub the head—locals say it boosts study luck.
Visit Plum Blossom Garden:
Enter the Bai-en garden in early February–March to see 1,500 plum trees in bloom.
Tip: Buy the ¥1,200 ticket for matcha tea and sweets under the blossoms.
Browse Tenjin-san Flea Market:
Wander stalls of antiques, crafts, and street foods on the 25th of each month.
Tip: Arrive by 8:00 to sample popular snacks like takoyaki before they sell out.
Explore Treasure House:
View national treasures, scrolls, and tea utensils in the shrine museum.
Tip: Check open days (1st, 25th, and during plum/maple seasons) to avoid disappointment.
Evening Maple Illumination:
Walk under lit maples in autumn evenings (late October–early December).
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset and bring a light jacket for cooler air.
Content Notice: Some content on this page may be written with the assistance of AI tools. We regularly update to ensure accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Plum Garden entry (per adult) | JPY 1,200 |
| Maple Garden entry (per adult) | JPY 1,000 |
| Treasure House entry (per adult) | JPY 800 |
| Street food snacks | JPY 1,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 7,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine?
Early Feb–late Mar: enjoy matcha in the plum garden. Late Oct–early Dec: return after dark for lantern-lit maples until 20:00.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
- Combine Nearby Temples: Pair your visit with Ryoan-ji or Ninna-ji to maximize your day in northwest Kyoto.
- Buy Tickets Online: Reserve Bai-en and Treasure House tickets via the shrine’s website to skip lines.
Map of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Address: Bakurocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-8386, Japan
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Reviews of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Jason
It is a beautiful and historic shrine dedicated to the god of learning, Sugawara no Michizane. It’s a peaceful place to stroll, especially during plum blossom or autumn leaf seasons. When I visited, there was a monkey performance right at the entrance — the monkey was so cute and clever! It was fun to watch and added a charming surprise to the visit. A great spot for both culture and unexpected en...
Jérôme de Troostembergh
Best flea market we found in Japan. It tales places the 25th of each month ( if I’m not wrong ) you can find there a lot of stuff but the best is to go before it’s crowded! You can combine it with a visit of the parc / shrine. We saw some beautiful cherry trees and a small monkey. Don’t hesitate to plan this during your next trip to Japan !
B Shine
On our way back to the hotel from Kinkaku-ji, we unexpectedly came across Tenmangu Shrine. Many locals visit this shrine to pray for success before exams, so we decided to stop by as well. The shrine was peaceful and serene, offering a tranquil atmosphere away from the tourist crowds.
Pamela Asai
We went yesterday (6 March 2024), and the plum blossoms were starting. By this weekend, they'll be at their peak. I highly recommend this spot for plum blossom viewing. The ¥1200 entry fee is worth it to experience the large garden and elevated viewing platform where you can look over the sea of flowers - amazing! The temple itself is truly impressive and only open to the public during spring and ...
Yumen
Magnificent shrine especially at night with all the lanterns lit up. The plum blossom bonsai were beautiful. It's a pity the blossoms aren't blooming yet but even then the walk was magical with all the tea lights in the trees - and the rare blooming tree was such a treat! I wish we were here for the blooming time!
About Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 75-461-0005See available options
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
See available options