Kitano Tenmangu

The shrine is free to enter, and there are food stalls and a fair number of shops. Japanese school groups come on weekdays, but it didn’t feel as busy as Fushimi Inari. I paid 3000 yen to enter the plum blossom garden beside the shrine because I’d made the trip especially for it. It’s beautiful, and you can glimpse a few blossoms without paying, but the main garden requires admission. That price felt unusually high for Japan. If I’d known, I might have looked for a free spot to see plum blossoms instead.

I came to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto as a Keion Club fan. The plum blossom scent and quiet atmosphere were lovely, and the place really does feel like the Kyoto school trip from the anime. The shrine is known for the God of Learning, which fits the scene where Yui and the others came to pray for academic success. Though, as fans know, they were probably thinking about tea and cakes too. Walking past the big gates and bronze cattle statues, I kept picturing Yui and the gang here. A fun real-life stop for anyone who wants to follow their Kyoto adventure.

The monthly flea market is worth checking the calendar for. There’s a huge mix of things, from handmade ceramics and locally made knives to used kimonos, antiques, and all kinds of random bits. I found a chawan and teacup, and there are food stalls along the street too, so you can easily spend half a day browsing without going hungry. The shrine itself feels overlooked by tourists. Its grounds are spacious, with autumn leaves, neat little gardens, and mossy stone lanterns about life size. Such a dreamy place.

I’ve visited this shrine several times, in daylight and after dark, and it’s always a peaceful stop. At night the lanterns are lit, and there aren’t many people around, which makes the visit feel especially rich and calm. I’d suggest getting there around 630pm.