Tucked away in the backstreets of Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward lies a hidden gem: the Ushi-Tenjin Kitano Shrine. Though small, this historic 12th-century shrine offers a peaceful escape and a charming display of plum blossoms. After a three-year absence, I recently returned to photograph its quiet beauty.
History of Ushi-Tenjin Kitano Shrine
The history of Ushi-Tenjin Kitano Shrine begins with the first Kamakura Shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo. While on his way to war, he rested in this area. The deity Sugawara no Michizane appeared to him in a dream. Sitting on an ox, he foretold two events.
One of the predictions was the birth of Yoritomo’s son Yorike, who became the second shogun. The other was that he would win that war. He built the shrine in gratitude. It’s small but historical. Visitors still go there. Many go to see it because of its cow symbology. Sugawara loved them.
Experiencing the plum blossoms
The shrine is roughly a ten-minute walk from Iidabashi Station. Using a map is highly recommended to navigate the backstreets.
The stairs to the entrance are steep. If you have bad knees, follow the road to the rear entrance instead. Once inside, the plum blossoms at Ushi Tenjin Kitano Shrine will be right in front of you. They surround the main building, making them easy to find.
When I stress tiny, it’s because it is! The plum blossoms will be right in front of you. They surround the shrine. You won’t have to look far for them.
Your visit to Ushi-Tenjin will probably be brief. While it has historical significance, it’s small. If you go just for the flowers, you might be disappointed. It won’t take long to get your photos. Still, other options are in the area.
Koishikawa Korakuen, an Edo-period park, isn’t far away. It has a nice grove of plum blossoms. Actually, I’d recommend pairing it with Ushi Tenjin. You could easily visit both on the same day. They should be on your Tokyo trip itinerary if you are into flower photography.
Have you visited Ushi-Tenjin Kitano Shrine, or do you have other favorite plum blossom spots in Tokyo? Let me know in the comments below!
My photography gear for this shoot
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lenses: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
Plan your visit
- Where is the shrine? Address: 1-5-2 Kasuga, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
- Closest train stations:
- Iidabashi Station on the JR Chuo/Sobu, Toei Oedo, Tokyo Metro Namboku, Tozai, and Yurakucho Lines.
- Korakuen Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Namboku Lines. It is also on the Toei Mita and Oedo Lines.
- Suidobashi Station on the JR Chuo/Sobu and Toei Mita Lines.
- Opening hours: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- For full information, consult the official Ushi-Tenjin Kitano Shrine.
- Here it is on a Google map:
Date of Photos: 15 February 2023
