Yushima Shrine, Tokyo Travel Guide

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A historic Tokyo shrine dedicated to learning and beautiful plum blossoms, offering a peaceful escape near Ueno Park.

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Yushima Shrine

Yushima Shrine, also known as Yushima Tenjin, is a Shinto shrine in Tokyo's Bunkyo ward, revered as a sanctuary of learning and famed for its stunning plum blossoms. Established in 458 CE, it attracts students seeking academic success and visitors admiring its traditional architecture and seasonal festivals.

A brief summary to Yushima Shrine

3 Chome-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyo City, 3 Chome Yushima, Tokyo, 113-0034, JP
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Monday 6 am-8 pm
Tuesday 6 am-8 pm
Wednesday 6 am-8 pm
Thursday 6 am-8 pm
Friday 6 am-8 pm
Saturday 6 am-8 pm
Sunday 6 am-8 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Yushima Shrine.

Visit during the Ume Matsuri (early Feb to early March) to witness the breathtaking plum blossoms.
Purchase an ema (votive tablet) to write your wishes for academic success.
Rub the bronze cow statue (nade-ushi) near the entrance for healing and good health.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Ueno Park or the Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens.
Visit on May 25th for the Tenjin-sai, a lively festival with drumming and traditional dancing.

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Explore Yushima Shrine on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Yushima Shrine, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

The most convenient way to reach Yushima Shrine is via the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Yushima Station. Take Exit 3, and the shrine entrance is a short 2-minute walk away. Tokyo Metro fares range from ¥180 to ¥330 depending on the distance traveled. Alternatively, from Ueno Station, take the Ginza Line subway to Ueno-hirokoji Station, then walk approximately 5 minutes. A single subway fare from Ueno to Ueno-hirokoji is between ¥160-¥200. One-day passes for unlimited Tokyo Metro use are available for ¥700.
Walking

From Ueno Park, Yushima Shrine is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Exit Ueno Park towards Ueno-hirokoji Station and follow the signs towards Yushima. Walking is free, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding neighborhood.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Ueno. A taxi ride from Ueno Station to Yushima Shrine typically takes only a few minutes, depending on traffic. The fare will likely range from ¥1,200 to ¥1,700. Note that a 20% surcharge may apply between 10 PM and 5 AM.

Discover more about Yushima Shrine

Nestled in Tokyo's Bunkyo district, Yushima Shrine, or Yushima Tenjin, has been a beacon of learning and natural beauty since 458 CE. Originally dedicated to Ame-no-Tajikarao-mikoto, a deity of strength, it later enshrined Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin), a Heian-era scholar, poet, and statesman deified as the god of learning.Today, Yushima Shrine is a spiritual hub for students seeking academic achievement. During exam seasons, countless ema (votive tablets) adorn the shrine, bearing the wishes of hopeful students. The shrine's architecture, rebuilt in 1995 using traditional cypress, showcases intricate carvings and a serene atmosphere.Beyond academics, Yushima Shrine is celebrated for its plum blossoms. From February to early March, the Ume Matsuri (Plum Blossom Festival) transforms the grounds into a spectacle of color with over 300 plum trees in bloom. Other annual events include the Tenjin-sai in May, featuring traditional music and a portable shrine parade, and the Kiku Matsuri in November, displaying over 2,000 chrysanthemums. Visitors can also find a bronze statue of a cow, believed to have healing powers if you rub the corresponding body part.