Shrine · Yaho / Kunitachi

Yaho Tenmangu 谷保天満宮

The oldest shrine to Sugawara no Michizane in eastern Japan, set in a hollow of springs and plum trees in Kunitachi. It is known for free-roaming chickens in the grounds, a famous plum grove, and its claim to be the birthplace of the "car blessing" for traffic safety.

HoursOpen access (office approx. 9:00–17:00)

ClosedOpen daily

PriceFree

Getting thereYaho Station (JR Nambu Line), 3 min

Time needed45 minutes

Best timeFebruary for plum blossoms

Address5209 Yaho, Kunitachi City, Tokyo

About

Yaho Tenmangu traces its founding to 903, when Michizane's third son enshrined his father here after Michizane died in exile. That makes it, along with Yushima and Kameido, one of the three great Tenjin shrines of the Kanto region, and the oldest in eastern Japan. It lies in a wooded hollow below the Kokubunji cliff, with a spring-fed pond and a plum grove of some 350 trees that draws locals in February. The shrine is well known among locals for its free-roaming chickens. It also claims to have held Japan's first motorcar blessing, in 1908, and an annual classic car festival is still held on its grounds. Students pray here before exams, and it rarely sees foreign tourists.

Highlights

The oldest Tenmangu shrine in eastern Japan, founded in 903
A plum grove of about 350 trees blooming in February
Free-roaming chickens around the shrine grounds
A spring-fed pond in a hollow of the Kokubunji cliff
Japan's "first traffic safety prayer" heritage and a December classic car festival

Tips

From Yaho Station, walk 3 minutes south across Koshu-kaido.
Visit in mid-February for plum blossom. The grove is free.
Students should buy a gakugyo charm for exams. Michizane is the god of learning.
Combine with a stroll up Kunitachi's Daigaku-dori, about 20 min north.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

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Yaho Tenmangu 谷保天満宮

About

Highlights

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