“Let’s bid farewell to the capital at that cherry blossom spot” Sugawara no Michizane declared. It marked a poignant moment during his exile. We stand before Chidori zakura Tenmangu Shrine. It is a place steeped in history and legend.
Sugawara no Michizane a revered scholar faced political machinations. In 901 AD he was unjustly exiled to Dazaifu. As Michizane left Kyoto many gathered to bid him farewell. They offered support and prayers. His heart was heavy with sorrow.
Reaching Katsuragawa he spotted a hill about one kilometer west. Hundreds of cherry trees bloomed there. Michizane decided to bid farewell to Kyoto at that spot. The sight of the blossoms stirred deep emotions. He watched as petals scattered towards the capital.
After Michizane’s departure villagers honored his spirit. They built a Tenmangu shrine to impart wisdom to their children. This is how Chidori zakura Tenmangu Shrine was established. The cherry trees became known as “Itsushika Tenjin’s cherry trees”.
Legend says the cherry blossoms embody Michizane’s spirit. When they begin to fall a south wind carries them towards Kyoto. It is as if they are flying to the capital.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine also enshrines Sugawara-no-Michizane. He was posthumously named Tenjin. It is revered by the court and shogunate. It spawned many branch shrines. Temple schools emerged throughout the country.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine features elaborate architecture. Plum trees scent the air in spring. It holds treasures of special interest. Sugawara-no-Michizane served as a scholar. He advised Emperor Uda in the Heian Period.
Michizane fell victim to slander. He was exiled to Kyushu where he died. After his death severe thunderstorms and earthquakes shook the capital. His slanderers met unexpected disasters. People believed his spirit was unhappy. The Imperial Court granted him the name Karai Tenjin. It means God of Fire and Thunder. Tenjin is now the deity of scholastic studies. Students pray for success in exams.
The shrine’s plum trees reflect Michizane’s fondness for them. A plum blossom festival occurs every February. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine hosted a mass tea ceremony. Warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi conducted it. The shrine treasures artifacts from that event and Michizane’s life.