Suikyo Tenmangu Shrine

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Nestled quietly between the towering office buildings in the major metropolis of Fukuoka is the holy shrine of Suikyo Tenmangu. The shrine is also known as Suikyo Jinja and is where the deity of scholarship, Sugawara-no-Michizane is enshrined. Sugawara-no-Michizane was an aristocrat who lived during the Heian period and was known as a great scholar, poet, and politician. At one point, he was falsely convicted of a crime in Kyoto, demoted, exiled, and for a time found himself in Fukuoka. During his time in Fukuoka, it is said that Sugawara-no-Michizane looked at his own reflection in the river and grieved over his misfortune, giving the shrine its name, Sui (water) kyo (mirror). Many people visit this shrine that is so peaceful it will make you forget you’re in the center of a giant metropolis.

Origin of the Name of Fukuoka’s “Tenjin” District from Sugawara-no-Michizane

After Sugawara-no-Michizane’s tragic life had passed, he became known as “Tenjin” (heavenly god) and gained many followers. To relieve Sugawara-no-Michizane’s passed spirit, “Tenjin-sama” are enshrined in many various places around Japan. This is the origin of the name of Fukuoka’s famous Tenjin district.

Sugawara-no-Michizane: Deity of Scholarship

Even though Sugawara-no-Michizane was falsely convicted and met with great misfortune, he was blessed with remarkable talent in scholarship thanks to the immense effort and good faith he practiced all the way from the beginning of his childhood. It is because of this he is called the Deity of Scholarship and is supported with great belief attracting many young students praying for academic success and admittance to the schools of their dreams.

Beauty of the Shrine Grounds which will make you Forget the City

Suikyo Tenmangu Shrine is located in the heart of the bustling city center of Fukuoka. Yet it exists quietly amid the madness. The inner sanctuary grounds are far more expansive than one can imagine from the outside. While watching the beautifully maintained vegetation amid the majesty of the shrine, here is a place one can finally feel refreshed.