Tsutsujigaoka Tenmangu Shrine

Located in central Sendai yet wrapped in quiet greenery, this shrine enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning. Within the grounds is a “Nadeushi” ox statue associated with Michizane, who was born in the Year of the Ox, and there is a steady stream of worshippers praying for success in entrance exams and academic achievement. Every year during exam season, many students dedicate ema plaques and come here to pray for passing.

The grounds are planted with many seasonal flowers and trees, and are especially known for their early-blooming plum trees, said to flower earliest in Sendai. There is also a weeping cherry tree that is over Approx. 350 years old, and when the blossoms are in full bloom, the grounds are filled with beautiful scenery. Japanese white oak, maple, ginkgo, Japanese andromeda, and Japanese umbrella pine also color the grounds throughout the four seasons, welcoming visitors.

The grounds are also known as a “forest of haikai monuments,” with many haiku and waka poetry stone monuments, including one bearing a verse by Edo-period haiku poet Matsuo Basho. It is also recommended to stroll through the grounds while following the monuments connected to cultural figures.