Hofu Tenman-gu Shrine
Worshipped as the god of scholarship, Sugawara no Michizane is enshrined here. Hofu Tenman-gu Shrine was Japan's first Tenman-gu Shrine (which are shrines dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane) and is counted as one Japan's Three Great Tenjin Shrines.
The shrine is bustling with people all year, with many young people coming to purchase writing brushes or good luck charms for tests.
Street address
- 14-1 Matsuzakicho, Hofu City, Yamaguchi
Access
- From JR Hofu Station, take a Bocho Bus (about 5 min.); get off at "Hofu Tenmangu"
Opening Hours
- Gates are open from 6:00-20:00
Closed
- Open everyday
Best season
- All year
Point
- Western Japan’s wildest festival, the Gojinko Festival, takes place on the fourth Saturday of November.
Watching thousands of participants clad in fetching white traditional costumes parade through the streets is a magnificent sight to behold.

Spots around
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Karato Fish Market
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Rental Kimonos at Saikoutei
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Nagato Yumoto Onsen
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Tsunoshima Ohashi
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Iwakuni Castle
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Yamaguchi Ube Airport
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Tokiwa Park
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Akiyoshidai Plateau/Akiyoshido Cave
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Hagi Castle Town and Hagi Meirin Gakusha, school house
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Yuda Onsen
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Shunan Industrial Night Scenery
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Kintaikyo Bridge
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Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport
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Iwakuni Art Museum with Kashiwabara Collection
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National Treasure Ruriko-ji Five Storey Pagoda
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Motonosumi Shrine
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World Heritage Sites: Hagi Castle Town and the Shokasonjuku Academy
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Akama Shrine
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Hagi Uragami Museum
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Yanai Nishigura/goldfish lantern experience