Kameido Tenjin Shrine

The Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo's Koto ward was founded in 1661 and is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, revered as Tenjin and patron of scholars and students. It was modelled on the ancient Dazaifu Tenmangu in Kyushu, whose arched drum bridge over the lotus pond is recreated here. The site became famous for its roughly 100 wisteria plants which in late April turn the wooden trellises above the pond into clouds of purple-blue blossom, immortalised in Utagawa Hiroshige's woodblock prints. In February the plum blossoms also draw thousands of exam candidates who hang their ema prayer tablets at the shrine.