VISIT KOBE

Kobe Kitano Tenman Shrine enshrines notable Heian-era figure Sugawara no Michizane, traditional god of learning.

Its history runs deep. In June 1180, Taira no Kiyomori, the first samurai to rule Japan, moved the capital from Kyoto to Kobe. As he established Fukuhara-kyo (“Fukuhara as the capital”), Kiyomori transferred the god of learning from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto to Kitano Tenman Shrine, Kobe to protect the ruler and guard against demons.

In addition, the main shrine, which was built about 260 years ago, was designated a cultural property and “traditional building” of Kobe City in 1985, along with a transparent wall, a worship hall, a torii gate, a lantern, and a stone staircase.