Kyoto Pilgrimage: Five Shrines to Cover Career and Love

Written / Compiled and reported by the Editorial Department of MOOK Scenic Spots Lifestyle Network
 
Arriving in the historically rich city of Kyoto, visiting both large and small shrines is an essential part of the itinerary. Beyond admiring the shrine architecture and soaking in the ancient atmosphere, you should also choose specific shrines to pray at based on your personal aspirations. Below is a list of five distinctive shrines in Kyoto where you can find ones dedicated to love, career, or academic success.

● Academics | Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, a highly moral and courageous scholar from the Heian period, who is known as the God of Scholarship. Many students visit here to pray for academic success and passing important exams. Additionally, Kitano Tenmangu is one of Kyoto’s most famous plum blossom viewing spots, with over 2,000 plum trees in its plum garden. In late February when they are in full bloom, the sight is breathtaking—even Toyotomi Hideyoshi praised it.

Address: Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Ukyo-Machi (Note: Transliterated address retained due to unclear characters)

● Protecting Women & Wish Fulfillment | Ichihime Shrine
Ichihime Shrine is a rather unique shrine in Kyoto, dedicated to protecting women. It offers blessings for all matters related to women—such as safe childbirth, child-rearing, and dispelling misfortune or forging good connections. Furthermore, it is famous for having one of Kyoto’s Seven Famous Waters, “Amanoiwai,”. By drinking this sacred water and joining your hands in prayer, your wishes may come true.

Address: 1-chome Nishikudaru, Kawaramachi Gojo, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City

● Good Luck & Health | Seimei Shrine
Seimei Shrine enshrines Abe no Seimei, the official onmyoji (geomancer and diviner) of the Heian period. Onmyoji were responsible for astronomy, meteorology, calendar systems, and divination, and were believed to possess powers to exorcise evil and ward off misfortune. Abe no Seimei was one such onmyoji with extraordinary abilities, leaving behind many legendary tales.
 
Address: 806 Seimei-cho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City