Shinto shrine
Sugawara Tenmangū
菅原天満宮（すがわらてんまんぐう）
Nara, Nara Prefecture
A Tenmangū listed in the Engishiki, in Sugawara, Nara City, regarded by tradition as the place of origin of the Sugawara family and the birthplace of Michizane. It enshrines the three kami of the Sugawara family line: Ame no Hohi no Mikoto, Nomi no Sukune no Mikoto and Sugawara no Michizane.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Enshrined kami: Ame no Hohi no Mikoto, Nomi no Sukune no Mikoto, Sugawara no Michizane
History and things to know
According to shrine tradition, it enshrines three kami: Ame no Hohi no Mikoto, regarded as the founder of the Sugawara family; Nomi no Sukune no Mikoto, who was involved in the beginning of haniwa and received the clan title Haji no Omi; and his descendant Sugawara no Michizane. It calls itself the oldest Tenmangū in Japan. It is said that in Ten'ō 1 (781) the Haji clan changed its surname to "Sugawara", the name of this place, and east of the shrine are remains said to be the pond of Michizane's first bath. In the precincts stands a brush mound (fudezuka), and a bonsai plum exhibition and the Usokae rite are held every year.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 菅原天満宮「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-21 確認）
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