Like other Tenman shrines in Japan, the Sanda Tenman Shrine (三田天満神社) has Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真) as the main god. His favorite flower, plum blossom, is thus planted in the precinct. In fact, the 200-year-old plum isn’t just another plum on the street. The plum is called Tobi-Ume (飛び梅), the same plum as the one in Fukuoka‘s Dazaifu Tenman-gū. Around 100 white and red plums and cherry blossoms can also be found at Tenjin Park next to Sanda Tenman Shrine. The plums usually bloom between mid-February and early March. The season usually peaks in late February.
About Sanda Tenman Shrine
Sanda Tenman Shrine was established in the early 8th century, long before Michizane was born. It was called Sanda Shinshi (三田神祠) initially and enshrined Ōtoshikami (大歳神), a guardian deity of grain farming.
The shrine was revered and protected by successive lords of the Sanda domain (三田藩). The first major renovation completed under the order of the feudal lord was in 1545. Because Michizane’s portable shrine rested there, the shrine was renamed the Sanda Tenman Shrine.
Since 1633, the shrine had been a spot where the domain’s lords prayed. Unfortunately, the shrine was burnt down in 1734. The current buildings in the precinct were from the mid-18th century after the restoration was completed.
Tip: Remember to stroke the cow statue (the 3rd photo in the right IG post above) for blessings.
Naki-zumo (泣きずもう)
May 5th is Children’s Day in Japan. If you are in the Kansai region during Golden Week, visit Sanda Tenman Shrine to witness an event called Naki-zumo. It is a ritual to pray for children’s health, and babies compete with each other to see how powerfully they can cry.
Babies up to 2 years old are dressed up and brought to the sumo ring. A large lion head then approaches the babies from behind. Some children may cry out loud, while others may have shocked expressions on their faces. Even if your child or children are not participating, it is still a fun event to watch!
Tenjin Park (天神公園)
In addition to the plum and cherry blossoms, Tenjin Park, next to Sanda Tenman Shrine, has a Japanese garden-style pond. With rich vegetation, wild birds are often spotted around the pond.
At the back of the park is a place overlooking Sanda City. As the city doesn’t have tall buildings, you can see the countryside scenery spreading far into the distance.
How to Get to Sanda Tenman Shrine
Sanda Tenman Shrine is around a 15-minute walk from JR Sanda Station (三田駅).
Tip: Stop by Yomi-imo (よみ芋), close to the station. The sweet potatoes sold at the newspaper stand are cooked in a far-infrared oven. The longer the time passes, the sweeter and more delicious the potatoes become!
Discover the Plum Blossom Spots in Kobe
Kobe City, in the same prefecture, also has a couple of places where you can see the plum blossoms. As most of them are close to a train station, you can easily stop by one of them as you explore other parts of Kobe. If you like hot springs, the renowned hot spring town in Kobe, Arima Onsen, also has two places to appreciate the flowers.
Refer to our article on the Guide to the Plum Blossom Spots in Kobe and start planning!
Discover the Plum Blossom Spots in Osaka
We are sure that Hyōgo Prefecture is one of many destinations you will visit in the Kansai region. Osaka Prefecture, for example, has many plum groves that you can discover! If you fly into Osaka, there are a few plum blossom spots close to the Kansai Airport!
Refer to our article on the Plum Blossom Posts in Osaka to plan your trip!
