There are approximately 12,000 shrines across Japan dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the famous god of learning, but Hofu Tenmangu Shrine is said to be the first to be founded. There are many events throughout the year, such as the New Year’s first shrine visit and the November Goshinko Festival (Hadakabo Festival), known as the Aramatsuri (a wild festival), attracting many worshippers. During plum season, which Michizane loved, the Plum Festival is held for about two weeks, during which special plum-themed goshuin stamps are distributed and success plum blossoms are handed out. The shrine grounds also have many attractions, such as the Shunpuro Tower, the History Museum, and Hoshoan.
