May. 03, 2023 UPDATE
Kitano Tenmangu Aomomiji Special Exhibition
- 北野天満宮 御土居の青もみじ特別公開 -Traveler Friendly
You can enjoy it by just looking.
Information
Information about this event in Japanese only, but Kitano Tenmangu Shrine’s website is available in English, Korean, and Chinese.
Languages spoken
Japanese only
PeriodApril 8 to June 25, 2023
Night-time lighting from April 29 to May 7.
VenueKitano Tenmangu
Story & Recommendation
See the beautiful green maple leaves of the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
From the mid April to the end of May, the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine opens up its grounds for the Aomomiji Special Exhibition.
“Aomomiji” is the Japanese word for the green leaves that maple trees grow in spring. This even is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a different side of the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine’s famous maple trees and get into a spring mood.
Where the event is held, you will also see the “odoi,” an earthen embankment surrounding a large portion of Kyoto’s inner city that was built on the orders of daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi to protect against floods and attacks from outside forces.
Although the odoi is famous for its beautiful autumn leaves, the newly grown maple leaves of spring and early summer are just as worth seeing.
Besides getting to see the maple trees, the entrance fee for the exhibition will also allow you into the Homotsuden Hall of Treasures to see the Japanese swords and other treasures inside.
“Aomomiji” is the Japanese word for the green leaves that maple trees grow in spring. This even is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a different side of the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine’s famous maple trees and get into a spring mood.
Where the event is held, you will also see the “odoi,” an earthen embankment surrounding a large portion of Kyoto’s inner city that was built on the orders of daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi to protect against floods and attacks from outside forces.
Although the odoi is famous for its beautiful autumn leaves, the newly grown maple leaves of spring and early summer are just as worth seeing.
Besides getting to see the maple trees, the entrance fee for the exhibition will also allow you into the Homotsuden Hall of Treasures to see the Japanese swords and other treasures inside.
1Highlight
The Uguisubashi Bridge
Surrounded by vibrant green leaves, the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine’s Uguisubashi Bridge looks simply incredible in spring.
With the vermilion bridge standing in stark contrast with the surrounding greenery, it’s no wonder that this is one of the most famous sights on the entire shrine grounds.
2Highlight
The Green Sky
While in the special exhibition area, when you look up, you’ll notice an all encompassing canopy of green.
This so-called green sky is one of the highlights of the event and makes a perfect backdrop for photos.
If you’re planning on renting a kimono or yukata while in Kyoto, then how about taking some pictures here at the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine?
3Let's join!
The Homotsuden Treasure Museum
Normally entrance to the Homotsuden Museum costs ¥300, however, if you purchase a ticket to the Aomomiji Special Exhibition, entrance will be included.
As entry is free with the ticket to the event, be sure to check out some of the incredible treasures that are housed in this museum.
With everything from folding screens to samurai armor and swords, the museum takes you on a trip through Japan, and more specifically, Kyoto’s rich history and gives you a sense of just how old the ground you tread are.
