Tsuruoka Tenmangu
鶴岡天満宮
Yamagata · Tsuruoka
Tenjin Academic Success
Kokuhei Shōsha
Hofu Tenmangu
防府天満宮
/ Hōfu Tenmangū
Admission
Free
Goshuin
¥300
Access
15 min walk
Hours
6:00–20:00
Overview
Hofu Tenmangu claims to be Japan's first shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, established in 904 — the year after his death — when his spirit reportedly appeared at this location during his journey to exile. Together with Kitano Tenmangu and Dazaifu Tenmangu, it is counted as one of Japan's Three Great Tenjin shrines.
History
Founding
📜According to tradition
904 [延喜4年]
Claimed to be the first Tenmangu shrine in Japan, established before both Kitano and Dazaifu.
📄
Documented
904 Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
God of scholarship, learning, calligraphy, and poetry; also a deity of thunder and natural calamity (tatarigami origin)
Blessings
Shrine Network
Tenjin notable_branch
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
34.0481, 131.5697
Physical Address
14-1 Matsuzaki-cho, Hofu, Yamaguchi 747-0029
〒747-0029 山口県防府市松崎町14-1
Historical Province
Suo / Nagato
Access
Hofu Station (JR San'yo Line)
15 min walk
Hours
6:00–20:00
Best Times to Visit
February (plum blossoms)Exam season
Official Website
https://www.hofutenmangu.com/
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Why This Shrine
Claimed to be Japan's oldest Tenmangu shrine — one of the Three Great Tenjin.
Related Shrines
Yushima Tenmangu
湯島天満宮
Tokyo · Bunkyo
Tenjin Academic Success
Kameido Tenjin Shrine
亀戸天神社
Tokyo · Koto-ku
Tenjin Academic Success
Egara Tenjin Shrine
荏柄天神社
Kanagawa · Kamakura
Tenjin Academic Success
Fukashi Shrine
深志神社
Nagano · Matsumoto-shi
Tenjin Academic Success
Kitano Tenmangu
北野天満宮
Kyoto · Kyoto-shi, Kamigyo-ku
Tenjin Academic Achievement
Learn More About Shinto Shrines
Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Hofu Tenmangu?
Hofu Tenmangu claims to be Japan's first shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, established in 904 — the year after his death — when his spirit reportedly appeared at this location during his journey to exile. Together with Kitano Tenmangu and Dazaifu Tenmangu, it is counted as one of Japan's Three Great Tenjin shrines.
Where is Hofu Tenmangu located?
Hofu Tenmangu is located in Hofu, Yamaguchi. The full address is: 14-1 Matsuzaki-cho, Hofu, Yamaguchi 747-0029.
What deities are enshrined at Hofu Tenmangu?
The enshrined deities are: Tenjin (Sugawara no Michizane).