Onaga Tenmangu Shrine

Onaga Tenmangu is a shrine in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Because it is located close to Hiroshima Station, many people visit and use it. Since there are stairs and slopes, it is best to wear comfortable, walkable shoes. The area around Mount Futaba is said to be the kimon (northeast demon gate) of Hiroshima Castle, and it is home to various shrines and temples. It is one of the sites in the Futabayama Foothills Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage, in which seven shrines and temples each have one of the Seven Lucky Gods within their grounds. At Onaga Tenmangu, you will find Jurojin, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, said to bring wealth and health. The shrine enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, and there is also a legend that he came to Onaga Tenmangu by boat. Onaga Tenmangu is known as a shrine for learning, and ema prayer plaques can be seen everywhere. When hanging an ema, it is said that you should place it beneath the Ryujin-ishi stone, think of your parents’ faces, and strike the stone with a wooden stick to make it ring. It is believed to grant blessings not only for academic success, but also for good luck and protection from misfortune, childrearing, prosperity in commerce and industry, and wish fulfillment. To get to Onaga Tenmangu, it is a 10-minute walk from the north exit of Hiroshima Station. While you are there, it is also great to enjoy the entire Futabayama Foothills Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage.