Wakaura Temmangu Shrine

Wakaura Tenmangu Shrine is a shrine enshrining Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning. Along with Dazaifu Tenmangu and Kitano Tenmangu, it is known as one of Japan’s "Three Tenjin Mausoleums." Its Romon gate is the largest of its type (ikken-romon), and the main hall is richly decorated with beautiful polychrome painting both inside and out; four buildings including the Romon gate are designated National Important Cultural Properties. Climbing the natural-stone steps brings you to the Romon gate, and because the shrine sits on high ground, the view looking down over Wakaura Bay is spectacular. During exam season, many students from across Japan visit, and every year on January 3rd the shrine holds a "Gokaku Kigan-sai" (prayer festival for exam success), where examinees and families receive prayers; the head priest performs purification and offers norito prayers including school names and exam dates, creating a lively atmosphere. Access is straightforward: from JR "Wakayama Station" or Nankai Main Line "Wakayamashi Station," take a Wakayama Bus for about 20 minutes and get off at "Gongen-mae"—it’s very close. Those collecting goshuin can receive them at the shrine office immediately to the right after passing through the Romon gate.