Shimai Tenjin — The Year's Last Tenjin Festival Day

What Is Shimai Tenjin?

December 25th is "Shimai Tenjin" (the Last Tenjin Day) in Japan. The festival day of Tenmangu and Tenjin shrines, which enshrine Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, falls on the 25th of every month, and the year's final observance, on December 25th, is known as "Shimai Tenjin" or "Osame Tenjin" (the Closing Tenjin).

Why Is the 25th Tenjin's Festival Day?

Sugawara no Michizane's death anniversary falls on the 25th day of the 2nd lunar month, and his birthday on the 25th day of the 6th lunar month — both landing on the 25th — which is why the 25th of every month became established as Tenjin's festival day.

• Its counterpart: the year's first festival day, on January 25th, is called "Hatsu Tenjin"
• A lively close to the year: Shimai Tenjin draws especially large crowds as the year's final observance, with Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto said to attract around 150,000 visitors
• New Year's preparations: the crowds also come to shop for New Year's decorations like shimenawa ropes, pine decorations, and salted salmon

Shimai Tenjin at Kitano Tenmangu

Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto, one of the head shrines dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, is known for the countless market stalls that line its grounds and approach during Shimai Tenjin. Bustling with worshippers and shoppers from early morning until late at night, it has become a beloved fixture marking the close of December in Kyoto.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Visit a nearby Tenmangu or Tenjin shrine and give thanks for a year of learning and safety
• Learn about shrines, like Kitano Tenmangu, known for their bustling Shimai Tenjin observances
• Check out the New Year's decorations and salted salmon sold at the year-end market stalls
• Learn about Sugawara no Michizane's life and the history of Tenjin worship

A Festival Day That Closes the Year With Gratitude for Learning

Shimai Tenjin is more than just a year-end market — it's a meaningful milestone for giving thanks for a year of learning and growth, and preparing to welcome the new year. Let December 25th be a chance to visit the bustling shrine grounds and feel the year drawing to its close.