Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is one of the most important shrines across Japan that are dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, a scholar and politician. He was unfairly exiled by his political rivals to Kyushu. Michizane loved plum trees. Flying plum tree is said to have followed him from Kyoto to his exile in Kyushu. Because of this, a plum tree can always be found standing in front of the offering hall of Tenmangu shrines.
The shrine hosts a special tea ceremony called Baikasai every February 25th, attended by maiko and geiko of the nearby Kamishichiken geiko district.
