Mefu Shrine and Shirakata Tenmangu Shrine – 賣布神社・白潟天満宮

Matsue is home to many old and important shrines. Among them, Mefu Shrine and Shirakata Tenmangu Shrine can be easily accessed on foot from Matsue Station. Mefu Shrine is located northwest of the station, just south of the Ohashi River. Believed to have been first constructed over 1000 years ago and worshipped by sailors for safety at sea, this shrine is home to impressive giant trees and has beautifully carved dragon figures on its walls.

Shirakata Tenmangu Shrine, located southwest of the station, is dedicated to Michizane Sugawara, who is known throughout Japan as the God of Learning. He is also known as Tenjin, and because the bull is an animal closely associated with him, there is a statue of one. Many local residents pay a visit to this shrine during school exams. Every year, on the 24th and 25th of July, the shrine holds the Tenjin-san Festival and the whole area comes alive with lively processions and food and game stalls.

URL	http://tenjin-mikoshi.com/ (Only in Japanese)