Stumbled upon this shrine while wandering back from other sights, and what a pleasant surprise - especially since it's free to enter! While it's actually a pretty significant shrine (my memory undersold it), it somehow feels more relaxed than some of Kyoto's more famous spots.

The shrine's got a cool backstory - it's dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, who became the patron deity of students after getting a raw deal in life. Students still come here to pray for good grades, so you might spot some anxious test-takers among the visitors!

What makes it special is how it changes through the seasons - we're talking plum blossoms that'll stop you in your tracks, and when autumn hits, those maple trees put on quite a show. And if you happen to be there on the 25th of any month, you're in for a treat with their famous flea market.