During peak plum blossom season, so many students hang ema prayer plaques for exam success that they overflow the racks and literally touch the ground, creating carpets of wishes across the shrine grounds.

Despite having a smaller grounds than nearby Nezu Shrine, Yushima Tenmangu boasts over 300 plum trees of diverse varieties, making it one of Tokyo's most concentrated plum blossom viewing spots.

The shrine features a rare natural phenomenon: a single plum tree that blooms both white and pink blossoms simultaneously, leaving visitors wondering if it's nature's work or human grafting.

The annual plum festival features an eclectic mix of traditional and modern entertainment, from tea ceremonies and Japanese dance to police safety demonstrations and tax office events.