Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine, Kyoto

In 903, the unfortunate statesman, Sugawara no Michizane, met his end in exile, unjustly punished and later blamed for a string of palace calamities. To quell his restless spirit, Michizane was posthumously absolved and enshrined as Tenjin, the deity of Kitano Shrine. Today, with some 30,000 branch shrines, he's the rock star of Japanese gods.

Tenjin shrines are like Michizane fan clubs, featuring plum trees (his favorites), prayers for exam triumphs, and ox statues. Legend has it that one of Michizane's plum trees tagged along into exile, solidifying his arboreal affection. Revered as the study sage, Tenjin is the go-to god for acing exams, with hopefuls hanging prayer plaques like confetti.

Then there's the ox connection, courtesy of a funeral legend. At Michizane's funeral, his ox-led cart refused to budge, pointing to his final resting spot. So, the trusty bovine became his wingman, with worshippers rubbing ox statues at Kitano and beyond for a dose of good health.

As for the shrine buildings, these all stand as testament to Momoyama Age extravagance, epitomized by the grand two-story gate, decked out in ornate carvings. A plum grove of 2,000 trees sets the scene for an annual festival on February 25, Michizane's death day, where geisha district 'maiko' serve tea under the blossoms. Talk about a poetic tribute to a man exiled from the glitz and glamour of the capital.